Fantasy Name Generator Tools - Create Unique Character & Place Names Instantly

Introduction to Fantasy Name Generators

Coming up with unique and interesting names for characters is an important part of worldbuilding in fantasy writing. However, thinking of brand new names that fit into the tone and lore of your fantasy world can often be a challenge. This is where fantasy name generators come in handy!

Fantasy name generators are online tools or apps that automatically generate names for your fantasy characters. They typically pull from databases of names from real world mythologies and languages to create names that sound like they could exist in a fantasy setting.

Benefits of Using a Fantasy Name Generator

There are several advantages to using a fantasy name generator for your writing or gaming needs:

• Saves time - Name generators provide endless name suggestions instantly, saving you hours of racking your brain or flipping through baby name books.
• Unique names - Generators mix and match name fragments in new ways to provide names you likely wouldn't think up yourself.
• Fitting names - Many generators let you filter names by criteria like language of origin, starting letter, masculine/feminine, and more to get fitting names.
• Inspires ideas - Even if you don't use the exact names, generators can help spark your own name ideas.
• Consistency - Using a generator ensures all your names have a cohesive sound and feel.

Types of Fantasy Name Generators

Fantasy name generators come in many forms, specialized for different needs. Some common types include:

• General fantasy name generators - Provide names fitting for any fantasy setting.
• Fictional race generators - Generate names specifically for races like elves, dwarves, gnomes.
• Culture/region specific - Produce names matching certain real world mythologies like Norse, Celtic, Arabic.
• Character type generators - Tailor names based on if the character is heroic, villainous, royal, peasant, etc.
• Personal generators - Generate names based on your own name or keywords.

Most Popular Fantasy Name Generators

There are tons of great fantasy name genators out there, but a few consistently rise above the rest in terms of quality and utility. Here are some of the most popular and robust options:

Fantasy Name Generators

FantasyNameGenerators.com is one of the most comprehensive fantasy name libraries available. Some highlights include:

• Over 30 naming categories including general names, region specific names, names by race, and more.
• Hundreds of thousands of name possibilities from various languages and cultures.
• Filtering options to get very customized name results.
• Descriptions for name meanings and origins.
• Options for male names, female names, clan names, place names, and surnames.
• Names are categorized from real world languages like Celtic, German, French, Hindi, Japanese, Arabic, and Old English.

Seventh Sanctum

SeventhSanctum.com is one of the oldest fantasy name generators online and still one of the best. Highlights include:

• 50+ fantasy name generators divided into categories like people, places, things, and more.
• Names inspired by real mythologies like Celtic, Persian, Norse, and fantasy races.
• Customization options for gender, style, number of names generated, and more.
• "One click" name generation makes it easy to quickly generate names.
• Related name generators for things like spells and calendars.

Mithril and Mages

MithrilAndMages.com provides one of the most stylish interfaces for generating fantasy names. Benefits include:

• Names inspired by fictional fantasy works like Lord of the Rings, World of Warcraft, and Game of Thrones.
• Hundreds of name types divided into categories like Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Orcs, and more.
• Option to generate names matching different cultures including Celtic, English, German, Nordic, Slavic, and Japanese.
• Advanced filtering for syllables, starting letters, and styles like alliterative names.
• Tools for generating profile images, descriptions, and coats of arms to go with names.

Fantasy Name Generator

FantasyNameGenerator.com provides simple single name generation in a clean interface. Features include:

• Names generated are just 1-3 word names for characters or places.
• Over 20 categories to choose from including general fantasy, Lovecraftian, and Warriors.
• Simple one-click generation gets you names fast.
• Minimal design makes it easy to find names you like.

Behind the Name Generator

BehindTheName.com offers unique customization options for fantasy name generation. You can:

• Enter your own name fragments to be mixed into generated names.
• Input meanings, keywords, or names styles you like to bias name generation.
• Browse by origin or culture to mix into the generator.
• Favorite or block name elements you dislike to refine names.

Tips for Using a Fantasy Name Generator

Fantasy name generators are useful tools, but there are some tips that can help you make the most of them and get great names for your needs:

Choose the Right Generator for Your World

Look through generator options to find ones with names that match the tone and races of your setting. The generator should feel like it fits within your established world.

Use Filters and Customization

Take advantage of options that let you filter out types of names or customize the generator's databases to hone in on the style of name you want.

Generate Big Lists

Run through dozens or hundreds of names, favoriting the ones that stand out, to assemble a nice master list to pick from.

Mix and Match Name Parts

Break apart your favorite generated names into first/last or prefix/suffix pieces and recombine them to create new name variations.

Tweak Names Slightly

Take an almost perfect generated name and change a letter or two to put your own spin on it.

Use Names as Inspiration

Even if you don't use the exact name, let generated names spark ideas and influence the types of names you create.

Check for Issues

Do a quick scan of names that feel right to catch any unintended meanings, odd spellings, or potential trademark issues.

Conclusion

Fantasy name generators are indispensable tools for fantasy authors, game masters, or any creative needing unique and fitting name ideas fast. They provide an endless supply of name possibilities while taking the pressure off thinking everything from scratch. With a quality generator and some discretion in using its names, you can save huge amounts of time and mental energy coming up with great character and place names that enrich your fantasy creations.

FAQs

What types of fantasy name generators are there?

Some common types include general fantasy name generators, fictional race generators for elves/dwarves, culture/region specific generators, character type generators, and personal generators.

Are fantasy name generators free to use?

Most fantasy name generators available online are completely free to use and generate names. Some advanced generators have premium paid options, but the basic tools are free.

How many names can a generator produce?

It depends on the generator, but most will produce essentially endless names based on randomized combinations of name fragments in their databases.

Can I save generated fantasy names for later?

Yes, most generators allow you to favorite, copy, or download names you like to access them later and use them for your characters.

Do I have to use names exactly as generated?

No, you can tweak or take inspiration from generated names. The names belong to you to use or modify however fits your worldbuilding needs.