50 Elf Names for Girls and Boys With Meanings

Elves are mythical creatures found in folklore and fairy tales. They’re often associated with magic and possess a mysterious, ethereal beauty. If you love these enchanting creatures, get ready to delve into the magical world of elves with our list of elf names from fantasy, popular culture, or simply names that mean “elf.” We’ve got male, female, and gender-neutral elf names for you to enjoy, including wood elf names for nature lovers, and fantasy elf names, including those from the rich lore of J.R.R. Tolkien. Get ready to embark on a magical journey as you explore these mystical and charming names.

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Elf Names for Girls And Boys

To make your search a little easier, we’ve gathered a selection of elf names for both boys and girls that capture a sense of magic, mystery, and charm. From strong and wise-sounding names to more graceful, whimsical, and nature-inspired options, there’s plenty of enchanting inspiration to explore.

1. Alara. In Turkish, this female elf name means “elvin” or “water fairy” and is the name of a beautiful water goddess in Turkish mythology.

2. Alba. This is a German name that translates directly to “elf,” making it a straightforward and charming choice for little girls.

3. Alfhild. Derived from Old Norse, Alfhild means “elf battle.” This name hails from Norse mythology, making it a perfect pick if you’re looking for a historically rooted and strong elven name for your little girl.

4. Aoibheann. This striking Irish girls’ name is pronounced Ee-van or Ay-veen and means “beautiful” and “blessed.” Aoibheann conveys a sense of grace, charm, and virtue, ideal for your little blessing.

5. Elara. This Greek name means “bright, shining one,” fitting for your little elf who is sure to radiate beauty and light. This is also the name of one of Jupiter’s moons, named after a character in Greek mythology.

6. Elfreda. Originating from Middle English, this girls’ name translates to “elf strength.” It combines a magical element with a connotation of power and resilience, suitable for a brave and strong little girl.

7. Elfie. If you want an elvish name for your baby, go simple and straightforward with this cute girls’ name. It’s a German moniker and diminutive of Elfriede and Elfreda.

8. Finella. In Irish Gaelic, this name means “fair-shouldered one” and is also the name of a fairy queen in Irish folklore.

9. Niamh. Niamh, pronounced NEEV, is a popular Irish name that means “bright” or “radiant.” In Irish mythology, Niamh is the daughter of the sea god.

10. Síofra. Here’s another Irish girls’ name, which simply means “elf” or “sprite.” This enchanting name carries a whimsical and playful aura, perfect for your little sprite.

11. Ailill. Ailill is a traditional Irish name that means “elf.” It’s a simple and charming choice for your little boy.

12. Alberich. In German, Alberich is a male name that means “elf king.” It’s also linked to German mythology, where Alberich is a sorcerer dwarf, lending an interesting mythical dimension to this moniker.

13. Alf. Derived from Old Norse, this boys’ name translates to “elf.” It was also the name of a king in Norse mythology, making it an ideal pick if you’re seeking a name rooted in folklore and royalty.

14. Alfred. This Old English name means “elf counsel,” combining a magical element with a connotation of wisdom and guidance.

15. Buddy. A simple and friendly name, Buddy is recognizably linked to the endearing elf character from the movie Elf.

16. Dobby. This name immediately brings to mind the devoted house elf from the Harry Potter series, making it a perfect choice if you’re a fan of the franchise.

17. Ernie. This name is known from the small and hard-working elf character in the Keebler cookies commercials, bringing a touch of nostalgia to this endearing name.

18. Gandalf. Deriving from Old Norse, Gandalf means “wand elf.” J.R.R. Tolkien also famously used this cool elf name for the powerful wizard in his novels, making it an intriguing choice for your little one.

19. Hermey. This name is tied to the TV holiday special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, where Hermey is an elf who dreams of being a dentist. It’s a unique and memorable name option.

20. Keijo. This Finnish name translates to “elf” or “fairy,” offering a magical and wistful charm that would suit any little boy. If you’re looking for more names that mean “fairy,” check out our dedicated list.

21. Albrun. This is a German name meaning “elfin brown,” perfect for a little one with elf-like features and dark hair.

22. Ariel. Originating from Hebrew, Ariel means “lion of God,” but is also familiar as the name of the elf-like magical spirit in Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. Adding to the magical vibe of this name is its connection to the main character in The Little Mermaid.

23. Aubrey. Aubrey is a form of Alberich meaning “elf ruler” in German. It’s a sweet elf name for boys and girls but has recently become a popular baby girl name.

24. Avery. In Old English, this gender-neutral means “ruler of the elves,” and is a form of Alberich and Alfred. 

25. Eldar. In Tolkien’s novels, Eldar was the name of the first elves, the people of the stars. It’s also a unisex name that means “god resides” in Hebrew.

26. Ithil. Although Ithil isn’t technically a name, it is a Sindarin word for the moon. In Tolkien’s novels, the elves were born in the moonlight. If you want a name that means “moon,” Ithil encapsulates the celestial beauty and mystery of elven lore.

27. Kaelan. This Irish name means “slender,” making it perfect for a graceful and agile elf.

28. Lorien. Lorien is a character’s name and place name in Tolkien’s novels. Lorien was an elven city and a place of beauty and tranquility, meaning “land of gold.”

