400+ Powerful Drow Names for Your Next D&D Campaign

Drow are the dark elves of Dungeons and Dragons, dwelling in the shadowy depths of the Underdark. Their society thrives on chaos, ruled by priestesses devoted to Lolth, the spider goddess.

In drow culture, names carry immense significance. They reveal noble bloodlines, hint at divine blessings, and showcase skills honed in the darkness. Whether you’re crafting a renegade drow hero or building an Underdark city, these 400+ names will bring your dark elf characters to life.

Understanding Drow Naming Conventions

Drow language features distinct sounds that set it apart from surface elf dialects.

Common phonetic elements include “ae,” “il,” and “zz” combinations. These create a musical yet menacing quality when spoken aloud.

Names typically begin with prefixes like “Jharl” or “Qil.” Female names often end in “arra” while male names conclude with “in.”

Noble houses attach family surnames to personal names. Think Jarlaxle Baenre or Drizzt Do’Urden. Commoners use simpler, shorter names without house affiliations.

Each Underdark city develops unique naming patterns. A matron mother from Menzoberranzan sounds different from warriors of distant drow settlements.

Understanding these patterns helps create authentic dark elf names for your fantasy worldbuilding.

Popular D&D Drow Names

These legendary names shaped drow lore across the Forgotten Realms.

Name	Meaning
Zaknafein	A weapons master whose blade skills became legendary throughout the Underdark
Drizzt	The renegade drow ranger who abandoned Lolth and chose his own path
Jarlaxle	Cunning mercenary leader known for impossible schemes and brilliant strategies
Vierna	A priestess whose devotion to the spider goddess never wavered
Triel	Her name became synonymous with political survival in drow society
Rizzen	Common among male consorts who serve powerful matriarchs
Malice	A matron mother whose cruelty defined her house’s reputation
Dinin	Perfect for assassins who strike from shadows without warning
Bregan	Famous mercenary company built on blood and betrayal
Gromph	Archmage whose magical knowledge surpassed all rivals in Menzoberranzan
Quenthel	High priestess wielding both divine power and serpent whips
Sos’Umptu	Her unwavering faith in Lolth’s teachings set her apart
Maya	Embodies the dark beauty prized in shadow elf culture
Faeryl	Masters the art of subtle poison and quiet elimination
Veldrin	Common alias for drow operating in surface lands
Ilnezhara	Skilled weaver of lies and political manipulation
Kyorli	Known for swift, efficient kills without hesitation
Pharaun	Charm masks deadly intentions in every conversation
Yvonnel	Reserved for ancient matriarchs blessed by Lolth herself
Lolth	The spider goddess who commands absolute devotion
Kelnozz	Bears the blessing of shadow and divine favor
Belgos	Hunts for weaknesses in enemies with predatory precision
Masoj	Practices forbidden magic beyond normal drow limits
Menzoberranzan	The great drow city of intricate webs and schemes
Rilrae	Combines grace and death into a single art form
Shar	Goddess of loss whose worship spreads through drow clans
Talona	Mistress of disease and spreading corruption
Viconia	Beautiful exile who survived banishment from her house
Waerva	Trades in secrets and hidden knowledge
Xullrae	Claims deep connection to primordial darkness itself
Alton	Noble blood couldn’t save him from exile
Berellip	Ambitious matron constantly seeking greater power
Dhaunae	Strikes from concealment with hidden blades
Elkantar	Proves mastery through bloodshed and conquest
Felyndiira	Commands spiders and claims Lolth’s special favor
Ghaunadaur	Ancient deity lurking in Underdark depths
Houndaer	Pursues prey with relentless determination
Irae	Priestess wielding transformation magic
Jhulae	Manipulates fate through divine power
Kharza	Silent stalker moving through cavern darkness
Lirdnolu	Serves as spy with many watching eyes
Mez’Barris	Blessed by chaotic forces of the Abyss
Naralis	Whispers to souls and commands the dead
Omareth	Preserves ancient lore in hidden libraries
Phaere	Perfect blend of beauty and lethal danger

Random Drow Name Ideas

These diverse names reflect the complex culture of dark elf society.

