Naming Conventions by Culture in My Homebrew Setting

In this, my hundredth post, I want to talk about something that I consider very important in homebrew creation that I think can also be one of the most fun details about your world: naming conventions. Whose names sound which way? What do those names mean? What do titles mean? This information about character names should create a sense of consistency in your world and communicate cultural ideas to your players. Below, I have explained all of the naming details in my homebrew world, and you can use the same method to create a system of names for your world. Read on for the full description of naming conventions. 

Note: In my homebrew world, I use the standard D&D 3.5 races, and I have added to that framework the idea that there are two distinct lines of humans with very different cultural traditions. I also have determined that in my world, what the manuals refer to as half-orcs are simply orcs in my world; the orcs in the handbook are too violent to take part in society, so how could an entire race of half-orcs appear aside from as a product of violence? I don't like that idea, so I simply use orcs. Finally, the names I am using as samples for these details come from my list of NPCs complete with ages, personalities, and alignments. 

Daltoners

First Name Conventions: Daltoners are meant to represent forces of imperialism and cultural repression in a way that reminds me of British history in the 18th and 19th centuries, so I decided to give them names that sound like they belong in that era of British history. Classic English language names like George, Madeline, Thomas, and Elizabeth are all good Daltoner names. Generally speaking, the more dignified-sounding the name is, the more prominent that person is in society. 

Last Name Conventions: Last names again are meant to evoke imperial British names. This means that most Daltoner names are simply common English names like Smith, Johnson, Cooper, and Williams. But these hyper-common names are not the limit; any name that makes you think of an average white person will work just fine. There are certain last names in Daltoner society that are more respected because of prominent holders of that name, but the individualist streak in Daltoners means that everyone believes their name will be famous one day as well. 

Nickname Conventions: Daltoners abhor nicknames in general, and the vast majority of them go by their full name at all times. Daltoners who are outsiders to society or who spend more time with other races (a rarity) might go by a shortened version of their name, but this is not a common practice. Even parents use proper names for their children rather than develop nicknames. 
Sample Names: Peter Overstreet, Claire Matthews, Rhonda Skinner, James Sheffield, Earl Sumner

Cultural Titles: There is truly only one cultural position held dead by Daltoners: the religious official. The Dalton Church of Pelor, a dark reinterpretation of the sun god, now requiring sacrifice, has two positions: Chancellors, who are responsible for choosing a Bishop and tending to the financial needs of the Church, and a Bishop, who acts as the supreme leader of the Church. Most Daltoners know the names of the Chancellors, and all know the name of the Bishop. 

Civic Titles:  The chief leader of the Daltoners (located in New Dalton, the capital of the Daltoners) is the position of Tsar. Non-Daltoners contend that the Tsar is nothing but a puppet to be controlled by the Bishop; Daltoners reject this claim publicly but privately acknowledge that the Bishop is the true leader of the people. Because Daltoner society is so stratified with the extremely privileged at the top, there is little chance for the average person to attain a rank or title. 

Faninites

First Name Conventions: Faninites were inspired by Viking culture: I wanted them to be a peaceful version of them, a family-oriented, nature-revering line of humans who stand in direct opposition to the Daltoners culturally speaking. But part of the story of the two lines of humans is that non-humans (and even humans to an extent) cannot tell the difference between Daltoners and Faninites. To that end, I wanted the two human lines to share naming conventions to a certain extent so that names couldn't be used to distinguish between them. So Faninites also have similar names to Daltoners. Sample Faninite first names might include less formal names like Riley, Della, Norma, Aaron, and Sid. But you could just as easily use Nordic naming conventions for Faninites if you wanted them to be distinct. 

Last Name Conventions: Again, Faninite names sound similar to Daltoner names. We might add that Faninite names are a touch more abstract and modern in sound, names like Zorn, Laird, Clanton, Lecky, or Vance. Faninites sometimes grant a different last name to their children than they have; this is because honoring a great person from the past is more important in Faninite culture than passing down a family name. 

