How it Works

Each elven name consists of a prefix (from Table 2) and one or more suffixes (from Table 3). Definitions have been included in these tables to help determine what a name means once it has been generated. In the case of suffixes, male and female endings have been included where appropriate. Alternate spellings have also been provided in some cases.

You may randomly generate an elven name by rollingon Table 1. If you prefer, it is also possible to pick a set of definitions you like and assemble the name that matches them. If your character is a ranger who is fond of bears, you might decide her name should reflect this. Looking at the definitions, you decide her name will mean “Bear-Friend.” This results in the name “Rethar,” “Reethar,” or “Reithar.”

If you don’t like a particular combination, try some of the alternate suffixes listed, or add an “a,” “e,” “i,” “l,” “r,” “s,” “sh,” or an apostrophe. Although not every combination of prefixes and suffixes will sound right, usually only a minor change is called for. If you can’t make a particular name work, try one with a similar meaning. If you didn’t like “Reithar,” try a name that means “Bear-Sister” instead. 

If you have randomly generated a name and don’t like it’s definition, try altering the order of the words. It is also possible to use the definition as just a starting place for the name’s meaning. Often the definitions can be combined in a poetic way for better results. In the case of a three or more syllable name, try dropping one or more of the definitions. 

Anenfel could mean “The Hand of Autumn’s Lake,” “Lake of Autumn’s Hand,” “Autumns Hand,” or just “Autumn Lake.” Don’t worry about two names sharing the same meaning or having two definitions for one name. According to The Complete Book of Elves, the elven language is so full of subtlety and nuance that only native speakers fully understand it. Two names may sound the same to a human, but an elf would know the difference.

Thank you to: http://myth-drannor.net/ For this list. -Jaz