Name	Meaning
Xun’raen	Born from shadow silk, destined for priesthood glory
Tluth’indo	Strikes unseen, leaving no evidence behind
Kren’fein	Hidden blade revealing itself only when striking
Yaz’rila	Masters the art of turning allies against each other
Mol’thir	Poison flows through veins and personality alike
Erel’zess	Creates destiny unbound by traditional chains
Dhur’vantae	Guards forbidden magic from deepest Underdark regions
Nas’lira	Dances with shadows, moving through rival houses
Tar’assyl	Hunts surface dwellers for slaves and glory
Quev’drim	Collects souls through necromantic power
Ixz’intrin	Interprets Lolth’s will and manipulates fate
Wel’ther	Protected by darkness itself, blessed spiritually
Ul’nira	Finds artistic perfection in the act of killing
Ssapriina	Carries both deadly venom and Lolth’s blessing
Dhaunin	Moves with grace and stealth through darkness
Ryltar	Serves deities beyond Lolth in dangerous secrecy
Vorn’waethe	Places personal gain above all sworn oaths
Zez’kai	Maintains many schemes and hidden daggers
T’risstin	Embraces chaos while claiming philosophical consistency
Kyorl	Guards knowledge too dangerous for most drow
Amal’det	Takes artistic pleasure in torture techniques
Baragh	Weaves nightmares through illusion and psychology
Carrath	Thrives on suffering inflicted upon others
Duskryn	Born between light and dark, walks both worlds
Everhate	Fueled by eternal grudges against surface races
Fey’ri	Mixed blood brings power from multiple sources
Glannath	Communicates with demons from the Abyss
Hunzrin	Wields disease as weapon and art form
Illiam	Survived violent purges within noble houses
Jhalavar	Maintains vast knowledge of deadly poisons
Khalazza	Creates intricate traps like Lolth’s own webs
Lodias	Controls the crucial slave economy of drow cities
Melarn	Ancient house blood predating current powers
Noquar	Shows no mercy in any circumstance
Oloth	Connected to eternal darkness before all life
Pharn	Preserves magic from thousands of years past
Quarval	Speaks poison and makes promises that entrap
Rilyntlar	Skilled enough to serve multiple competing masters
Ssinjin	Commands spiders through Lolth’s sacred connection
Tuin	Dedicated to vengeance for perceived wrongs
Uthegentel	Creates false realities through masterful illusions
Vrinn	Takes pride in causing pain and suffering
Xarann	Sees omens and signs invisible to others
Yauntyrr	Remembers forbidden histories noble houses buried
Zeerith	Descended from original drow who followed Lolth

Short Drow Names

Brief but powerful names favored by drow warriors and assassins.

Name	Meaning
Xas	Affirms dedication to darkness and drow values
Driz	Swift hunter prized among scouts
Jhem	Silent killer eliminating targets without trace
Ryl	Moves with stealth and grace combined
Sorn	Expert with poisons and toxic substances
Vyk	Delivers the deadly strike with precision
Nym	Disappears even within shadowy drow cities
Quil	Masters toxins that kill slowly and untraceably
Zek	Values efficiency in quick elimination
Kez	Drinks blood or consumes enemy essence
Tir	Born during significant eclipse events
Lan	Creates complex social or literal traps
Mel	Comfortable in deepest shadows where others fear
Xar	Traverses void spaces between worlds
Bel	Finds artistic perfection in killing
Dak	Appears harmless until the moment of striking
Ilm	Claims mastery over arcane secrets
Vor	Betrays oaths when advantageous
Wod	Straightforward in causing pain to enemies
Nez	Achieves complete invisibility through skill
Phar	Values arcane talent over physical strength
Szor	Connected to Lolth’s sacred spiders
Ulv	Adopts pack hunting from surface predators
Teb	Guards secrets for noble house employers
Riz	Survives through intelligence and cunning
Ghau	Claims lineage from primordial entities
Fel	Embraces resentment toward surface dwellers
Dhag	Eliminates enemies with efficient throat cuts
Mez	Curses enemies with harmful verbal magic
Eir	Practices dangerous blood magic disciplines
Alv	Wears exile status as badge of honor
Khal	Touched by void beyond normal space
Orvn	Knows Underdark terrain for hunting prey
Yorn	Claims power over life essence itself
Hasz	Strikes before enemies can defend themselves
Faz	Claims loyalty while anticipating betrayal
Gin	Creates complex poisonous substances
Lirr	Combines art and death in perfect execution
Nyx	Connected to shadows untouched by light
Pyn	Navigates Lolth’s web without becoming prey
Sek	Masters soundless elimination in echoing caves
Taz	Moves between shadows supernaturally
Vuz	Delivers toxins with every weapon strike
Wyr	Manipulates destiny through arcane means

Enigmatic Drow Names

Mysterious names hinting at powers beyond ordinary understanding.