Nickname Conventions: Faninites prize nicknames; family members and friends often call a person by a nickname. Faninites might have as many as three or so nicknames, but most will have only one. This nickname is most often a shortened version of the full name, like "Del" for "Della" or "A" for "Aaron." Using a nickname in this fashion is a sign of familiarity, and only people who know the person well use their nicknames. 
Sample Names: Posie Quarterlane, Quint Randolph, Eva Wyatt, Zed Clanton, Della Eckman

Cultural Titles: Titles are considered socially unwieldy in Faninite culture, so positions of prominence are not given special titles. Rather, the individual is given a specific nickname that elongates the name ("Dellarin" for "Della" or "Aaronic" for "Aaron") to indicate their position. 

Civic Titles:  There is no formal Faninite government in Evanoch; the only Faninite governing body lies on the island of Fanin far to the north. But back in Fanin, the leader of individual communities gains a small prefix title: the addition of "Ur-" to the name, such as "Ur-Della." Using this prefix is reserved for only very formal occasions--most of the time, the leader is simply addressed by their first name like any other person. 

Dwarves

First Name Conventions: Dwarves in my world live in a feudal society with a strict aristocracy. To that end, I wanted them to have a sense of early British society, and their first names are in line with this: regal-sounding English names. So like Faninites and Daltoners, dwarves have typical English first names, though with an ear for names that inspire a sense of a time past. Dwarven first names include Damon, Frances, Gordon, Norris, and Viola. 

Last Name Conventions: Of all the names in my world, last names for dwarves are the most challenging to keep varied. My formula for dwarven last names is [a natural thing or common dwarven item] + [a verb ending with -er]; sample names include Hammerpounder, Rockhewer, Copperminer, Oakcutter, and Hidesplitter. Dwarven names are passed down with a focus on familial legacy; these names can be traced back thousands of years, and ancestral research and reverence is a great outlet in dwarven society. 

Nickname Conventions: Dwarves do not take well to affectionate nicknames; decorum is prized in dwarven culture, so diminishing that decorum with informality is frowned upon. Rather, dwarves are often called by friends by their last names as a way to honor their family. 
Sample Names: Tane Stonehauler, Heidi Throatstomper, Lana Golddigger, Edgar Grassgrower, Heathcliff Mudcarver

Cultural Titles: Dwarves who become notable artists are granted the title ortaken, or "Creator"--this title is respected by some, but art is not the highest attainment in dwarven society. Dwarves who become notable spiritual guides are granted the title wedarir, or "Beacon"--this title is highly prized, and neglecting to refer to it is a major faux pas. Dwarves who become notable business owners are granted the title vintish, or "Steward of Community"--this title is the most highly prized among civilians in dwarven society. 

Civic Titles:  Local leaders in dwarven settlements are called prentik, or "Standard Bearer"--this title identifies the dwarf with the title as the face of the community in all regards, and in some communities, neglecting to use this title is a minor crime. The supreme leader of dwarven society lies in the dwarven capital of Underhar, and is the Dronith, or "Regent"--it is absolutely required to address this figure as Dronith, or risk offending the most respected dwarf in the known world. 

Elves 

First Name Conventions: The elves in my world are gentle, thoughtful creatures with a strong sense of duty and hierarchy in society. When I was first developing my world, I aligned the elves with Japanese culture (power in silence, respect for superiors, technological and artistic wonders). But I didn't want to use Japanese-sounding names for a variety of reasons. Instead, I opted for a sound that seemed to me in line with the elven language, which I wanted to be soft and whispery. Elven words use lots of Ls, as well as lots of vowels. Their names function the same way. Sample elven names include Achiel, Illthar, Sorildyn, Higella, and Corbell, each of which has a soft sound. You'll also notice these names are a few syllables longer than the names above--I like to think that elves have very intricate names in this sense. Also, the names for elves are not easily distinguishable by gender; any of these names can serve for whatever gender your character in question is. 

Last Name Conventions: Last names among elves follow the same general rules as the first names. In fact, a good first name for an elf probably works just as well as a last name. We want lots of Ls and other soft sounds and a variety of vowel sounds. Sample last names for elves include Quintar, Pillas, Ternala, Visyl, and Folwyn. Elves pass their names down by family line, but the parents discuss which of their last names the child will take. Generally, elves choose to bestow the most well-respected name. (Elves do not take one another's names in marriage.) 

