Fantasy Character Names

A good fantasy name tells people who your character is before they say a word. This hub collects our guides for heroes, villains and classes, from wizards and knights to pirates, witches and gladiators.

Each guide explains how names in that role usually sound, then gives ideas you can copy or change. Want a race-based name instead? Try our D&D and RPG names hub.

Start here

All fantasy character names guides

How to choose a good name

• Say it out loud. If your friends cannot say it on the first try, they will shorten it anyway.
• Match the sound to the role: hard letters (K, G, R) feel tough, soft ones (L, S, Y) feel gentle or sly.
• Add a title or epithet for flavour, like “the Grey” or “of the Ninth Gate”.
• Search the name once before you use it in a book, so you do not copy a famous character by accident.

Questions people ask

How do I make up a fantasy name?

Start with a sound you like, then change one or two letters, or join two short word parts. Keep it to two or three syllables so it is easy to remember.

Can I use these names in my book or game?

Yes, you can use them freely; we do not claim any rights to them. Just check that your final pick is not a well-known character from another story.

What makes a villain name sound evil?

Villain names often use harsh sounds (K, X, Z, R), dark words, or a cold title. Short names can feel even more threatening than long ones.