Name	Meaning
Ilpharn’dra	Masters reality-altering magic and possibility
Zeph’riya	Hears messages from other planes of existence
Nys’andran	Guards paradoxical knowledge that shouldn’t exist
Quor’dissolve	Unmakes established truths and creates chaos
Vren’detta	Embodies retribution for ancient wrongs
Olparan	Represents unsolvable questions and paradoxes
Kez’lahyl	Navigates and manipulates dreams and nightmares
Dhal’xukuth	Drains fundamental essence from living beings
Yegg’moth	Pursues entities too strange to classify
Zin’dareth	Remains eternally mysterious even to themselves
Vex’ahlia	Walks between shadows in impossible spaces
Thorn’ian	Contains portion of primordial darkness within
Ravyn’wrath	Harbors reality-warping anger beyond comprehension
Izen’neth	Exists partially in another dimension always
Umbra’zhan	Traverses emptiness between worlds successfully
Xyl’randir	Serves incomprehensible goals and purposes
Eth’rielle	Pursues wisdom banned by all authorities
Arachnia	Sees through countless perspectives simultaneously
Baenre’zahn	Guards ancestral secrets from earliest drow days
Cryptra	Bears identity concealed from even themselves
Duskwalker	Exists in twilight between light and darkness
Entropy	Embodies universal principle of decay
Fatespinner	Alters outcomes through subtle influence
Gloomweaver	Crafts despair like an artisan crafts weapons
Halueth	Preserves knowledge deliberately erased from history
Ithrandil	Maintains ancient pacts with primordial entities
Jalynfein	Practices suppressed magic from forgotten eras
Kryn’desh	Transformed beyond normal drow limitations
Lolthlorn	Bears direct mark of spider goddess attention
Mizzrym	Descended from first drow in unbroken line
Nightseer	Prophesies from patterns within darkness itself
Obsidian	Forged in deepest Underdark where none venture
Phantasm	Suggests reality is mere illusion hiding truth
Quavein	Reveals information that disrupts established power
Reverie	Sees possible futures during trance states
Shadowmind	Consciousness partially exists within shadow realm
Twilightfall	Exists in multiple states simultaneously
Umbral	Born from shadow rather than flesh
Voidtouch	Changed forever by contact with absolute emptiness
Whisperdeath	Brings end so subtle victims don’t realize
Xeridian	Present in multiple dimensions at once
Zinnoveigne	Perceives hidden order within apparent chaos

Unique Drow Names

Distinctive names that separate individuals from typical dark elves.

Name	Meaning
Thresh’lorath	Dares to defy the Spider Queen openly
Ix’annareth	Born during rare surface eclipse
Vex’alia	Questions traditions others accept blindly
Zin’anthil	Touched by surface light without burning
Myr’lokur	Forms alliances with unlikely companions
Taerl’geth	Survived death and returned changed
Jhulxiir	Passed trials without receiving scars
Khal’abbil	Trusted despite history of betrayal
Bel’la’rin	Finds beauty specifically in bloodshed
Uln’hyrr	Outlived multiple house wars intact
Ryltar’zel	Escaped from altar sacrifice alive
Zez’kai’ten	Formed from living shadow substance
Dhab’roth	Redeemed through compassion shown
Illiam’zek	Chose exile rather than forced
Miz’ral	Refuses to follow drow traditions
Aiden’zen	Blessed by deities foreign to Underdark
Ulfen’zha	Half-blood claiming princely status
Vhon’dre	Born under strange stellar alignment
Kyrl’zir	Communicates with stone and earth
Dhal’vos	Embodies contradictions in single soul
Abyssal	Raised by demons in planar depths
Bloodmoon	Born during surface world ritual
Chaosspark	Manifested from wild magic surge
Demonbane	Specialized in slaying fiendish creatures
Eclipse	Hidden even from darkness itself
Fireheart	Warm emotions rare among cold drow
Godslayer	Challenged divine beings and survived
Heretix	Questions dogma others worship blindly
Ironfang	Metal teeth replace natural ones
Jewelspider	Combines deadly beauty perfectly
Kinslayer	Executed own family members
Liminal	Exists between all known worlds
Moonshadow	Touched by surface night sky
Neverbend	Remained unbroken through torture
Oathkeeper	Rare honest drow who keeps promises
Pathfinder	Creates new ways forward
Quicksilver	Changes mind and strategy constantly
Runecarver	Writes entirely new magical systems
Stargazer	Dreams of reaching surface permanently
Truthsayer	Speaks facts others hide
Unbowed	Never submitted to Lolth’s will
Voidwalker	Travels between different realities
Wintertouched	Cold as surface snow and ice
Xenolith	Different from all surrounding drow
Yearnheart	Seeks something beyond current existence

Fierce Drow Names

Battle-hardened names inspiring fear across the Underdark.

