How to Name Your Fantasy Kingdom

The name of a kingdom sets expectations before a single word of lore is spoken. Mordor sounds nothing like Rivendell—and that's entirely intentional. Here's how to craft kingdom names that resonate with your world's tone and history.

Common Kingdom Naming Patterns

1. The Suffix Method

Add a recognizable suffix to a root word. This is the most common approach in fantasy:

• -ia / -ea (Latin feel): Valeria, Astoria, Celestia
• -land (Germanic): Nordland, Shadowland, Frostland
• -heim / -heim (Norse): Ironheim, Stormheim, Ashheim
• -or / -dor (Tolkien-esque): Gondor, Valdor, Isendor
• -mark / -garde (Medieval): Westmark, Kingsmark, Highgarde
• -realm: Shadowrealm, Everrealm, Starfall Realm

2. The Compound Method

Combine two meaningful words:

• Stormhold — Evokes a fortress against tempests
• Sunspire — Suggests gleaming towers
• Blackmoor — Dark, swampy, mysterious
• Goldenvale — Prosperous, fertile lands

3. The Cultural Root Method

Base your kingdom name on real-world linguistic roots:

• Latin: Imperium, Regnum, Dominion
• Celtic: Tír na [X], [X]wen, [X]gael
• Norse: [X]gar, [X]heim, [X]fell
• Arabic: Al-[X], [X]istan, Dar al-[X]

100 Kingdom Names by Type

Noble & Prosperous Kingdoms

Dark & Ominous Realms

Northern & Viking Realms

Desert & Eastern Empires

Elven & Fey Kingdoms

Dwarven Holds

Tips for Worldbuilders

• Consistency matters — Neighboring kingdoms should have linguistically related names
• Consider etymology — Give the name a meaning in your world's history
• Say it aloud — Your players will be saying this name constantly
• Avoid real-world confusion — "Germania" is too on-the-nose
• Create variants — What do commoners call it vs. nobles?