Drow Names

Drow, like their Elven cousins prefer names that flow off the tongue, however their names tend to have a harsher sound to them. One of the most common problems GMs and players alike have when playing non-human characters is naming them. Most non-human characters can’t be named from a list of historic names, forcing DMs to make up totally new names. It is difficult to come up with names that are appropriate for non-human characters and consistent with one another.

This is especially true for a GM who may find himself trying to come up with a large number of such names on short notice, yet without appropriate names, non-human characters often loose their unique flavor. Especially in the case of Drow, it is important that names represent and reflect the race’s special attitudes and philosophies

The drow name generator below has been presented to assist with this daunting task. Although this could not possibly represent all the possible names for a race as old and diverse as the Drow, this list can serve as a starting point and quick reference to create a large and consistent list of names.

How it Works: Each Drow name consists of a prefix (from Table 2) and one or more suffixes (from Table 3),and then a house name consisting of a prefix (from table 4) and one or more suffixes (from table 5). Definitions have been included in these tables to help determine what a name means once it has been generated. In the case of suffixes, male and female endings have been included where appropriate. Alternate spellings have also been provided in some cases.

You may randomly generate an Drow name by rolling on Table 1. If you prefer, it is also possible to pick a set of definitions you like and assemble the name that matches them. If your character is a Wizard who is fond of spiders, you might decide her name should reflect this. Looking at the definitions, you decide her name will mean “Spider-Mage.” This results in the name “G’eldriina" or “G'eldree.”

If you don’t like a particular combination, try some of the alternate suffixes listed, or add an “a,” “e,” “i,” “l,” “r,” “s,” “sh,” or an apostrophe. Although not every combination of prefixes and suffixes will sound right, usually only a minor change is called for. If you can’t make a particular name work, try one with a similar meaning. If you didn’t like “G’eldriina,” try a name that means “Spider-Sister” instead. If you have randomly generated a name and don’t like it’s definition, try altering the order of the words. It is also possible to use the definition as just a starting place for the name’s meaning. Often the definitions can be combined in a poetic way for better results. In the case of a three or more syllable name, try dropping one or more of the definitions.

Table 1 (D10)

Table 2 - Prefixes (D100)

Table 3 - Suffixes (D100)

Table 4 - House Name Prefixes(D100)

Table 5 - House Name Suffixes (D100)