Name	Meaning
Vith’ralas	Killed over thousand enemies personally
Khal’zarr	Wields blade that never dulls or breaks
Drach’nyen	Drains souls from dying victims
Tiz’vi	Executed entire noble houses alone
Xun’thil	Shows no mercy in claiming victory
Mazz’lorath	Bathes in blood of fallen enemies
Bar’garius	Single-handedly broke opposing armies
Vrinn’sharess	Matron of slaughter and massacre
Kazzak’tul	Commands demon legions in battle
Ul’rath	Pure wrath given physical form
Goroth’thil	Collection of skulls numbers thousands
Daeith’rak	Champion inspiring dread in opponents
Zar’kess	Whispers terror into enemy hearts
Mael’goth	Hurricane of blood across battlefield
Thaz’ril	Strikes with venomous precision
Slaag’nethra	Fury none can stand against
Vrag’koth	Nightmare haunting every battlefield
Dhur’vhilor	Takes final breath from dying foes
Nex’arius	Shadow of death following enemies
Zin’tal	Hunts without fear or hesitation
Annihilator	Erases enemies from existence completely
Bloodfang	Fangs forever stained with gore
Cruelblade	Sword designed for maximum suffering
Dreadlord	Master of inspiring absolute fear
Executrix	Ends entire dynasties with precision
Flaytongue	Torturer whose skill brings pride
Goreclaw	Claws tear through flesh effortlessly
Hellreaver	Carves through demons like paper
Ironwrath	Fury that never bends or breaks
Judgement	Delivers final reckoning to enemies
Killqueen	Mistress ruling through slaughter
Lifetaker	Harvests souls like crops
Malevolence	Cruelty embodied in single being
Nemesis	Doom none can escape
Oppressor	Crushes will before crushing bodies
Painbringer	Artist specializing in suffering
Queenslayer	Topples matriarchs from power
Ravager	Devastation walking in drow form
Skullreaper	Trophy collection grows endlessly
Tormentor	Master of prolonged suffering
Unforgiving	Remembers every slight forever
Venomfist	Every punch delivers poison
Warmonger	Creates conflict wherever traveling
Xenocide	Eliminates entire bloodlines systematically
Yearsorrow	Revenge planned over decades

Fantasy Drow Names

Names capturing the magical essence of dark elf culture.

Name	Meaning
Xilvyre	Silver shadow dancing in darkness
Talanastri	Graceful dancer among Lolth’s spiders
Elnira	Blessed by moonlight filtering underground
Jhaelyth	Whispers secrets none should know
Zaefyn	Walks between material and shadow planes
Quavyrth	Silent blade striking without warning
Phaeqirelle	Master weaver of convincing illusions
Nathrae	Beloved among Lolth’s chosen priestesses
Iymril	Child born from ancient magic
Kelnozz	Wields shadowflame in battle
Vornae	Preserves lore deliberately forgotten
Talindra	Huntress moving with perfect grace
Ryltar	Vision pierces absolute darkness
Milifae	Poison gentle as loving touch
Indar	Strategist outthinking all opponents
Jhulora	Priestess serving twilight between worlds
Zezdrin	Knows every hidden path underground
Malaggar	Conquers enemies through superior tactics
Ulvira	Dances with daggers in deadly ballet
Rauvaen	Blood flows from ancient sources
Thalynne	Voice whispers from the void
Xullrae	Divine darkness flows through veins
Faeryl	Amber eyes see through deception
Valreece	Keeps oaths even when costly
Dhaunae	Brings nightmares to waking world
Sornae	Watches silently from shadows
Belaern	Cunning matches Lolth’s sacred spiders
Filraena	Sings songs forbidden by priesthood
Jhaeldrin	Shadow that hunts living prey
Vesryn	Maintains nobility despite exile
Amalica	Weaves fate like spider webs
Triel	Daughter of pure ambition
Ryleth	Soul eternally bound to darkness
Halisstra	Questions faith despite consequences
Minolin	Collects beauty in all forms
Zebeyana	Bears wisdom from ancient times
Quarra	Guards family secrets jealously
Viconia	Wanders between different worlds
Ssapriina	Smile hides deadly venom
Jarlaxle	Defies tradition at every turn

Dark Drow Names

Names embodying the cruelty of shadow elf society.