Nickname Conventions: Nicknames in elven culture are considered flippant to the careful name selection of the parents, but that does not prevent nicknames from occurring at all. Especially younger elves give each other playfully honorific nicknames. For instance, an elf with a fixation on the local library may be nicknamed illin fieln, or "Great Eater of Pages." 
Sample Names: Davil Prenille, Toniel Gla'asa, Gemila Sappol, Lorasta Xarkas, Pethana Bresyra

Cultural Titles: Titles are a major consideration for elves. Some titles persist across communities, while others are created specifically for one person. The trend with elven titles is that they are lengthy and try to communicate ideas in a poetic fashion. So an elf who tends to the poor and sick in their community is called ryster nillian blox welinst, or "They Who Care for the Wilting Flowers." It is considered both bad manners and bad luck to neglect using a cultural title. 

Civic Titles: Since the dissolution of kingdoms nearly five hundred years ago, a variety of elven government style has risen. Many of the leaders who ruled the elven kingdom then are still alive now, and many of them resent the fact that their powers were so sharply curtailed. Thus, they are especially defensive of their titles, and elves who disrespect those titles have faced serious punishment. Though the terms vary by the government style, most elven community leaders are called by the title gollinta, or "One Who Tends." The supreme leader of the elven society is the leader of the elven capital of Mishara, and they are called Cestalion, or "Emperor." 

Half-Elves

First Name Conventions: Half-elves are the product of a union between humans and elves--in my world, half-elves are specifically the offspring of the Faninites and elves, as essentially no elf would be willing to partner with a Daltoner, and Faninites lived in Evanoch for over 800 years before the arrival of Daltoners. All this is to say that half-elven names, like most of the rest of their culture, is based on both Faninite and elven traditions. In general, I like to represent my half-elves with names that suggest their identity: a first name that is Faninite and a last name that is elven, or vice versa. Or course, some half-elves have purely elven or purely Faninite names; details like that should be decided depending on the character who's being named. Sample half-elven first names include both styles: Algar, Dewey, Fintik, Janet, and Osharia. 

Last Name Conventions: Again, this is a mix of Faninite and elven traditions. When it comes to bestowing a name on a half-elven child, the parents choose a name that combines their two traditions, but then on the half-elf's 5th birthday, they are asked to revisit their name--would they like to change it? By means of this tradition, half-elves are allowed to choose how they represent themselves, either by conforming to local standards or representing oneself as an individual. Sample half-elven last names include Yarborough, Topperill, Tanner, Biquinial, and Holcomb. 

Nickname Conventions: Half-elves borrow more from Faninites in terms of nickname customs; most half-elves have a small collection of nicknames by the time they become adults. The modern elven tradition is included as well, and the standard formula for a half-elven nickname is [shortened version of the first name] + [an honorific title]. A sample in this style for a talented young baker named Priscilla might be "Pris, Grand Architect of Cakes." 
Sample Names: Webster Xan, Edmund Biriel, Ivell Cardham, Haleira Yamhill, Valerie Orson

Cultural Titles: The taste for honorific nicknames affects cultural titles; any half-elf who attains a role of even moderate importance in their community is usually given a nickname by the half-elves around them. Half-elves are more broad and less selective about what roles serve society than elves, so these titles can honor even the smallest roles. A sample title for a dedicated schoolteacher might be nerill tydam scintis, or "Farmer of the Mind of the Future."

Civic Titles:  There is no official half-elven government in existence in Evanoch, but due to their skills at diplomacy, many half-elves are in important positions. So while there is no term for a specific leader in half-elven culture, the general term tiellen, or "Conductor," functions to acknowledge the position, but without placing undue seriousness on the term, as half-elves are far less friendly to hierarchy than their elven parents. 

Halflings

First Name Conventions: In the lore of Dungeons & Dragons, halflings are a reinterpretations of Tolkein's hobbits. In my world, though, halflings are more enterprising than hobbits, and halflings are also a matriarchal society in my world. So I wanted my halflings to feel distinct from hobbits. And so instead of the hobbit's naming conventions, my halflings have a formula that recalls the dwarves: [traditional English first name] + [an everyday item]. So the halflings' first names are similar to human and dwarven names, but with the addition that the first names be slightly less common names. Some sample halfling first names would be Kirk, Josephine, Augustana, Abner, and Felix. 

