100 Elf Names with Meanings for Your Fantasy Character
Elves have captivated our imagination for centuries, from the ancient myths of Norse álfar to Tolkien's immortal Eldar. Their names carry an otherworldly beauty—flowing syllables that seem to shimmer with starlight and ancient magic.
Whether you're crafting a character for Dungeons & Dragons, writing a fantasy novel, or simply exploring the rich tradition of elvish naming, this comprehensive list offers 100 carefully curated elf names. Each name includes its meaning and cultural origin, helping you find a name that perfectly captures your character's essence.
Elvish names typically follow distinct phonetic patterns: soft consonants like L, N, and R flow between melodic vowels. Many draw inspiration from nature, celestial bodies, and abstract concepts like wisdom or grace. Use this guide to find a name that resonates with your character's personality, background, and destiny.
Male Elf Names
Traditional masculine elf names often evoke strength, wisdom, and connection to nature. These names suit noble warriors, ancient scholars, and mystical rangers alike.
Aelindor
♂Star wanderer; one who walks among the celestial lights
Caelum
♂Sky or heavens; derived from Latin celestial terminology
Thalion
♂Hero or dauntless one; Sindarin origin from Tolkien
Eryndor
♂Lone forest keeper; protector of ancient woodlands
Faelar
♂Spirit of the glade; connected to fey magic
Galathil
♂Radiant tree; combination of light and nature
Ithildir
♂Moon guide; one who navigates by moonlight
Lúthien
♂Daughter of twilight; enchantress (can be masculine variant)
Maethor
♂Warrior; Sindarin for a skilled fighter
Nelaeryn
♂River song; melodic water spirit
Orophin
♂Mountain peak; tall and steadfast
Paelias
♂Ancient wisdom; keeper of old knowledge
Quelion
♂Quiet strength; calm but powerful
Rilvyn
♂Silver wind; swift and graceful
Sylvaren
♂Of the deep forest; woodland guardian
Tauriel
♂Forest daughter (masculine variant: forest son)
Vaeril
♂Truth seeker; one who uncovers hidden knowledge
Aerendir
♂Sea wanderer; explorer of distant shores
Berethil
♂Queen's guard (masculine: king's guard)
Celeborn
♂Silver tree; Tolkien's Lord of Lothlórien
Daeron
♂Shadow; mysterious and enigmatic
Elrohir
♂Elf knight; noble warrior of elvenkind
Finrod
♂Mighty hair; Tolkien's noble elf king
Glorfindel
♂Golden-haired; legendary elf lord
Haldir
♂Hidden hero; guardian of secret places
Female Elf Names
Feminine elf names often embody grace, beauty, and mystical power. These names suit enchantresses, healers, and warrior princesses.
Aelindis
♀Star maiden; blessed by celestial light
Arwen
♀Noble maiden; Tolkien's beloved elf princess
Celebrían
♀Silver queen; daughter of Galadriel
Elanor
♀Sun-star; a golden flower of Lothlórien
Galadriel
♀Maiden crowned with radiant garland
Idril
♀Sparkling brilliance; shimmering beauty
Lúthien
♀Daughter of twilight; the most beautiful elf
Melian
♀Dear gift; blessed by the Valar
Nerdanel
♀Strong in spirit; wise and creative
Silwen
♀Silver maiden; graceful as moonlight
Tauriel
♀Forest daughter; woodland warrior
Yavanna
♀Giver of fruits; nature goddess reference
Aerin
♀Ocean; vast and mysterious
Caladwen
♀Light maiden; radiant and pure
Elbereth
♀Star queen; most revered of the Valar
Finduilas
♀Hair like golden leaves; autumn beauty
Gilraen
♀Wandering star; mother of Aragorn
Isilmë
♀Moonlight; gentle luminescence
Laurelin
♀Song of gold; one of the Two Trees
Miriel
♀Jewel daughter; precious and rare
Nimrodel
♀Lady of the white grotto; ethereal beauty
Rossiel
♀Rose maiden; delicate strength
Serelinde
♀Peaceful heart; serene spirit
Tinúviel
♀Nightingale; Lúthien's other name
Vanyarin
♀Of the fair elves; highest lineage
High Elf Names
High elves represent the most ancient and noble lineage. Their names often carry weight of millennia, reflecting arcane mastery and regal bearing.
