Fae Name Generator
Generate unique fae names for your fantasy characters, stories, and games. The perfect tool for writers, gamers, and world-builders.
Showing 506 names available in Fae Name Generator.
Curated Fae Name Generator List
| Name | Meaning / Origin | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Abatwa | Tiny people, ant-riding fairies | Any |
| Acheron | Woe river, sorrow fairy | Any |
| Achlys | Mist goddess, death fog fairy | Any |
| Acornshell | Oak tree child protector | Any |
| Adrestia | Revolt goddess, rebellion fairy | Any |
| Adze | Firefly vampire, glowing fairy | Any |
| Aether | Upper sky, pure air fairy | Any |
| Agate Pattern | Banded variety stone spirit | Any |
How to Pick an Authentic Fae Name
Understanding Fae Names
Fae names derive from Celtic and European fairy folklore, carrying ancient power and mystical significance. They typically combine nature imagery, descriptive elements, and linguistic patterns from Irish, Scottish, Welsh, or Germanic traditions. True fae names hold power, so many fae use titles or use-names instead.
Key Characteristics
Authentic fae names possess musical quality, natural imagery, and meaningful depth. They often reference plants, seasons, celestial bodies, or elemental forces. Good fae names suggest otherworldliness while remaining pronounceable, balancing mystery with accessibility.
Choosing the Right Style
Consider which fae court or tradition your character belongs to. Seelie names favor warmth and light imagery. Unseelie names embrace shadow and cold. Nature spirits need element-specific names. Decide whether to use traditional Celtic names, Anglicized versions, or original creations following folkloric patterns.
Practical Considerations
Think about how the name will be used. Gaming and performance require speakable names. Written fiction allows more complex constructions. Consider whether your audience knows Celtic pronunciation. Provide pronunciation guides for unusual names to ensure consistent usage.
Common Patterns
Popular patterns include nature compounds (Thornbloom, Mistweaver), elemental references (Fireheart, Stormcaller), temporal elements (Twilight, Dawnseeker), and descriptive titles (Quickfoot, Silvertongue). Celtic-inspired names often use -wen, -iel, -or endings for flowing sounds.
Making Your Final Choice
Test your chosen name by speaking it aloud in various contexts. Imagine formal introductions and casual address. Consider nicknames or titles that might develop. A great fae name should feel both beautiful and slightly dangerous, inviting interest while maintaining otherworldly mystery.
Key Considerations
- Draw from Celtic and European folklore traditions
- Include meaningful nature imagery and elements
- Reflect fae moral complexity and otherworldly nature
- Balance authenticity with pronounceability
- Consider court allegiance and seasonal associations
Famous Examples
Titania
A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare
Queen of the Fairies in Shakespeare's comedy, Titania's name derives from the Titans of Greek mythology, suggesting ancient power. Her portrayal established many Western expectations for fairy royalty, combining beauty, magic, and the capricious nature that defines fae characterization.
Oberon
Medieval French Romance / A Midsummer Night's Dream
King of the Fairies whose name appears in medieval literature before Shakespeare immortalized him. The name's Germanic origins meaning noble bear suggest fae royalty's connection to both civilization and wild nature, a duality central to fairy court mythology.
Puck (Robin Goodfellow)
English Folklore / A Midsummer Night's Dream
The mischievous trickster appears throughout English folklore under various names. Puck represents the household fairy tradition, showing that fae names can be playful rather than grand. His dual naming demonstrates fae reluctance to reveal true identities.
Tam Lin
Scottish Border Ballad
A mortal knight captured by the Fairy Queen, Tam Lin's story explores human-fae relationships. His human name contrasts with fae nomenclature, highlighting the transformation that occurs when mortals enter fairy realms and the power dynamics between worlds.
Queen Mab
English and Irish Folklore / Romeo and Juliet
A fairy queen associated with dreams and night visions, Queen Mab's brief but memorable appearance in Shakespeare influenced countless later portrayals. Her name possibly derives from Welsh or Irish, demonstrating the cross-cultural nature of fairy mythology.
Popular Fae Names
These fae names represent some of the most enchanting and authentic options from our collection.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Thornweald | Guardian of the briar forest |
| Morrigan's Whisper | Voice of the phantom queen |
| Silverveil | One who moves between moonlit worlds |
| Bramblehart | Wild heart protected by thorns |
| Foxglove | Named for the poisonous fairy flower |
| Aisling Mist | Dream vision appearing in fog |
| Willowisp | Beckoning light of the swamp willows |
| Rowan Shade | Spirit dwelling in the protective tree |
| Nettle Sting | Sharp-tongued wild plant fairy |
| Gossamer Wing | Delicate flyer of impossible beauty |
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat makes a good fae name?
A good fae name balances otherworldly mystery with accessibility, combining nature imagery with meaningful depth. Authentic fae names draw from Celtic and European folklore traditions, using musical sounds and evocative imagery. The best names suggest the fae's ambiguous morality and connection to natural forces. They should feel ancient and powerful while remaining pronounceable. Consider including elements of the fae's domain, abilities, or personality rather than choosing purely for aesthetic appeal.
QHow do I choose the right fae name?
Start by determining your fae's nature and court allegiance. Seelie fae names favor bright, warm imagery while Unseelie names embrace shadow and cold. Consider which natural elements connect to your character, whether flowers, storms, or seasons. Draw from Celtic linguistic patterns if authenticity matters. Test pronunciation aloud and ensure the name works in your context. The name should feel both beautiful and slightly dangerous, capturing fae complexity.
QCan I use these fae names commercially?
Yes, original fae names generated here are free for commercial use in fiction, games, and creative projects. Avoid names taken directly from copyrighted works like specific characters from contemporary fantasy novels. Traditional folklore names like Puck or Titania are in the public domain but are closely associated with famous works. Original combinations following folkloric patterns are safest for commercial use where you need distinctive, ownable character names.
QWhat are common fae naming patterns?
Common patterns include nature compounds combining plants, elements, or animals (Thornbloom, Foxfire), descriptive titles suggesting ability or appearance (Quicksilver, Shadowdancer), Celtic-inspired constructions with traditional endings (Aisling, Siobhan), and temporal or celestial references (Twilight, Moonsong). Many fae names function as use-names or titles rather than true names, describing the fae rather than naming them directly. This approach ensures consistency and authenticity in your naming choices.
QHow many fae names should I consider?
Generate at least fifteen options to ensure variety across different naming styles and traditions. Include nature-based, Celtic-inspired, and descriptive names in your initial list. Speak each aloud and imagine introducing the character. For main characters, live with your top choices before deciding. Supporting characters can be named more quickly, but still ensure consistency with your world's fae naming conventions and court distinctions.
QWhere can I find inspiration for fae names?
Celtic mythology and folklore provide the richest source, especially Irish and Scottish fairy traditions. Field guides to wild plants and flowers offer evocative natural vocabulary. Read fairy tales and ballads like Tam Lin or Thomas the Rhymer for traditional naming approaches. Study lists of Irish, Scottish, and Welsh names for authentic linguistic patterns. Consider astronomical terms and weather phenomena for celestial and elemental fae.