Name	Meaning
Malagdor	Brings terror wherever traveling
Szithlin	Devours souls of defeated enemies
Vornoth	Slays surface dwellers without mercy
Krenaste	Drinks blood from fresh kills
Dhaunyl	Whispers madness into vulnerable minds
Drada	Shows mercy to absolutely none
T’risstin	Betrays even closest kin
Khalazza	Venom concentrated in darkness
Ghaunador	Maintains torture chambers personally
Rizzen	Serves power without question
Xarann	Walks through void between planes
Sorndar	Casts nightmares upon sleeping victims
Zeknar	Breaks spirits before bodies
Urlvyn	Collects screams like treasures
Malice	Born from concentrated hatred
Quildra	Feeds on fear like sustenance
Drisinil	Weaves treachery into every action
Alak	Shadow serving the executioner
Houndaer	Hunts weakness in all creatures
Belgos	Trades in slaves and suffering
Shar’Adana	Priestess devoted to pain
Szith	Consumes souls for power
Myr’Nael	Brings despair to hopeful hearts
Triel	Manipulates fate itself
Ryltar	Seeks vengeance eternally
Kiaran	Blade hidden in darkest shadow
Pellanistra	Mistress of deadly poisons
Dhaunilir	Lord commanding all shadows
Yauntyrr	Harvests suffering like crops
Ilmryn	Blood fuels magical power
Velkyn	Master wielding punishment whip
Tsabrak	Reaps life from living beings
Quarra	Feeds on betrayal and treachery
Nadal	Harbinger announcing death’s arrival
Kyrnill	Weaves deceit into truth
Zaknafein	Kills with rare mercy
Faeryl	Commands assassin networks
Malagdor	Speaks with voices from void
Xullyin	Collects souls in magical containers
Barrison	Bears endless hatred in heart

Drow Female Names

Names for priestesses, matriarchs, and female warriors.

Name	Character Type
Qilue	High Priestess of Lolth
Mynara	Noble house matriarch
Shurdra	Spider goddess devotee
Pellanista	Assassin guild mistress
Chalithra	Arcane spell caster
Eclara	House weapon master
Valysse	Slave overseer
Nhilara	Poison crafter
Drisinya	Political schemer
Talindra	Surface world raider
Liriel	Renegade seeking freedom
Shynala	Temple guardian
Caelynna	Illusion specialist
Ilvara	Prison warden
Qilafae	Merchant noble
Briza	Firstborn daughter
Shakti	Rival house spy
Jhaulyn	Consort keeper
Nedylene	Sacrificial priestess
Ulvira	Demon summoner
Ginafae	Web weaver
Talice	Blood mage
Nhilrae	Soul harvester
Vlondril	Shadow dancer
Chalithra	Battle mistress
Mylarae	Torture specialist
Shalrissa	Prophecy reader
Talvrae	Slave trader
Filraena	Forbidden singer
Yathtallar	High commander
Zesstra	Darkness wielder
Pelyra	House betrayer
Chalice	Venom mistress
Vlondryl	Night hunter
Byrtyn	Pain devotee
Rhylaun	Void speaker
Shurdra	Fear bringer
Ilivarra	Fate manipulator
Nathyrra	Hidden dagger
Maelrossa	Chaos priestess

Drow Male Names

Names for warriors, wizards, and male drow characters.

Name	Character Type
Valas	Master scout
Ryld	Weapon master
Pharaun	Archmage wizard
Kelnozz	House guard
Dantrag	Elite warrior
Solaufein	Palace guard
Uthegental	Warrior champion
Nimor	Mercenary leader
Jeggred	Half-demon fighter
Berg’inyon	Second son warrior
Brack’thal	Failed wizard
Tsabrak	Assassin blade
Geremis	Spy master
Malaggar	Raid commander
Horroodissomoth	Drider outcast
Gelroos	Merchant trader
Kaanyr	Warlord leader
Danifae	Surface guide
Halisstra	Faith questioner
Werryn	Street fighter
Jaraxle	Mercenary genius
Belgos	Slave master
Jarlaxle	Cunning trickster
Alton	Exiled noble
Masoj	Forbidden mage
Dinin	Secret assassin
Zaknafen	Honorable blade
Nalfein	Sacrificed son
Vierna	Temple devoted
Malice	House mother
Berg’inyon	Weapon captain
Dantrag	Deadly duelist
Pharaun	Spell master
Ryld	Blade expert
Valas	Shadow scout
Horrood	Transformed drider
Jeggred	Demon spawn
Nimor	Tactical genius
Geremis	Information broker
Kaanyr	Territory warlord

Drow Noble House Names

Great houses ruling drow cities across the Underdark.

House Baenre – Most powerful family in Menzoberranzan for millennia.

House Do’Urden – Noble house destroyed through internal betrayal.

House Barrison Del’Armgo – Second house challenging Baenre supremacy constantly.

House Faen Tlabbar – Third house maintaining careful political balance.

House Xorlarrin – Magical expertise defines their power base.

House Oblodra – Psionic abilities before their destruction.

