The Elder Scrolls character name generator
Names that fit The Elder Scrolls’ lore
This generator covers Tamriel’s major and rarer races. From familiar Nords and Bretons to exotic Maormer and Dremora, it offers 13 races with their own naming systems.
Each name is created using original algorithms from the Arena and Daggerfall game files, supplemented by lore from Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim, and The Elder Scrolls Online. The generator uses the prefixes, suffixes, and word-formation rules associated with each race.
The system accounts for cultural differences: Khajiit receive status-based honorifics, Orcs express family ties through “gro” and “gra,” Nords use patronymics, and Imperials have full Roman-style surnames. It generates five options at a time, giving you a choice of names for your character.
How names are formed for different races
Bretons
Breton names follow the classic formula: prefix + suffix for the given name, and prefix + suffix for the surname. Masculine names use endings such as -ard, -ain, and -or (Agrard, Theodor); feminine names use -anna, -ara, and -ona (Lizanna, Morgara). Surnames are geographical compounds: Ashfield, Greenwell, Hawksmith. This structure reflects High Rock’s feudal culture.
Altmer
High Elves have magical-sounding names with long vowels. Masculine names end in -dalf, -las, and -ron (Cordalf, Mithril); feminine names end in -lia, -sara, and -ta (Loralina, Vallita). Surnames indicate membership in ancient houses: Spellbinder and Highwatch. They emphasize the Altmer’s aristocratic and magical heritage.
Dunmer
Dark Elves use sharp, angular names. Masculine examples include Helseth, Zanfar, and Erebil; feminine examples include Kruata, Lilith, and Vermona. Surnames often contain apostrophes: Ra’atim, R’zaman, S’ton. The tradition goes back to Morrowind’s ancient families and Great Houses: Redoran, Hlaalu, and Telvanni.
Bosmer
Wood Elves favor melodic names associated with nature. Masculine examples include Aragorn, Silvan, and Ligorn; feminine examples include Cassandra, Lilistia, and Rillina. Their surnames always relate to nature: Greenwood, Oakshade, Riverbrook. This reflects their connection to Valenwood’s forests.
Nords
Nords follow Scandinavian traditions. Masculine examples include Harald, Bjorn, and Ulrik; feminine examples include Freya, Hildis, and Sigrun. Men use patronymics, formed from a father’s name plus “sen”: Haraldsen, Bjornsen. This structure emphasizes Skyrim’s family ties and traditions.
Redguards
Redguard names have Arabic and Persian sounds. They follow the formula prefix + vowel + consonant + suffix. Masculine examples include Cyrus, Sahtar, and Falom; feminine examples include Tanira, Dafina, and Melara. Redguards traditionally have no surnames, reflecting their nomadic culture from Yokuda.
Imperials
Imperials use a Latin naming system. Masculine examples include Lucius, Gaius, and Valerius; feminine examples include Livia, Julia, and Cornelia. They are the only race with a developed system of family surnames: Septim, Tharn, Mede, Aretino. This reflects Cyrodiil’s Roman-inspired culture and imperial heritage.
Argonians
Argonians use two systems: original names in Jel and translated descriptive names. Masculine Jel names include Derks-Tei, Xas-Ei, and Tilan-Vit; feminine names include Kesha-Rei, Okan-Eij, and Shal-Tan. Translated names describe character or actions: Hides-Shadows and Sees-Stars for men, Sings-Water and Knows-Truth for women. The generator randomly chooses between the two styles, reflecting Black Marsh’s cultural variety.
Khajiit
Khajiit have the most distinctive structure, using honorific titles to indicate status. The format is honorific + apostrophe + root. Masculine examples include J’Zargo, a young adult; Do’Rashi, a warrior; and Ri’Saad, a chief. Feminine examples include Daro’Zarra, a thief; Ko’Niira, a mage; and Dra’Ahda, a wise elder. Each prefix conveys age, occupation, or social standing.
Orcs
Orcs use a kinship system. Men add “gro-,” meaning “son,” followed by a father’s name: Durbul gro-Rash, Shagram gro-Ghash. Women use “gra-,” meaning “daughter,” followed by a mother’s name: Mazoga gra-Batul, Ghorza gra-Shagar. Sometimes the name identifies a home stronghold instead of a parent. This structure emphasizes Orsimer clan organization.
Maormer
Sea Elves have names similar to Altmer names, but more drawn out and with hissing sounds. Masculine examples include Orgnum, Jiklos, and Aluvus; feminine examples include Ismenida, Vindair, and Vasha. Surnames are rare: single names emphasize their exile from Summerset and their isolation.
Reachmen
The people of the Reach use rough Celtic-sounding names. Masculine examples include Madanach, Faolan, and Alaric; feminine examples include Kairine, Eola, and Muiri. Instead of surnames, they identify clan membership: “of the Black Drake clan” or “of the Ghostsong clan.” This reflects their tribal culture.
Dremora
Oblivion’s Daedra have commanding, guttural names with plenty of harsh consonants. Their names follow the pattern rank + personal name. Masculine examples include Valkynaz Imago and Markynaz Kathutet; feminine examples include Kynreeve Lirant and Kynval Vonshala. Ranks reflect the Dremora’s strict military hierarchy, from the lowest Churl to the highest Valkynaz.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these names in the games?
Yes. All character names are created using The Elder Scrolls’ canonical naming rules and are suitable for any game in the series, including The Elder Scrolls Online. They fit the lore and should feel at home in the game world.
Does this name generator work for Skyrim?
Yes. It works for any game in The Elder Scrolls series, generating names that fit the lore across the different installments.
How do Khajiit honorifics work?
An honorific is a prefix before a Khajiit’s name, indicating status, age, or profession. “Ja” means a young adult, “Do” a warrior, “Ma” a child, “Ra” a leader, and “Ri” a chief. Honorifics are an important part of Khajiit culture and reflect their place in society.
Where do the generation rules come from?
The rules are based on the original algorithms from Arena and Daggerfall’s game files, which Bethesda used for procedural NPC generation. They are supplemented with canonical examples from Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim, and ESO to fit the lore as closely as possible.
What are Nord patronymics?
A patronymic is a name derived from a parent’s given name. Nord men add “-sen,” meaning “son,” to their father’s name. For example, a man whose father is named Harald would use Haraldsen. It is a Scandinavian tradition reflecting Skyrim’s culture.
Why do Orc names contain “gro” and “gra”?
“Gro-” means “son” and is used by male Orcs, followed by a father’s name. “Gra-” means “daughter” and is used by female Orcs, followed by a mother’s name. The structure emphasizes the importance of family ties in Orsimer society.