Last Name Conventions: The last name of a halfling is an everyday item, something common. But it's not just a random item; halflings are raised solely by their mothers and are given a unique last name on their first birthday that reflects an everyday object that inspired wonder in the halfling as an infant. So some sample halfling last names would be Glass, Loom, Cuff, Bluebottle, or Tealeaf. 

Nickname Conventions: Halflings are pretty easygoing about nicknames; if they are given one, they will answer to it, but it is unlikely that they tell others about this nickname. Some halflings who have lost the wonder at the item they were named for will elect to go by a new item; Josephine Glass, no longer enticed by the shine of a perfectly smooth surface, goes by "Lock" when they become transfixed by the lock's intricate mechanisms. Halflings themselves never bestow nicknames on others, mostly because they understand the fickleness of nicknames and wouldn't place others in that position. 
Sample Names: Lisa Keyhole, Tabitha Tealeaf, Clover Loom, Felix Manykeys, Ralph Warmpipe

Cultural Titles: Halfling society is incredibly individualistic; the halfling capital of Curagon is a massive anarchistic collection of people who live as though no one else shared their space. As a result, honoring specific people with special titles simply does not happen. Cultural leaders are referred to by their first names. One small exception is in the field of music; halfling music is the most inventive and wild of all the cultures' music, and halflings who prize a specific musician may refer to them as ringert, or "Little God"--a reference to the otherworldly control over sound that these musicians display. 

Civic Titles:  Because halflings have no government and actively resist hierarchy, there are no civic titles in the halfling culture. However, halflings who try to establish governmental or otherwise controlling entities are known derisively by other halflings as gorin, or "Misguided Fool." 

Gnomes

First Name Conventions: When I was first getting into D&D about 15 years ago, I read that gnomes collect a variety of names over their lifetimes, and that many of these names were silly-sounding. I was inspired. Gnomes quickly became one of my favorite groups to play as both player and DM, and when I established the naming conventions in my world, I simply had to keep this fun detail. So, according to gnomish custom, gnomes are given names regularly and by a variety of people. The gnomish sense of humor dictates that silly-sounding names are among the most prized. So gnomish first (and last, and middle) names are either strange sounds or nonsense words. (These are the most fun to come up with.) Sample first names for gnomes include Melodrome, Tinktink, Quilp, Mimble, and Arcwitz. 

Last Name Conventions: Gnomish last names are basically the same as gnomish first names, but I do try to make it so that the first and last name work together to be sillier than the sum of the parts. Above, I used the example name "Melodrome," which I thought needed a similarly bouncy and nonsensical counterpart; the last name I chose for "Melodrome" is "Boddynock," which I think has a nice ring to it. Similarly, the name "Arcwitz" needs something especially silly to balance out the cool-sounding first name; this character's full name is "Arcwitz Jellyroll." Other gnomish last names include (Tinktink) Clicksteel, (Quilp) Wobblebonk, and (Mimble) Ladlesworth. 

Nickname Conventions: Gnomes collect nicknames like a magpie collects shiny things. Not only are gnomes given a name each by their mother, father, siblings, aunts and uncles, grandparents, friends, coworkers, and partners, gnomes will adopt any strange name they think up, hear, or are called by relative strangers. It is not uncommon for a gnome to have upwards of 20 names, all of which they regularly use; gnomes employ certain nicknames depending on the situation and their mood. Close gnomish friends might have as many as five nicknames for each other or more; it all depends on the particular disposition of the gnome in question. Among gnomes, introducing oneself with up to 10 names is expected, and gnomes sometimes get into informal competitions to see who has the most names or the strangest names. Most gnomes provide only two names to fit in with the other races' naming conventions, but some stubborn gnomes will list more than a dozen names just to mess with non-gnomes. 
Sample Names: Haftra Fiskinspark, Gorbulus Boffins, Dimly Sadpockets, Trifffft Penderflerflur, Darcy Fortypigs

Cultural Titles: There are far too many titles in gnomish culture to count. Any individual rank might be referred to be a score of different names, often causing confusion to those who are not well-versed in gnomish naming conventions. The one title that is common enough to mention is a special honorific for inventors who have changed the world in some way through their inventions: wielinack, or "Manipulator of Matter," is a term of extreme status and is not used lightly. 