House Vandree – Rising through calculated assassinations.

House Hunzrin – Ancient bloodline with fading power.

House Mizzrym – Merchant princes controlling trade routes.

House Agrach Dyrr – Arcane mastery and forbidden knowledge.

House Melarn – Religious devotion to spider goddess.

House Kenafin – Military strength and warrior tradition.

House Fey-Branche – Alliance builders and diplomats.

House Symryvvin – Poison crafters and alchemists.

House Despana – Expansionist raiders and conquerors.

House Nasadra – Information brokers and spies.

House Teken’duis – Demon summoners and binders.

House Druu’giir – Underground architects and builders.

House Zauvirr – Recent risers through bold schemes.

House Srune’lett – Temple servants and priestess trainers.

How to Create Your Own Drow Names

Creating authentic drow character names requires understanding dark elf naming patterns.

Start with harsh consonants. Use sounds like “z,” “x,” “th,” and “dh” for menacing effects.

Add flowing vowels. Include “ae,” “ii,” and “ou” combinations for musical quality.

Consider gender patterns. Female names often end softer while male names use harder consonants.

Include apostrophes sparingly. They separate syllables but overuse looks artificial.

Think about social status. Noble houses use longer, complex names with family surnames.

Reflect character role. Assassin names sound different from priestess names naturally.

Quick Formula:

• Start: Harsh consonant (Z, X, Dh, Th, Kh)
• Middle: Vowel combination (ae, il, ou, yr)
• End: Gender marker (Female: -ra, -ssa, -ae / Male: -in, -ar, -us)
• Optional: House name for nobles

Example Process:

1. Choose starting sound: “Zal”
2. Add vowel blend: “Zalaer”
3. Gender ending: “Zalaerin” (male) or “Zalaera” (female)
4. Noble addition: “Zalaerin Xorlarrin”

Practice mixing sounds until names feel natural. Trust your instinct for what sounds authentically drow.

Drow Names by Role and Class

Different positions in drow society favor specific naming styles.

Priestess Names Religious titles often include references to Lolth or spiders.

• Ilharess (Mistress)
• Yathtallar (Battle-mistress)
• Lolthra (Spider blessed)
• Arachnia (Spider friend)

Assassin Names Short, sharp sounds suggest swift silent death.

• Zekrin (Quick blade)
• Nyzral (Shadow strike)
• Thilyx (Death whisper)
• Kilzarn (Silent end)

Wizard Names Complex names reflecting arcane knowledge.

• Pharendis (Spell weaver)
• Gromphal (Arcane master)
• Xylmoth (Void scholar)
• Quelzarn (Magic keeper)

Warrior Names Strong sounds conveying physical power.

• Uthgral (Sword bearer)
• Danthrax (Battle fury)
• Khalzor (Iron will)
• Vrakken (War bringer)

Merchant Names Smoother sounds suggesting diplomacy and trade.

• Mizzrin (Gold counter)
• Thalavas (Deal maker)
• Quelvos (Trade master)
• Nylmere (Coin keeper)

Drow City Names and Regional Variations

Different Underdark cities develop distinct naming conventions.

Menzoberranzan Style The most famous drow city uses elaborate multi-syllable names. Names here emphasize power and ancient bloodlines. Common elements include “zz,” “rr,” and “th” combinations.

Ched Nasad Patterns This fallen city favored shorter, sharper names. Names reflected their aggressive merchant culture. Quick sounds like “ch,” “k,” and “z” dominated.

Eryndlyn Names This chaotic city produces unusual name combinations. Multiple deity worship creates diverse naming styles. Names mix traditional drow sounds with foreign elements.

Sshamath Traditions The wizard city prefers complex arcane-sounding names. Magical academies influence naming conventions heavily. Names often include references to spells or magical concepts.

V’elddrinnsshar Style This militant outpost uses harsh warrior names. Names emphasize strength and battle prowess. Short, brutal sounds reflect their constant warfare.

Drow Names for NPCs and Campaign Characters

Creating memorable NPCs requires names that stick with players.

For Antagonists Choose names that sound threatening immediately. Harsh consonants and dark meanings work best. Examples: Vhaeraun, Kiaransalee, Ghaunadaur

For Allies Slightly softer sounds make friendlier impressions. Still maintain drow authenticity with proper phonetics. Examples: Solaufein, Valas, Liriel

For Merchants Names suggesting cunning and deal-making ability. Smoother flow implies diplomatic skills. Examples: Jarlaxle, Mizzrym, Thalavas

For Temple Servants Religious names referencing Lolth directly or indirectly. Include spider or web imagery in meanings. Examples: Arachnia, Lolthra, Qilafae

For Common Folk Shorter, simpler names without house affiliations. Still follow drow phonetic patterns authentically. Examples: Nym, Ryl, Kez, Tir

Understanding Drow Language and Phonetics

The drow language shapes how names sound and feel.

