About Elf Names
Elven names in fantasy literature reflect the grace, longevity, and deep connection to nature that defines the elven race. Drawing inspiration from Tolkien's Sindarin and Quenya languages, as well as Celtic and Finnish linguistics, elven names typically feature flowing vowel sounds, soft consonants, and melodic patterns that are pleasing to the ear.
In D&D and Pathfinder, different elven subraces may have distinct naming conventions: High Elves often have more formal, celestial-sounding names, Wood Elves favor nature-inspired names, and Dark Elves (Drow) use harsher sounds with more hard consonants.
Elf Naming Characteristics
Traditional elven names share several common features:
- Multiple syllables — Most elven names have 2-4 syllables
- Common sounds — "Ael," "El," "Wen," "Iel," "Thar," "Lin," "Ara"
- Nature connections — References to stars, moon, trees, and seasons
- Melodic flow — Names that sound musical when spoken
Example Elf Names
Aelindra
Thaelorin
Caelynn
Faenor
Galadriel
Miriel
Tips for Naming Your Elf Character
- Consider your elf's subrace and cultural background
- Think about family naming traditions in elven society
- Elves often have multiple names: a birth name, a family name, and sometimes an earned title
- Match the name's complexity to your character's age—older elves might have longer, more elaborate names