If you love J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic tales, festive North Pole helpers, or medieval folklore, an elven name might be exactly what you need for your baby. Newborns often bring a mischievous and spritely energy to the house, making a magical moniker the perfect fit.
We rounded up whimsical, legendary, and completely fictional elf names to help you find the right match. All of these elf names for babies shimmer with enchantment, and we are sure you will find a wonderful option for your new arrival.
42 Enchanting Elvish Names for Girls
Give your daughter a magical start in life with one of these beautiful elven names for girls.
- Aafje: A Dutch feminine name meaning “elf” or “magical being” with a highly unique spelling.
- Afsaneh: This Muslim girl’s name means “fairy tale” and makes a gorgeous pick for your baby.
- Agada: A pretty name derived from the Hebrew word for “fairy tales” or “lore.”
- Ailsa: A triumphant Scottish name meaning “elf victory.” It also relates to a rocky island.
- Alba: Derived from the Germanic stem meaning “elf,” this is also a luminous Spanish girl name meaning “dawn.”
- Albrun: An enchanting elven name composed of Germanic elements meaning “elf magic” or “elf secret.”
- Alfsol: A Swedish girl’s name meaning “elf sun.”
- Alva: A dainty choice among names that mean “elf,” derived from the Old Norse word for the mythical creature.
- Älva: The literal Swedish word for “fairy” or “elf” works perfectly as a baby name.
- Alvgjerd: This Norwegian girl’s name translates to “elf garden.”
- Alvilde: A name straight out of Norwegian legend featuring the warrior meaning of “elf army.”
- Alwine: A unique name from the same Germanic stem as Alvin, meaning “elf friend.”
- Aredhel: A pure and honest Tolkien elf name meaning “noble elf.”
- Arwen: A famous elven character in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. It closely mirrors the Welsh name Arwyn, meaning “fair.”
- Barig: A unique Armenian girl’s name meaning “fairy.”
- Elbereth: Great for a royal baby, this Tolkien name means “star queen” in his fictional Sindarin language.
- Elfa: A feminine form of Alf and a softer variant of Alva.
- Elfriede: Dating back to the Middle Ages, this English and German girl’s name means “elf strength.”
- Faye: This classic English pick means “fairy” and sounds incredibly magical.
- Galadriel: The fictional name belonging to the powerful elven princess from Lord of the Rings.
- Glóredhel: A glowing pick among Tolkien’s creations meaning “golden elf.”
- Gunnalf: A feisty Norse girl’s name translating to “battle elf.”
- Houria: An Arabic girl’s name for your precious little fairy or nymph.
- Jennifer: A widely popular girl’s name of Cornish origin meaning “white fairy.”
- Lamina: A beautiful mythical water nymph from Basque folklore.
- Lefaye: Meaning “the fairy,” this French name feels mystical and alluring.
- Míriel: A romantic name from Tolkien meaning “jewel daughter” in his fictional Quenya language.
- Nerissa: A Greek-rooted feminine name meaning “sea nymph.” Shakespeare famously used it in The Merchant of Venice.
- Olivia: A highly popular English name meaning “olive branch.” It also serves as a feminine form of Oliver, meaning “elf army.”
- Parineeti: A sweet Hindi girl’s name meaning “beautiful” or “fairy.”
- Parisa: A delicate Persian feminine name meaning “fairy-like.”
- Pixie: A spritely name taken directly from the English word for a type of fairy.
- Quenya: This feminine-sounding word is actually the name of a fictional elven language created by Tolkien.
- Sheelin: A gorgeous name inspired by a lake in Ireland known as the “fairy pool.”
- Síofra: Pronounced “shee-fra,” this standout Gaelic female name holds the mysterious meaning of “fairy” or “changeling.”
- Soni: An elfin pick from Japanese that likely means “fairy princess.”
- Sylph: A sylph is a mythical air spirit in English folklore.
- Tiên: A Vietnamese girl’s name pronounced “teen” with the magical meaning of “celestial being.”