Drow evolved from ancient elven dialects. Surface elves speak melodious Elvish. Dark elves twisted those sounds into something darker.

Key Sound Patterns:

Hard consonants dominate drow speech. Letters like “z,” “x,” “k,” and “th” appear frequently.

Vowel combinations create flowing sections. Common pairs include “ae,” “il,” “ou,” and “yr.”

Apostrophes mark syllable breaks. They appear in longer names to aid pronunciation.

Double consonants add emphasis. “zz,” “rr,” and “ss” create harsing sounds.

Pronunciation Guide:

“Ae” sounds like “eye” in most contexts. “Il” produces “ill” or sometimes “eel.” “Th” always uses the hard sound. “X” typically sounds like “z” or “ks.” “Apostrophes” create brief pauses between syllables.

Common Prefixes:

• Jharl (strength)
• Qil (shadow)
• Zak (blade)
• Driz (hunter)
• Mal (cruel)

Common Suffixes:

• arra (noble female)
• in (common male)
• ae (blessed female)
• us (warrior male)
• oth (darkness)

Understanding these patterns helps create authentic-sounding drow names for any character.

Drow Matriarch and Matron Mother Names

The most powerful women in drow society carry prestigious names.

Matron mothers rule noble houses with absolute authority. Their names reflect centuries of power and divine blessing from Lolth.

Historical Matrons:

Yvonnel Baenre ruled Menzoberranzan for two thousand years. Her name became synonymous with ultimate power.

Matron Malice Do’Urden led her house with calculated cruelty. Her name perfectly captured her nature.

Triel Baenre succeeded her mother as ruler. She maintained power through adaptability and cunning.

Matriarch Naming Patterns:

Names often include references to spiders or webs. This shows their connection to Lolth directly.

They use the longest, most elaborate names. Multiple syllables demonstrate their elevated status.

Family surnames carry weight and history. Ancient houses produce powerful matriarchs consistently.

Example Matron Names:

Name	House	Meaning
Yvonnel	Baenre	First among faithful
Malice	Do’Urden	Calculated cruelty
Triel	Baenre	Shadow queen
Mez’Barris	Armgo	Chaos blessed
Ssipriina	Melarn	Spider kiss
Drisinil	Vandree	Treachery weaver
Chalithra	Hunzrin	Blood wisdom
Eclara	Faen Tlabbar	Dark beauty
Vlondril	Oblodra	Mind shadow
Qilafae	Xorlarrin	Magic matron

Drow Assassin and Rogue Names

Stealth specialists need names reflecting their deadly skills.

Assassins form the backbone of drow political intrigue. Every noble house employs skilled killers for eliminating rivals.

Assassin Naming Style:

Short names work best for stealth operations. Fewer syllables mean easier whispered communications.

Sharp consonants suggest quick strikes. Sounds like “z,” “k,” and “x” dominate.

Names often reference shadows or death. Meanings emphasize their lethal profession.

Famous Assassin Names:

Name	Specialty	Translation
Zekrin	Poison blade	Silent death
Nyzral	Shadow strike	Unseen killer
Thilyx	Throat cutter	Quick end
Kilzarn	Contract killer	Death dealer
Shynx	Information	Shadow ear
Drakzul	Public execution	Fear maker
Vykros	Torture expert	Pain master
Nymriss	Infiltration	Ghost walker
Quilven	Disguise artist	Face changer
Zethrax	Crowd killing	Mass death
Khaldris	Noble hunter	House ender
Myrzin	Slow poison	Patient death
Thaekzor	Ambush expert	Trap setter
Vexlyn	Seduction kill	Beautiful death
Rylnyx	Magical assassination	Spell strike

Rogue Guild Names:

Bregan D’aerthe remains the most famous mercenary band. Jarlaxle built an empire on skilled rogues.

Shadow Thieves operate across multiple cities. Their network spans the entire Underdark.

The Silent Scream specializes in impossible contracts. They never fail or leave witnesses.

Creating Assassin Names:

Start with harsh sounds suggesting danger. Keep names short for practical reasons. Reference stealth, death, or shadow in meanings. Avoid overly elaborate constructions.

Drow Priestess Names and Religious Titles

Spider goddess worship shapes female drow identity deeply.

Lolth demands absolute devotion from her priestesses. They form the ruling class in every drow city.

Priestess Ranks and Names:

Yathtallar commands temple warriors in battle. This title goes to the most martially skilled.

