#10 Unique Elf Surnames with Meanings | Dungeons and Dragons

When you're rolling up an Elf character in your Dungeons and Dragons game, finding the perfect last name can be a challenge! Here are ten name ideas for your next character - with their meaning in Elvish!

Lyath-tel - "belonging to a temple"

This name comes in two parts "tel" and "lyath".

The form "tel" can be seen in several places in Elvish, such as when talking about a group of people (e.g. ór-tel-quessir, "people of the
wood").  

"Lyath" is the Elvish word for temple. 

This name is perfect for an Acolyte character. 

vantur Ravanor - "from the Forestland"

The first part of this name simply means "from". It is commonly used at the beginning of surnames derived from a place of origin. 

Ravanor is a pretty generic place name, especially if your character is a Wood Elf. 

tyr Vomira - "born to Vomira"

This is a matronymic name, that means it's dervived from your character's mother's name. Many cultures use matronymic or patronymics rather than set last names. For example, in Iceland you are known by your father's name. 

In the case of this character, their mother's name was Vomira. 

shan-Stakiaren - "branch of the House of the Beloved Star"

The Elves have many words for the heavenly bodies, each with their own implication. "Stakia" or "Stacia" can variously mean:  star, treasure, trove, gem, gold, blaze; sweetheart, beloved. 

The translation here is something like "Beloved Star" or "Treasured Ones".

The prefix, shan, is an Elven word that literally means "branch (of a tree)".however when used in names it refers to a member of a family (the branch of a family tree). 

The final element "ren" is the Elvish word for House or Clan.

This is a great name for an Elf with Noble Background. 

Gisirie - "of the guardians"

This is a great name for an elf who comes from a family with the Knight background. Or perhaps their kin are paladins. 

The Elvish word "Gisir (plu. Gisiae) means "guardian".

The name takes the rare sociative case, which means something like "with, in the company of". This is often used in situations of adoption, fostering, or even the foundation of a particular order. 

The family as a whole would be known by the plural form: Gisieii.

Maedran - "wind speaker"

Combining the words "mae" wind and "dran" speaker, this name could refer to a profession or be a nickname. If it's a nickname it could be something noble - or refer to the fact your character doesn't shut up!


Regardless, this is a great surname for a Bard character.

Amnesha - "tree friend"

The tree this name refers to is specifically an oak tree (amne). The suffix -sha, means "friend".

This is another great name for a Druid character.

Anogwinn - "moon guide"

The first part of this name is one of the Elvish words for moon. The second part means guide and comes from the Elvish word "gwin" meaning walkway, path. A gwinn is a pathmaker or a guide.


This is ideal for a High Elf character since they like to associate themselves with celestial objects.

Daanethun - "bright struggle follower"

Another translation for this surname could probably be "daredevil". The elves have the concept that some struggles make a person stronger while others only serve to harm. "Daan" (plural: daana) is the positive type, called "bright struggles".

Those who are followers of bright struggles look for adventure in all aspects of their life.

Artarhin - "dawn scholar"

"Artar" is the Elvish word for dawn. It means "new sun", though it can also translate to "new heights".


The second element is even more ambigious, as it has no true English equivalent. It can mean: collector, scholar, researcher. Or more broadly, a person who recieves something, usually an idea. The word can also be translated as "a welcome".
So while the name is translated as "dawn scholar" above, it could also mean "scholar of new heights" or "welcome to the dawn".


This name would be ideal for a High Elf character.

10 Gender Neutral Elf Names to Inspire Your Next Character

10 Gender Neutral Elf Names to Inspire Your Next Character

Zabrynn Lander ·

Elven Gender Neutral Names!

Looking for an elven name with meanings in DnD Elvish? This is the list for you!

While this is listed for gender neutral names - the Elvish languages, and the Elves themselves, doesn't have the same binary that English does. This extends to the names. Most Elf names are gender neutral! 

Irinon 

Pronounced: ir-IN-on

Meaning: Forsaker

This comes from the Elvish word: irino meaning "to forsake". This name is prefect for a wanderer who left their home or family. 

Sèhin, Sùhin, Syhin

Pronounced: suh-HIN

Meaning: Wild Curator

This name combines the elements sù meaning "wild, untamed" and hin "reciever, collector, scholar, researcher (ideas, knowledge, song)" or "a welcome". 

This is a great name for a bard!

Levaen

Pronounced: lev-EYN

Meaning: Free One

The word lev means "cloud". While Levae means "cloud like" or "free". The final n makes this a name. 

Kaen

Pronounced: like English "Cane"

Meaning: Thoughtful One

The adjective kae means "deep thought, deep emotion". 

Sӯn, Sun

Pronounced: soon

Meaning: One who Grows Unrestained, Unabashed

An excellent name for a Wild Elf. 

Arivey, Arivae

Pronounced: ar-ee-VEY

Meaning: Sunlight

A great name for a High Elf, this name means sunlight. It combines the word ar "sun" with ivae "light".

Extra: the Elven word for sun, ar, is used in many ways and has lots of hidden meanings. Depending on how an Elf stresses that initial "a" the meaning of this name changes as well!  

If you stress the final "vey" the ar means "sun, shining, goddess, life-giving". So you get "Sunlight".

BUT, if you stress the initial "ar" instead, the meaning changes to "high, noble, worthy, majestic". New Meaning = Majestic Light would be the new meaning. 

Isn't that neat?

Arzu

Pronounced: AR-zu

Meaning: Sunset

Gara

Pronounced: GA-ra

Meaning: Frost

Vel

Pronounced: vel

Meaning: Blade, Weapon (including magic)

Extra Lore: While Bladesingers are usually called "El'Tael" they can also be called "Vaele" or as a group, "Vaelen". This means "Warriors", "Ones Who Are Like Blades". This "vael" element is the plural of "vel". 

The perfect nickname for a Bladesinger or for any Elven warrior.

Maelo

Pronounced: MEY-lo

Meaning: Night Wind

Bonus Idea: if your elf has a twin, name them Naïlath, which means "Day Wind"!

 

Want to generate your own unique name? Get the booklet!