D&D NPC Name Generator

• •NPC names should be easy for players to remember and pronounce
• •Match names to the NPC's role: formal for nobles, simple for commoners
• •Consider using occupational surnames (Baker, Smith, Cartwright)
• •Recurring NPCs deserve more distinctive names than one-time encounters
• •Regional naming conventions help establish different cultural areas
• •Humorous names work for lighthearted NPCs but use sparingly
• •Important NPCs might have titles, nicknames, or epithets
• •Keep a consistent naming style within families or organizations
• •Write down NPC names immediately - players will ask again

NPC names serve as anchors for player memory and world-building tools for DMs. Unlike player characters who might have elaborate backstories justifying complex names, NPCs need names that quickly convey information about their role, social status, and memorability. Shopkeepers often have occupational surnames that help players remember what they sell. Tavern owners frequently have nicknames that match their establishment's character. Noble NPCs carry names suggesting their station, often with multiple parts and titles. Criminal NPCs might use aliases exclusively. In different cultural regions, naming patterns shift to help players recognize when they've entered new territories. The best NPC names strike a balance between being distinctive enough to remember but simple enough to not overshadow player characters. DMs often develop personal naming conventions: using real-world inspirations from specific cultures, maintaining lists of pre-generated names, or creating names that hint at NPC secrets or plot relevance.