#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.

Fantasy Deity Inspiration

Deity Inspiration: God of Fire

Zabrynn Lander ·

Deity Inspiration: Let's Make a God of Fire!

Name Inspiration: Raimnā "Master of the Bright Forge", Maskanas "the Wild Fire", Eledenna "The Burning One" 

The first question I ask myself when planning a deity is: what is their domain? What is the central concept at the heart of their worship?

Of focurse, deities rarely have one specific domain. I like to build on a singular concept and expand in various aspects. In this case, this deity is associated with Fire. 

From there - I expanded their aspects to: the Hearth, the Forge, and the Sun. Their domain is linked to creation and growth through change. 

The "hearth" is the centre of the home, it's where food is cooked and stories are told. As a hearth god, this deity might work in tandem with a deity of the home or familial love. They may ever be considered partners. Together, they safeguard the family's heath, wealth, and prosperity. 

The "Forge" is where tools and weapons are created. In a world of magic, the forge might also be connected to some magics.

The "Sun" is all about light and growth, the warmth of the day, and the light to get work done. A god of the sun can be associated with healing and life, but they can also be tied to the work of the day. Getting things done! Of course, festivals and celebrations are usually hosted in the light of the day! A pleasant summer's day is the perfect time for festivities. So they may also be the god of merriment. 

Then we have to consider how the Sun is viewed. After all, the Sun is very helpful - until there's too much and you get a drought. If the people are near forests, there's also the risk of devastating wildfires. Is a drought / fire a result of this god being angry in your world? Or perhaps more interestingly, them growing too powerful? 

It might be that the priests of their deity are divided between those who support their god's evergrowing power and those who look to moderate it. The first sect would be feared, even ostracised, by locals. 

Still, in the heart of a cold and harsh winter, this god in all their forms will be someone to pray to - please bring back the warmth, the sun, the vibrance of life. 

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Want to create your own gods? Here's a helpful planner!

 Create a Homebrew Deity in DnD

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