OneTaskBy Tim King · Updated
Dwarvish Name Generator
Norse-Sounding Dwarf Names With Fathers, Houses and Halls
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How the Tolkien-style Dwarvish Name Generator works
A dwarvish name generator in the style of Tolkien's dwarves. Names like Brór son of Náli and Dwalin Stonehelm follow the pattern of The Hobbit, with Norse-sounding outer names, a father's name, a mountain hall or a byname like Oakenshield. Choose a form and gender and generate a whole company.
How the dwarvish name generator works
Tolkien took most of his dwarf names, Thorin, Dwalin, Fíli, Kíli, Óin, Glóin, Dáin, from the Dvergatal, a list of dwarves in the Old Norse poem Völuspá. The names are short, one or two syllables, often with a long vowel marked by an accent, and many rhyme within a family. The generator builds names from the same Norse sound, then adds one of three things dwarves use: a father's name, a home hall, or a byname earned in battle or craft.
Outer names and secret names
In Tolkien, dwarves never reveal their true names, which are in Khuzdul, their secret language. The names they use among others are outer names borrowed from the Men of the north, which is why they sound Norse. Their women were rarely seen by outsiders and often mistaken for men, and only one, Dís, is named in the books. The generator's female names follow the same short Norse pattern.
Using the names
These names suit fan fiction, Lord of the Rings tabletop games and any setting with Norse-style dwarves. For general fantasy dwarves with clans and craft names, see the dwarf name page. This site is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.
FAQ
Where do Tolkien's dwarf names come from?
Almost all come from the Völuspá, an Old Norse poem that lists the names of dwarves, including Durin, Thorin, Fili, Kili, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Nori and Gandalf. Tolkien borrowed them for The Hobbit and later explained them as outer names used in place of secret Khuzdul names.
What do the accents in dwarf names mean?
The acute accent marks a long vowel, so Náli is pronounced nah-lee. Tolkien used it in both Norse-derived and Elvish names. It does not change the meaning of the name, and you can drop it if your text does not support accented letters.
Are there female dwarf names in Tolkien?
Only one: Dís, sister of Thorin and mother of Fíli and Kíli. Tolkien wrote that dwarf women were few, rarely travelled and looked much like the men. The generator gives short Norse names in the same style for female dwarves.
Can I use these names in a published game?
Generated names built from Old Norse sounds are safe to use. Avoid Tolkien's own named characters and places in commercial work, since those are protected. The Norse dwarf names themselves come from a medieval poem that is in the public domain.
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