29. Elowen. Meaning “elm tree” in Cornish, Elowen is a pretty girls’ name that evokes elven lore and the natural world.

30. Calen. In the fictional language of Sindarin, the word calen means “green,” evoking nature. It’s also a gender-neutral English name.

31, Fauna. Fauna is a female elf name that brings to mind the beauty and magic of nature. It’s the name of the Roman goddess of fertility and women.

32. Flora. Although this beautiful flower name for girls isn’t exactly an elf name, it certainly has elf and fairy-like qualities. It also belongs to the Roman goddess of flowers and spring, giving it an ethereal, nature vibe.

33. Galion. This is the name of a Wood-elf in Tolkien’s The Hobbit.

34. Legolas. This name is well-known among The Lord of the Rings fans. Legolas is a prince of the Silvan elves of Mirkwood, and his name translates to “green leaf” in Sindarin. It’s a unique elven name that evokes the beauty and grace of nature, perfect for a child who will love exploring the natural world.

35. Mirkwood. A direct reference to the region inhabited by wood elves in Tolkien’s Middle Earth, Mirkwood could make for an interesting and unique name for boys and girls.

36. Nellas. In Tolkien’s novel The Silmarillion, Nellas is the name of a wood-elf who lives in the forest and loves all the creatures and the things that grow there. This name is a unique and adorable choice for nature lovers.

37. Oropher. A Sindarin name meaning “tall beech tree,” Oropher was an Elven King of the Woodland Realm in Tolkien’s novel The Silmarillion.

38. Silvanus. Silvanus is a Latin name meaning “of the woods.” In Roman mythology, Silvanus is the Roman god of the forest, often portrayed as an elf-like figure.

39. Sylvie. Sylvie is the French feminine form of the Latin name Silvius, meaning “of the woods.” It’s an ethereal girls’ name that conjures images of woodland elves and fairies. 

40. Idril. Speaking of light, here’s another of Tolkien’s elf names that means “sparkling brilliance,” making it a splendid name for your bright and shining little girl.

41. Lúthien. Translated as “enchantress” or “daughter of flowers” in Sindarin, Lúthien was said to be the most beautiful elf ever to have lived. It’s an enchanting name for your little flower.

42. Tauriel. Created by Peter Jackson for The Hobbit movie trilogy, Tauriel means “young woman of the forest” in Sindarin and was the name of a wood-elf.

43. Argon. In Tolkien’s world, Argon was an elf known for his bravery. This strong and heroic elven name means “high commander.” 

44. Beleg. Beleg was an elf and skilled archer in The Silmarillion. This elven name meaning “great” and “mighty” signifies strength and precision.

45. Caranthir. Known as “the dark,” Caranthir was an elf in The Silmarillion. It’s a darkly elegant name for a boy.

46. Arwen. Arwen is a well-known half-elven character from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and her name, imbued with elven beauty, might be a magical pick for your baby girl.

47. Celebrían. An Elvish character from Tolkien’s Middle Earth, Celebrían translates to “silver queen.” She was the mother of Arwen and the daughter of Galadriel.

48. Aegnor. This male elf name belonged to a character in Tolkien’s novel The Silmarillion who was known for his fiery spirit. It’s a strong and evocative name for a little boy.

49. Celeborn. Another Elvish character from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings is Celeborn, whose name means “silver tree.” This serene and majestic elven name would be a unique choice.

50. Finarfin. In Tolkien’s The Silmarillion, this high elf name belongs to the wisest, and most gentle of heart, among the High Elves. He became the third King of Noldor after his half-brother Fëanor. This name conveys wisdom and kindness.

Still Exploring? Discover More Baby Names, Themes, and Inspiration

Still searching for the one? Dive into even more baby name ideas by theme, meaning, origin, style, popularity, and beyond. This is where you’ll discover fresh inspiration from every corner of our baby name lists.

1. Ronan. Ronan means “little seal” in Old Irish, and was the name used for several saints in Ireland. Irish singer Ronan Keating or Irish-American journalist Ronan Farrow are notable examples of this name.

2. Samara. Samara is a rare name which could either come from the city Samarra in Iraq or Samara in Russia. It got a boost in popularity after appearing in the 2002 version of The Ring.

3. Ualan. This is the Scottish Gaelic form of the Roman name Valentine, meaning “strong” and “healthy.” With its association with love and fertility and robust meaning, this unique name is surely a winner for your baby boy.

4. Jayla. This popular name is actually a made-up name. Someone liked the phonetic sounds of jay and la together and combined them. It seems like others also liked the name, as it made it into the top 20 most popular names beginning with J.

5. Eglantine. A truly rare English name, Eglantine makes a great floral name, as it refers to the bloom known as “sweetbrier.” One of its first uses was in the fourteenth-century story The Prioress's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer.

The Bottom Line

Elf names hold a magical charm that is rooted in rich folklore and mystique. Whether you’re seeking traditional elf names, wood elf names, or fantasy-inspired names, we hope you discovered the perfect name for your little one, one that embodies the enchantment and wisdom inherent in these mystical beings.

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