Editorial standards
How our name lists are made
A name generator is only as good as the list behind it. This page explains the bar every one of our 4,768 generators has to clear, and what to do if you find one that doesn't.
- generators
- 4,768
- generators
- curated names
- 2,383,000+
- curated names
- categories
- 21
- categories
- names per list, minimum
- 150+
- names per list, minimum
The process
- 1
Scope
Every generator covers exactly one subject. "Elf names" and "Dark elf names" are separate lists with separate conventions, not one list with a filter.
- 2
Research
We start from the source: franchise rules and canon, real languages and naming customs, historical records, or how real businesses in a niche actually name themselves.
- 3
Write
Lists are drafted by editors who know the subject, then expanded to hit our size bar without padding — no "Name1 / Name2" filler and no recycled prefixes.
- 4
Review
A second pass checks authenticity, spelling, variety, duplicates and anything inappropriate for the audience. Copy (intro, tips, FAQ) is edited for plain language.
- 5
Maintain
Each page shows when its list last changed. Reader corrections are reviewed within a week and credited in the data where appropriate.
What every generator must have
- A real list, not a formula. Names are stored as a reviewed list, so what you see is what an editor approved — not random syllables stitched together.
- At least 150 unique names (most lists hold 500), de-duplicated case-insensitively, with a minimum-variety check so the same stem doesn't dominate.
- Authenticity to the source. Franchise generators follow canon phonetics and lore; culture and language generators use real given names, surnames and place-name elements; business generators produce names you could actually register.
- A short, useful guide. Two to three paragraphs on how these names work, three to five practical tips, and answers to the questions people actually ask.
- A visible “Updated” date on the page, taken from the list's change history.
What we won't do
- Pad a list to hit a number.
- Invent “meanings” for real names that we can't verify.
- Mix subjects to rank for more keywords (a “Viking name generator” doesn't quietly contain generic fantasy names).
- Put names behind a sign-up, a limit or a paywall.
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
If a name is misspelled, inauthentic, duplicated, or out of place, email [email protected] with the generator's URL and the name. We read every report.