Editorial standards
How our name lists are made
A name generator is only as good as the list behind it. This page explains how the lists behind our 8,883 generators are drafted and screened, and what to do if you find a name that shouldn't be there. Together the lists hold about 5.6 million different names across 7 million list entries, because the same name can sit in more than one list.
- generators
- 8,883
- different names
- 5.6 million
- categories
- 21
- names in every list
- 150+
The process
- 1
Scope
Every generator covers exactly one subject. “Elf names” and “Dark elf names” are separate lists with their own conventions, not one list with a filter.
- 2
Draft
We draft each list aiming at the conventions of the subject: the naming patterns of a franchise, real-language name elements and customs, or the way businesses in a trade tend to name themselves.
- 3
De-duplicate
Drafts are de-duplicated, ignoring capitalization, so a name appears only once in a list.
- 4
Screen
Lists are screened for filler, such as placeholder entries and padding, and for offensive terms, including sexual, profane and hateful language.
- 5
Genre fit
A list's fit with its genre comes from the drafting instructions in step 2: a Viking list is drafted to sound Norse and a bakery list to sound like bakeries. No separate genre review follows, and lists are not checked against trademarks or a franchise's canon, so a name that doesn't fit can get through. Reports of names that don't fit are welcome (see Corrections below).
- 6
Publish and maintain
The finished list is stored as a fixed set, and the page picks from it. Each generator page shows when its list last changed, and corrections from readers go back into the list.
How the pages work
The guide text that goes with each list (the intro, tips and FAQ) is drafted the same way as the list. A draft is not published as it comes. It goes through the de-duplication and screening steps above first.
Every list is a fixed, stored set, and the page picks from it at random in your browser, so everyone draws from the same de-duplicated and screened list. On a few pages of first and last names, new batches also pair the first name of one entry with the last name of another, and the tool says so on those pages. A pairing like that is not in the stored list and has not been screened as a whole name. On a few other pages you can type a word of your own, and about half of each new batch is then built around it from fixed patterns, in your browser. Those names carry a label: they are not in the stored list, and an automatic filter for offensive words is the only screen they pass. The word you type is not sent to us or stored. On the two couple name pages you can also type two names, and the page blends them in your browser by joining a start of one name to an end of the other. A blend does not come from a stored list, the same automatic filter is the only screen it passes, and the names you type are not sent to us or stored.
Drafting this way produces varied, plausible names, and it also makes mistakes. A name can be placed in the wrong culture, a stated meaning can be wrong, and a name for a fan universe can drift from canon. We don't present list entries as verified historical, linguistic or legal facts. For anything that matters, such as a child's name or a business you plan to register, confirm the details with a specialist source.
What every generator must have
- A fixed list, not a formula. Names are stored as a de-duplicated and screened list. The page doesn't stitch random syllables together.
- At least 150 unique names, de-duplicated ignoring capitalization.
- A fit with the genre. Franchise generators aim to follow the naming patterns of their setting, culture and language generators aim to use real given names, surnames and place-name elements, and business generators aim for names that are short and easy to say.
- A short, useful guide. An introduction to how these names work, at least three practical tips, and at least three answers to common questions.
- A visible “Last changed” date on the page, taken from the list's change history.
What we won't do
- Publish placeholder or numbered filler to make a list look bigger.
- Present a list as a verified historical or linguistic record.
- Fold several subjects into one list on purpose. If a Viking list contains generic fantasy names, that is a mistake and we want to hear about it.
- Put names behind a sign-up, a limit or a paywall.
Who publishes the site
Name Generator Central is published by Click Clack Labs LLC, a small independent publisher. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any of the franchises, games or brands its generators refer to. There is more about the site on the about page.
Advertising
The site is free to use and is supported by advertising. Ads are served by a third-party advertising partner and are not part of the name lists. Our privacy policy explains how advertising and analytics cookies work here and the choices you have, and the terms of service cover use of the site and of the names.
Names, trademarks and ownership
You can use any name you generate, personally or commercially. We don't claim ownership of the names. Names from franchises remain the property of their rights-holders and are provided for fan, tabletop and creative use. For business or product names, run your own trademark and domain checks before committing.
Corrections
Corrections are welcome. If a name is misspelled, duplicated, offensive, out of place for its genre, or attributed to the wrong culture or franchise, email [email protected] with the generator's URL and the name. There is no form to fill in and no account to create.
We check each report against the list. When it holds up, we fix the list, and the “Last changed” date on that generator's page updates with it.