Players in general can come up with some amazing Dungeon and Dragons names on their own. Everyone has their own method that works best for them when it comes to letting companions involved know how to refer to your character. Inspiration can be taken from various games, tv shows, and other forms of media that you might love and admire.
You could even be inspired by the character you have in mind and start there by just being spontaneous. Either way, if you are a Dungeon and Dragon player and you are still struggling with naming your character, these tips might be of some use to you.
Do Not Follow the Rules
Sometimes, when thinking of fantasy names for a character, the head simply does not come with ideas. The reason is that giving names follows certain patterns and rules when thinking about the imaginary world. Although that may be the case, you do not need to follow them through.
Names for DnD are hard because since you are not playing in a world you have created, thus, you will have a hard time to find the naming examples you need. In order to overcome this issue, you do not need to invent the whole history, naming paradigm, and culture. Try to base your name instead around a solid example from the game or from the real world.
Novels and Mythology
Some people do not like having their DnD characters called by real names like George or Philip. Even if those names are valid, the majority of players would like something with more pizzazz and fantasy appeal. It might be possible to be underwhelmed and to feel not as cool as your companions Lathlaeril Quiharice, Thisgrud Hillblade, and Kalimac Baggins if you are called Joe. As experts from Codex Nomina would say, before your legend begins, you need a glorious name as well. Names can be borrowed from a variety of fantasy novels for example. By going through them, you can find something that will get stuck in your ear. If you are a mythology fanatic, which you probably are, borrow something from there.
You have all the freedom in the world when it comes to inspiration and naming your character.
Consider the Characters Class and Race
Your character will be of a certain race and class. Each will come with different abilities and stats. As you probably know, you can choose between a human, half-orc, half-elf, dwarf, gnome, halfling, elf, and others depending on the edition you are using. Class is also of big importance, even more so. Since it is your specialty, it will determine the way you achieve things and how you act on your adventure.
Basically, being a druid or a warlock, or a fighter who is considered to be the most popular and the ideal class for beginners because of being able to deal direct physical damage, combining that class with the race can inspire you to give a name to your character appropriately and in accordance.
Meaning, pick out how you would like to be called based on your race and class and think of something fitting to those roles.
Think About Your Backstory
Even though this advice might contradict the first one, still, it is a valid option. You could start by writing your history. It is not mandatory, but if you wish to feel more connected to your character you could. It will eventually inspire you to name it as well. By creating a certain background story of your DnD character will be a perfect example of your imaginative skills, you might also be able to wow your companions as well. It does not matter if you write everything down on a piece of paper or you keep notes.
The important thing is to get inspired after all. For instance, your human rogue could have an origin noble. Nobody believes him because usually, they are not to be trusted because of their mischievous nature. That alone can give you a variety of names to choose from even if it sounds absurd.
Sure, your companions might be irritated and the dungeon master will try to compose himself from not showing how annoyed he is by your outlandish and not so believable story, but at the end of the day, who cares, it is your character and not theirs.
Now that you have found your companions and dungeon master, all you need to do is to find a perfect name for your character. As soon as you do, the adventure can start. Do not be afraid to open up your imagination at the end of the day, after all, it is a game and you are meant to enjoy it. If you want to wear and have a silly name, go for it, there is nothing that is stopping you. Your DnD experience will be more fun with the “name of your dreams”.