Ilharess serves as high priestess of major temples. Only the most faithful achieve this honor.

Zhaunil maintains torture chambers for sacrifices. This grim duty requires special temperament.

Sacred Name Elements:

“Lolth” appears in many priestess names. Direct reference shows devotion clearly.

“Arra” endings denote noble priestesses. Common priestesses use simpler suffixes.

Spider references abound in religious names. Arachnia, Weblyn, and similar patterns.

Temple Priestess Names:

Name	Rank	Temple Duty
Lolthra	High Priestess	Ritual leader
Arachnia	Spider Keeper	Sacred beast tender
Qilafae	Sacrifice Mistress	Altar guardian
Ssipriina	Venom Priestess	Poison blessing
Jhaulyndra	War Priestess	Battle leader
Nathraessa	Chaos Servant	Demon summoner
Weblyra	Web Weaver	Fate reader
Zhaunilae	Pain Priestess	Torture expert
Ilvaress	Temple Guardian	Sacred defender
Vhaelistra	Dark Prophet	Vision speaker
Quelthara	Soul Keeper	Death ritualist
Myxandra	Blood Priestess	Sacrifice performer
Nylvarra	Temple Scholar	Lore keeper
Chalyndra	Novice Trainer	Teacher priestess
Xulthara	Darkness Channeler	Shadow magic

Drow Wizard and Sorcerer Names

Arcane practitioners need names suggesting magical power.

Male drow rarely achieve high status except through magic. Wizardry offers one path to respect and survival.

Archmage Naming Patterns:

Complex multi-syllable names demonstrate intellectual superiority. Simple names suggest lack of education.

References to elements, void, or forbidden knowledge. Meanings emphasize arcane mastery.

Some adopt titles replacing birth names entirely. “Archmage,” “Spellweaver,” or similar honorifics.

Famous Wizard Names:

Gromph Baenre rules as Archmage of Menzoberranzan. His power rivals even matron mothers.

Pharaun Mizzrym became legendary for impossible spells. His name means “charming betrayer.”

Masoj Hun’ett practiced forbidden magic fearlessly. He pushed boundaries others respected.

Wizard Name Examples:

Name	Specialty	Meaning
Gromphal	All magic	Spell master
Pharendis	Illusion	Reality weaver
Xylmoth	Necromancy	Death scholar
Quelzarn	Abjuration	Magic shield
Vornethil	Evocation	Destruction caster
Thalamir	Divination	Future seer
Zypharon	Conjuration	Demon caller
Kelmyth	Transmutation	Form changer
Ryndalis	Enchantment	Mind bender
Dhalmorin	Elemental	Force controller
Nyxvelm	Shadow magic	Darkness wielder
Quelvaras	Forbidden lore	Secret keeper
Xerthanos	Planar magic	World walker
Malgorim	Blood magic	Life drainer
Pharnoxis	Ancient spells	Lost knowledge

Sorcerer Bloodline Names:

Draconic bloodlines produce names with harsh sounds. Dragon ancestry influences naming choices.

Demonic heritage creates chaotic name patterns. Abyssal influence shows in structure.

Shadow magic bloodlines favor darkness references. Names emphasize their connection to the shadow plane.

FAQs

What are good Drow names for D&D characters? 

Popular choices include Drizzt, Jarlaxle, Zaknafein for males and Vierna, Quenthel, Lolth for females with meanings tied to darkness and power.

How do you pronounce Drow names correctly? 

Use harsh consonants like Z and X, pronounce “ae” as “eye,” keep “th” hard, and pause briefly at apostrophes.

What makes a Drow name sound authentic? 

Combine harsh consonants with flowing vowels, use phonetic elements like “zz” and “il,” and include meanings related to spiders or darkness.

Do male and female Drow have different naming patterns? 

Yes, female names often end in “arra” or “ae” while male names typically end in “in” or “us” with females having longer prestigious names.

What are the most powerful Drow house names? 

House Baenre rules Menzoberranzan followed by Barrison Del’Armgo, Faen Tlabbar, and Xorlarrin among the ruling noble families.

How do Drow naming conventions reflect their society? 

Noble houses use elaborate multi-part names while commoners have simple short names, showing the strict hierarchy of dark elf culture.

Conclusion

Drow names carry the weight of Underdark culture and tradition. Each name tells a story of power, ambition, betrayal, or survival in the harsh world beneath the surface.

Whether you need a name for a renegade drow seeking redemption or a cruel matron mother ruling through fear, this guide provides authentic options. Use these naming patterns to create characters that feel genuinely connected to the rich lore of dark elf society and bring your D&D campaign to life.