City Name Generator
Generate evocative city and town names for your fantasy world. Perfect for capitals, trading hubs, and metropolitan centers.
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Generated Names
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About City Names
City names anchor entire civilizations in fantasy worlds. From the gleaming spires of high fantasy capitals to the grimy streets of noir urban centers, city names convey culture, history, and atmosphere. The best city names feel both exotic and meaningful, hinting at the settlement's origins, purpose, or notable features.
Naming Conventions
Fantasy city names often combine descriptive elements (color, direction, feature) with settlement suffixes (-ton, -burg, -haven). Many reference geography (Riverdale, Mountainhome), founders (King's Landing), resources (Ironforge), or notable features (Whitespire). Historical city name patterns provide excellent inspiration.
Famous City Names
- Waterdeep (Forgotten Realms)
- Minas Tirith (Lord of the Rings)
- King's Landing (Game of Thrones)
- Baldur's Gate (D&D)
- Ankh-Morpork (Discworld)
Tips for Using These Names
- Consider the city's primary feature or purpose
- Geographic references help players visualize location
- Historical naming patterns add authenticity
- Mix familiar and exotic elements
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good fantasy city name?
Good city names are memorable and evocative. They often hint at the city's character: "Shadowhaven" suggests mystery, "Goldport" suggests wealth, "Ironhold" suggests strength. The best names feel like they could be real places.
Should city names describe their location?
Often yes! Names like "Riverdale," "Northwatch," or "Cliffside" immediately orient players. However, cities founded for other reasons might reference their purpose (Markettown), founder (Valdris), or history (Newkeep).
How do I name capital cities differently?
Capitals often have grander names: "Royal" prefixes, "Crown" or "Throne" elements, or founder names. They might also have ancient names in fictional languages. Capitals feel more important than frontier towns.
What about naming districts within cities?
Districts often describe their function: Merchant's Quarter, Temple District, Dockside. Wealthier areas might have elegant names (Goldhill), while poorer areas have grimmer names (The Warrens, Rotgut Row).
How do different cultures name cities?
Vary naming patterns by culture. Elvish cities might have flowing names (Silvermeadow). Dwarven cities reference stone and metal (Irondelve). Human cities often use familiar suffixes (-ton, -burg) while exotic cultures use unfamiliar sounds.
Can cities have multiple names?
Absolutely! Cities might have official names and common names (The Shining City vs. Drakenhall), old names and new names, or different names in different languages. This adds depth to your world.
What suffixes work best for cities?
Common suffixes include: -ton (town), -burg/-burgh (fortress), -haven (harbor), -ford (river crossing), -gate (entrance), -hold (stronghold), -port (harbor), -spire (towers). Match the suffix to the city's nature.
How do I avoid generic city names?
Add unique elements! Instead of "Rivercity," try "Serpent's Ford" or "Greenwater." Reference specific history, unusual features, or local legends. The more specific the name, the more memorable the city.