- Tinuviel: An elvish princess in Tolkien’s works with the melodic meaning of “nightingale.”
- Tünde: A pretty name derived from the Hungarian word for “fairy.”
- Vilde: A sassy diminutive of the Norse name Alvilde meaning “elf battle.”
- Winky: Inspired by the female house elf in Harry Potter.
53 Edgy Elvish Names for Boys
Mischievous and magical, these elven names for boys bring plenty of charm and energy.
- Aegnor: A Tolkien elf name meaning “fell fire” in the fictional Sindarin language.
- Ailill: A royal name from Old Irish mythology meaning “elf.”
- Ailwi: Meaning “ancient,” “noble,” or “elf battle.” This medieval English name carries plenty of fantastical history.
- Alberic: An ancient Germanic boy name meaning “elf ruler,” inspired by a mythological dwarf king.
- Albwin: An ancient Germanic name for your new little “elf friend.”
- Alf: Meaning “elf.” This Nordic folklore name is short, sweet, and classic.
- Alfarr: Meaning “elf army.” This Old Norse name fits the mightiest little fighters.
- Alfbern: Combining elements that mean “elf” and “bear.” This Germanic name feels fierce.
- Alfie: A popular nickname for Alfred that matches other Germanic elf names beautifully.
- Alfred: A vintage name from Old English meaning “elf counsel.”
- Álfur: The literal Icelandic word for “elf” makes a cute yet highly unique moniker.
- Alfvin: Meaning “elf friend.” This sweet baby boy’s name is a gorgeous Old Norse pick.
- Algar: Meaning “elf spear.” This is a feisty option for a brave little boy.
- Alvaro: A bold name for your little soldier meaning “elf warrior.”
- Alvin: A variant spelling of the Germanic Albwin meaning “elf friend.” It is also famously associated with the singing chipmunk.
- Auberon: A powerful English variant of the Germanic Alberich meaning “elf ruler.”
- Batī: A Punjabi entry among elf names for babies. Note that it is considered derogatory in some areas.
- Bucca: A perky name inspired by a folkloric Cornish hobgoblin.
- Buddy: A fun choice after the lovable main character in the holiday movie Elf.
- Cereborn: An enchanting elf name from Tolkien with the rugged meaning of “silver tree.”
- Círdan: One of Tolkien’s elves. The name has the hardworking meaning of “ship-maker.”
- Clurichaun: The name of a mischievous elven character in Irish folklore.
- Dobby: A heroic house elf in Harry Potter.
- Draug: Tolkien’s Sindarin word for “wolf” makes a badass pick among elf names for boys.
- Duende: The Spanish word for “elf” works perfectly as a highly stylish name.
- Eitri: Borne by a dwarf in Norse mythology. The exact meaning remains unknown, but it offers a great sound.
- Eldacar: A regal elf name from Tolkien’s world meaning “elf helm.”
- Eldarion: Meaning “son of the elves.” This Tolkien name is full of family virtue.
- Elegast: Meaning “elf spirit.” This was the hero’s name in a Middle Dutch epic.
- Elrond: The fictional name borne by the elven ruler of Rivendell in Tolkien’s universe.
- Fëanor: A mighty character among Tolkien’s elves. Fëanor means “spirit of fire” in Quenya.
- Fingolfin: A rhythmic Tolkien male elf name of unknown meaning.
- Finwë: A cool, airy pick among Tolkien’s creations that possibly means “hair.”
- Gandalf: Borne by Tolkien’s powerful wizard. This Old Norse name actually translates to “wand elf.”
- Glorfindel: A bright name meaning “golden-haired” in Sindarin.
- Ingálvur: A strong Faroese name meaning “elf ancestor.”
- Joralf: A Norwegian boy’s name that likely means “king elf.”
- Keijo: A cute name derived from the Finnish word for “fairy” or “elf.”
- Legolas: Another highly famous fictional elven name from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.
- Link: A nickname for Lincoln (“lake colony”) and the famous elvish-looking archer from The Legend of Zelda.
