Good DnD Names
- Adair
Origin:
Scottish and IrishMeaning:
"oak tree ford"Description:
Adair has flair, the grace of a Fred Astaire. It's a Scottish surname which came from the first name Edgar.
- Amalthea
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"tender goddess"Description:
In Greek mythology, Amalthea is the name of a goat (or, sometimes, a goat-keeping nymph) who nursed the infant Zeus and protected him from his murderous father, Cronus. Thanks to the goat’s protection and nourishment, Zeus grew up to overthrow Cronus.
- Astraea
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"of the stars"Description:
Astraea —also found as Astraia — is the Greek goddess of justice and innocence who left earth to become the constellation Virgo after she grew unhappy with the state of humanity. She was prophesised to return and begin a new Golden Age, meaning she is associated with renewal — and with Queen Elizabeth I of England thanks to Renaissance writers associating her with the goddess.
- Avalon
- Barnaby
Origin:
English variation of Barnabas, AramaicMeaning:
"son of consolation"Description:
Barnaby, a genial and energetic name with an Irish-sounding three-syllable lilt, is an ancient appellation that manages to be both unusual and highly attractive and deserves to be used more than it is. A sweet-spot name that's a real winner.
- Bean
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"an edible seed, typically kidney-shaped"Description:
Bean is a unisex word name with a cute and quirky feel. Early reader series Ivy and Bean features a young girl named Bean, short for Bernice Blue. It has appeal as a casual nickname or middle name, but it's harder to imagine as a given name.
- Belvidere
Description:
Belvidere is an unusual masculine name derived from Italian place names meaning 'beautiful view' (from 'bel' meaning beautiful and 'vedere' meaning to see). Historically, it appears more frequently as a place name or architectural term describing structures with fine views rather than as a personal name. With aristocratic and refined connotations, Belvidere evokes images of Renaissance estates and classical elegance. As a given name, it remains exceptionally rare, appealing only to parents seeking something genuinely distinctive with historical resonance. The name carries an intellectual, artistic quality reminiscent of the Grand Tour era, potentially earning the nickname 'Bel' or 'Vide.' Despite its rarity, Belvidere offers a legitimate etymological history and a clear, dignified meaning.
- Bryce
Origin:
Scottish surnameMeaning:
"speckled, freckled"Description:
Bryce is the preferred spelling over Brice for both genders, with nearly 70 girls named Bryce in one recent year vs. only five called Brice. But note that there were over 3000 boys named Bryce and 240 named Brice, making this a predominantly male name. Actress Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of director Ron, is the most notable female bearer of this name.
- Calloway
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"pebbly place"Description:
Calloway is one of those irresistibly jaunty, animated three-syllable surnames, like Sullivan and Finnegan — but this one has the added attraction of jazzy ties to the immortal "Dean of American Jive," Cab Calloway.
- Carina
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"dear little one"Description:
Carina is a pretty delicately feminine name whose fall from popularity is not helped by its similarity to hurricane name Katrina or slang victim Karen.
- Casimir
Origin:
English; French, from PolishMeaning:
"destroyer of peace"Description:
Casimir, a traditional name of Polish kings, could do quite well these days as we see the rise of Caspian, Cassius, Castiel, et. al. Like Leopold and Laszlo, Casimir is strong and worth considering if you've got an adventurous streak — and bet your son will too.
- Castor
Origin:
Greek; LatinMeaning:
"beaver; pious one"Description:
Forget the oil. It's one of the twins that make up the constellation Gemini, and a mythological name on the cutting-edge of fashion; used by Metallica's James Hetfield.
- Celene
Description:
Celene is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins, a variation of Selene, who was the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology. The name literally means 'moon' and carries celestial, ethereal qualities. This spelling variant with 'C' instead of 'S' gives it a slightly softer appearance while maintaining its classical roots. Celene has a timeless elegance that has never reached overwhelming popularity but maintains steady usage across decades. It shares sounds with more common names like Celine and Selena, but its mythological connections give it additional depth and meaning. The name suggests luminosity, gentleness, and natural beauty, appealing to parents drawn to names with both classical roots and celestial associations.
- Clementine
Origin:
French feminine version of Clement, LatinMeaning:
"mild, merciful"Description:
Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that broke back into the US Top 1000 in 2014 after more than half a century off the list.
- Copper
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
It's a beautiful burnished metal -- but also slang for policeman.
- Cosima
Origin:
Italian feminine variation of Cosmo, GreekMeaning:
"order, beauty, universe"Description:
Cosima, the kind of elegant and unusual name the British upper classes love to use for their daughters, is given to a handful of baby girls in the US after being chosen by two high-profile celebs in the same month; cool couple Sofia Coppola and Thomas Mars as well as supermodel Claudia Schiffer. It was used earlier by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, while the male form, Cosimo, was given to the son of Marissa Ribisi and Beck.
- Cressida
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"gold"Description:
Cressida is a pretty mythological and Shakespearean heroine name much better known in Britain than it is here — an imbalance the adventurous baby namer might want to correct.
- Dagmar
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"Day maiden"Description:
This royal Danish name has long been used across Scandinavia, Germany and Slavic countries and somewhat in the US around the turn of the last century --it was #622 in 1888. There were two notable silent screen stars named Dagmar, one with Polish, the other with Danish roots.
- Daian
Description:
Daian is an uncommon masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Dayan, which has Hebrew roots meaning 'judge,' or it could be related to the Welsh name Dafydd (David). In some cases, it might be a masculine form of Diana or an alternative spelling of Dayen or Dayan from various cultures. The name has a strong yet simple sound with its two syllables and straightforward pronunciation. Daian remains quite rare in most Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality without being difficult to pronounce or spell. Its cross-cultural potential makes it versatile for families with diverse backgrounds. The name carries a contemporary feel while still connecting to traditional naming elements across different cultural traditions.
- Elden
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"noble friend"Description:
This old-fashioned name looks like it could be on the edge of a revival, following in the footsteps of Alden and Auden.