Dungeons & Dragons: How To Create Drow Names

The drow are a specific subspecies of elves in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Though their purposes and general location vary between D&D settings, most of the time, drow are considered 'evil' versions of regular elves, and sometimes can be found to worship maligned deities and magics, often doing so from the Underdark itself.

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However, this is not always the case, and players themselves can freely play drow in the world above as well. But, you might be struggling to come up with a good drow name. That's why we've created this guide, which has everything you need to know to generate drow names in D&D.

How Drow Names Work

Drow naming conventions are very similar to typical elven naming conventions.

First, most elves have a childhood name, typically a vowel-heavy nickname that plays off an existing elven or fey word.

When it comes to elven names, drow or otherwise, there is often very little distinction between genders; most names can work for any gender presentation.

When elves reach adulthood, they grant themselves a new name and adopt the family name as well. Adult elven names are always unique creations; these names are never shared with other elves.

Once again, these names tend to be vowel-heavy and are very melodic.

However, when it comes to drow names, it is worth adding in slightly harsher consonants and more staccato melodies, as opposed to light-hearted ones.

This adds a more malevolent connotation to the sound of your character's name, which is perfect for drow.

Tips And Tricks To Create Drow Names

When creating an adult drow name for yourself, you'll have to create both a first name and a family name to go along with it. Here are a few tips and tricks to create unique-sounding drow names.

Tip

Details

Add Consonants

When it comes to drow, they tend to have slightly harsher-sounding names.

One great way to do this is to take an existing elf name from the Player's Handbook and replace softer consonants with harsher ones.

Borrow From Infernal

Infernal and demonic names often lend themselves well to drow names.

Consider looking up demonic names from the D&D multiverse, and tweaking them slightly to sound more fey-like or elven.

Combine Elven Words

Elven family names are often combinations of two elvish words.

For example, the elven family name Galanodel, which comes from the 2014 Player's Handbook, is a combination of the elven words for Moon and Whisper.

Consider using an elven-english translator. Or, many elves translate their family names into common, meaning your drow's family name could simply be Moonwhisper rather than Galanodel.

Both the 2014 Player's Handbook and Xanathar's Guide to Everything have lists of sample elven names, as well as names for each species for additional inspiration.

Examples Of Drow Names

Taking the above tips, tricks, and naming conventions, here are some sample names for drow elves.

First Names (Neutral)

Family Names

Cazel

Kerynbhin (Male Warrior)

Sumnez

Teuvel (Moonblade)

Tralar

Runthraen (Land Hunter)

Valeie

Raunkerym (Greatsword)

Jelenck

Viluthe (Beautiful Wolf)

Maizel

Vaelmaer (Bladwings)

Delmuth

Shesseshil (Shadow Scepter)

Ivran

Ruaraen (Star Hunter)

Nyshar

Qu'Quor (Binding Communion)

Zulao

Nantataar (Caster of Destiny)

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