- Loki: The Norse god of mischief and trickery makes a fitting elf-like namesake.
- Maeglin: A handsome Tolkien elf name meaning “sharp glance” in Sindarin.
- Muki: The name of a fabled cave goblin in South American mythology.
- Nickel: A potential root of this name comes from German, meaning “goblin” or “rascal.”
- Noralf: A Nordic name meaning “north elf.” It works beautifully for a winter-born baby.
- Oilioll: A handsome variation of the Old Irish name Ailill.
- Oliver: A highly popular name meaning “olive tree.” It also derives from Germanic elements meaning “elf army.”
- Quant: A cool name from Middle German with the elvish meaning of “imp” or “prankster.”
- Sauron: A notorious Tolkien villain. This name means “the abhorred” in the fictional language of Quenya.
- Sennin: A unique Japanese boy’s name inspired by an immortal fairy or elvish being.
- Sindri: A Norse name meaning “sparkle” that belonged to a mythological dwarf.
- Thranduil: An elven Tolkien character whose name means “vigorous spring” in Sindarin.
- Trasgu: A unique name from northern Spanish mythology inspired by a goblin creature.
5 Great Gender-Neutral Elvish Names for Babies
These unisex elven names perfectly suit any little warrior or woodland sprite.
- Aubrey: A pretty and earthy French and English name for your regal little “elf ruler.”
- Donsy: A group of gnomes is called a “donsy.” This makes it a cute, quirky name for a happy baby.
- Mage: Named after a type of sorcerer. This magic-filled title works perfectly for your little elf.
- Puck: A mischievous imp from English folklore featured in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
- Sindarin: The fictional elven language created by Tolkien serves as a highly unique gender-neutral name.
Elf Names FAQs
What Are the Most Popular Elf Names?
Oliver and Olivia are some of the most popular names internationally, but they actually hold the historical meaning of “elf army.” Faye, Alvaro, Aubrey, and Jennifer are also highly popular elf-rooted names you can choose from.
What Are Some Tolkien Elvish Names?
There are countless popular names from Tolkien’s elvish worlds. Legolas, Galadriel, Gandalf, and Arwen are perhaps the most well-known among fantasy fans.
What Is a Christmas Elf Name?
Buddy is a fantastic gender-neutral name for a Christmas elf, taken from the hit holiday movie Elf. For boys, the Nordic name Noralf has a beautifully wintery feeling, as does Tolkein’s Cereborn, meaning “silver tree.” For girls, we love the magic of Lefaye, meaning “fairy” in French.
Do Elves Have Last Names?
In most traditional folklore, elves do not have formal last names. They are usually known by a single given name or a descriptive title based on their skills, location, or family lineage. However, in modern fantasy games and literature, elves often use nature-inspired surnames like Nightbreeze or Silverleaf.
What Are Good Dark Elf Names?
Dark elves, often called Drow in fantasy settings like Dungeons and Dragons, usually have harsher and more mysterious names. Popular dark elf names include Viconia, Malice, Jarlaxle, and Drizzt. These names rely heavily on sharp consonants and unique vowel pairings to sound intimidating.
How Do You Say Beautiful in Elvish?
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional Sindarin language, the word for beautiful is “manya.” In his High Elven language of Quenya, the word translates to “vanima.” Both words make gorgeous and unconventional baby names for girls.
What Is a Badass Name for an Elf?
If you want a fierce and badass elf name, look toward warrior-inspired titles. Alvaro means “elf warrior,” while Gunnalf translates directly to “battle elf.” You can also draw inspiration from Tolkien characters like Draug, which means “wolf,” or Aegnor, meaning “fell fire.”
Are There Any Real Life Elf Names?
Yes, many real-life names hold elvish meanings. Classic names like Alfred mean “elf counsel,” while Alvin translates to “elf friend.” Even highly popular modern names like Olivia and Aubrey share roots that translate to “elf army” or “elf ruler.”