Civic Titles:  There is a specialized title for every rank within the densely hierarchical structure of gnomish government. The gnomes in my world have a sense of order and structure that is represented in government; they live in a democratic socialist society, and there is a system of power that includes a variety of ranks. The gnomish capital of Vestry is organized into sixteen sectors (in a large square shape), which creates four quadrants and one whole. Thus, the leaders of the sixteen sectors are referred to as xintash, or "Mayor." The leaders of the four quadrants are called perinsh, or "Governor." The leader of the whole of the gnomish capital is called snirj, or "Lord." 

Orcs 

First Name Conventions: Orcs, with their focus on actions over words, are often quiet in conversation, speaking only when action is called for. I interpreted this to mean that the orcish language is rough, guttural, and sharp. To that extent, the names of orcs are short words, mostly intimidating sounds. Linguistically, the orcish language is rich in Rs and Ts, which create a sense of sharply-spoken language. So the orcs in my world end up having first names like Trall, Ruk, Grat, Rilka, and Lazgar. 

Last Name Conventions: Orcish last names follow the same pattern as first names: short, sharp words. But while the first names of orcs are normally only a syllable (maybe two) long, their last names are a bit longer, which I used because I figured family names would be more distinct than first names. Orcish parents traditionally engage in a sparring match just after the child is born; the victor decides which of their last names passes on to the orcish child. Oftentimes, this sparring match is only a formality, as most modern orcs pass down the name of the more well-known of the parents. A few example last names for orcs would be Frenk, Dugorim, Ragash, Lagahk, and Bagdurash. 

Nickname Conventions: It is tradition in orcish society to gain a manner of nickname--an honorific of combat prowess--at the age of 16, when they enter adolescence. This honorific title is called grountin, or "Battle Face." Typically, a young orc spars against either a parent or other caretaker/mentor, and their actions become the source of a new grountin. Even if the young orc does poorly in the fight, they are rewarded with a name that honors what they did well. A formidable orc might have a grountinlike ruktin, or "Fearless"; an orc who performed less well in the fight might have a grountin like turrak, or "Cautious." These nicknames are worn as a badge of pride and are considered to foretell the future of the orc who has been bestowed the name. These nicknames are generally not shared outside of orcish society, as orcs recognize that the other races do not understand the cultural implications of it. 
Sample Names: Globat Borbal, Ghorza Rulfim, Shadbak Uloth, Grat Sharn, Lazgar Mazoga

Cultural Titles: Standard cultural roles like educator, religious representative, and artist are not particularly prized in orcish society, so those roles don't receive titles. But leaders of military forces and the role of village wise woman are honored. Orcish military groups don't follow a regimented structure; rather, there is one leader for each distinct group of troops, each of whom answer to the political leader of the group (who also serves as a kind of General of the army). The unit leaders are called kurak, or "arm," and the overall group leader is called ragtin, or "head," assuming that leader is not also the leader of orcish society known as Ragnar, or "supreme." The wise woman, who assists a clan's ragtin in a fairly equal role, is known as curtran, or "heart." In ascending order of respect paid, an orc might refer to one of these cultural leaders by their first name, their full name, their title, or their title and their last name. 

Civic Titles:  As described above, most of the leadership responsibilities in orcish society are the domain of the military leaders and the wise woman. For orcs who live in the orcish capital of Kruush on the island of Grob, ultimate fealty is paid to the Ragnar, whose clan tends to the other lesser clans on the island. The Ragnar is treated with great respect, but not necessarily deference; it is a cultural staple for orcs that anyone can challenge the Ragnar to a fair fight at any time to take the throne from them. In modern times, these challenges are less common, as orcs have tried to collectively mobilize against the other more imperialistic. 

There you have it: a breakdown of all the naming conventions and titles in the gameworld, as well as information on titles and honorifics that reveals the cultural customs of the people in the gameworld. This information lets me come up with NPCs with interesting names by just following my formula, and the details that come out of paying close attention to names fills in interesting details about the world. So either load up the names I've included or set about making your own--just try to keep yourself from naming everyone in the world the same kind of thing. 

That's all for now. Coming soon: the value of adding individual intro sessions to your campaign's beginning, how to spice up generic enemies to enrich your encounters, and ideas for what to include in marketplaces in your gameworld. Until next time, happy gaming!

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