Orc name generator
Blunt names, one or two syllables, with deed names earned for things done and clan names that read like a mark on a shield.
Make orc names
Pronunciation key
Capitals mark the stressed syllable.
- ah as in father
- eh as in bed
- ih as in sit
- ee as in see
- oh as in go
- uh as in cup
- oo as in moon
- ay as in say
- ow as in cow
- aw as in law
- kh as in a throaty k
What the rules say about orcs
The SRD 5.2.1 includes orcs as a playable species, with darkvision, an Adrenaline Rush and Relentless Endurance. It does not describe how orcs are named.
Everything below about how orcs are named is our own design for your table, made for fifth edition play. Treat it as a starting point and change what does not fit your world.
How orc naming works here
Names in this generator are short and blunt, often a single syllable like Gor or Krak. Longer names stack hard consonants, with gh, kr, zh and endings like -ash and -uk. The sound setting shifts between rounder names (Mor, Lurgul) and harsher ones (Skarak, Vrak).
A deed name is a hyphenated nickname for something the orc did, like Door-Breaker or Ridge-Hauler. They are built from objects and actions, so you can roll dozens and keep the one that begs for a story. Clan names are two short words joined, like Skullfist or Tuskclaw, that look right on a banner.
Picking a name for your orc
- Short names are shouted well. If your orc will be in the front line, set the length to short.
- Let the deed name be earned. Start with the given name, then lock it and roll deed names after your first big fight.
- Give the deed a witness. Which character saw the orc break the door?
- A softer-sounding orc name can read as calm or wise, and make a nice contrast with a rough clan name.
Use in creator sends a result to the character creator, and the finished character opens in the character sheet.
Questions about orc names
Are orc names always harsh?
No. The sound filter gives softer names too, and a soft first name with a harsh clan name is a nice combination.
What is a deed name?
A nickname for something the orc did, like Wall-Shover. Turn on the nickname option to see them.
Can I keep my name and re-roll just the deed?
Yes. Tap the given name on any result to lock it, then generate again. The deed and clan change, the name stays.
Will it produce names from famous games or novels?
No. A test blocks a list of well-known names, and the generator builds names from our own syllables.
More name generators
Dragonborn, Tiefling, Elf, Dwarf, Halfling, Gnome, Human, Goliath, and the tavern and inn name generator. How every generator works, and what it will never produce, is on the name generators page.
