Noble House Names

Noble surnames often reflect lineage, heraldry, or ancestral deeds. They tend to be longer and more elaborate than common names.

Characteristics:

• Often include “von”, “de”, or “of” (von Eldermere, de Winterbourne)
• May reference animals or colors from heraldry (Redwyne, Goldhawk)
• Sometimes combine two words (Stormwind, Blackthorn)

Noble names frequently end with -ton, -ford, -crest, -hall, or -keep to denote places of origin.

Nature-Inspired Names

Common among elves, druids, and rural communities, these names draw from the natural world.

• Elven: Often melodic with “ae”, “il”, “on” sounds (Ilvaniel, Aelrindel)
• Druidic: Combine plant and animal elements (Oakenshield, Ravensong)
• Seasonal: Reference times of year (Winterborn, Summershade)

Many wood elf clans use names that describe natural phenomena like “Whisperwind” or “Moonbrook”.

Warrior Clan Names

Martial cultures like dwarves and orcs use strong, guttural surnames that reflect battle prowess.

• Dwarven: Often include “stone”, “iron”, “hammer” (Ironfist, Stonebreaker)
• Orcish: Harsh consonants and war references (Gorefang, Skullsplitter)
• Human: May reference weapons or victories (Longblade, Dragonsbane)

Warrior names frequently use alliteration (Balin Battlehammer) and kennings (Fire-forged).

Arcane Traditions

Magical families often have names that reflect their mystical heritage or specialization.

• Elemental: Reference magic types (Emberfall, Frostweave)
• Academic: Latin or Greek influences (Arcanis, Mystral)
• Mystical: Abstract concepts (Voidstrider, Dreamweaver)

Some wizards adopt new surnames after achieving mastery, like “the Enlightened” or “of the Seventh Circle”.

Common Folk Names

Peasants and townsfolk typically have simple, occupational or descriptive surnames.

• Occupational: Miller, Cooper, Fletcher, Tanner
• Descriptive: Longfoot, Quickhand, Brighteyes
• Locational: Hillman, Rivers, Underwood

Halflings often have playful names combining two words (Greenbottle, Proudfoot) or food references (Appleblossom).

Exotic Origins

Names from distant lands or unusual ancestries stand out in fantasy settings.

• Dragonborn: Draconic elements with apostrophes (Varyndrax, Sszenthel)
• Tiefling: Infernal influences (Zarathrax, Mephistis)
• Eastern: Asian-inspired (Shinjo, Wukong, Al’Qadir)

Exotic names often include unusual letter combinations (X, Z, Q) and diacritical marks to suggest foreign origins.