Amaranthine
◎Unfading; eternal as the immortal elves
Althirion
♂High tower; ancient nobility
Calaquendi
◎Elves of the Light; those who saw the Trees
Eldamar
◎Elvenhome; the blessed realm
Fëanor
♂Spirit of fire; greatest of elven craftsmen
Ingwë
♂Chief; High King of all elves
Maedhros
♂Pale glitter; tragic noble hero
Noldorin
◎Of the deep elves; masters of craft
Olwë
♂Dream; King of the Teleri
Rúmil
♂Invented writing; the first loremaster
Telperion
◎Silver tree; one of the Two Trees
Valinorean
◎Of the blessed realm; highest honor
Anarion
♂Sun son; radiant power
Eärendil
♂Lover of the sea; bearer of the Silmaril
Vardamir
♂Jewel of Varda; blessed by the star-queen
Wood Elf Names
Wood elves live in harmony with the forest. Their names reflect deep connections to nature, animals, and the changing seasons.
Aerdrie
♀Wind walker; swift through the trees
Briarwood
◎Thorny protector; defensive nature
Celadrin
♂Green song; melody of the forest
Duskwalker
◎One who moves at twilight; hunter
Elmara
♀Elm spirit; strong and enduring
Fernshade
◎Hidden in ferns; elusive tracker
Greenleaf
◎Fresh growth; Legolas's epithet
Hawkeye
◎Sharp vision; skilled archer
Ivywood
◎Climbing spirit; adaptable survivor
Juniper
♀Evergreen; constant and true
Kestrel
◎Swift hunter; bird of prey spirit
Larkspear
♂Singing warrior; joyful fighter
Mossheart
◎One with the forest floor; humble
Nightbloom
♀Flowers under moonlight; mysterious
Oakenshield
♂Strong protector; unmovable
Dark Elf (Drow) Names
Drow names carry the weight of the Underdark—harsh consonants and double letters reflecting their dangerous society.
Drizzt
♂Unknown origin; most famous drow
Viconia
♀Victory; proud warrior
Jarlaxle
♂Unknown; flamboyant mercenary
Quenthel
♀Serpent mistress; priestess name
Zaknafein
♂Unknown; legendary weapons master
Malice
♀Cruel intent; matron mother name
Pharaun
♂Unknown; wizard name
Liriel
♀Unknown; adventurous drow
Entreri
♂Unknown; human-raised style
Briza
♀Swift blade; warrior priestess
Rizzen
♂Unknown; male noble name
Shi'nayne
♀Shadow dancer; assassin name
Valas
♂Unknown; scout name
Xune
♀Unknown; priestess name
Zeerith
♀Unknown; noble house name
Gender-Neutral Elf Names
Many elvish names transcend gender, suitable for any character. These names emphasize qualities over traditional gender roles.
Alinar
◎Shining spirit; radiant soul
Cirion
◎Ship master; voyager
Elaris
◎Star watcher; astronomer
Faelyn
◎Fey touched; magical essence
Ilien
◎Light bearer; guide in darkness
Larien
◎Golden song; bard name
Mythril
◎True silver; precious and strong
Quelenna
◎Fading voice; mysterious
Rivalen
◎River spirit; flowing grace
Sylvain
◎Of the forest; woodland dweller
Theren
◎Watcher; vigilant guardian
Virion
◎Arrow flight; swift purpose
Wyren
◎Dragon kin; fierce spirit
Yldris
◎Ancient one; timeless wisdom
Zephyrin
◎West wind; gentle but persistent
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect elf name is more than selecting pleasant sounds—it's about capturing your character's essence. Consider their background: Are they from ancient high elf nobility or wild wood elf clans? Think about their personality: A fierce warrior might suit a name like Maethor, while a gentle healer might be called Serelinde.
Remember that in many fantasy settings, elves live for centuries or millennia. Their names often reflect this longevity—ancient meanings, connections to nature and stars that will outlast mortal civilizations. A name chosen well becomes part of your character's legend.
Use these names as inspiration, combine syllables that resonate with you, or use our Elf Name Generator to create endless possibilities. Whether you're crafting a protagonist for your novel or rolling up a new D&D character, the right elvish name will help bring them to life.