Nords are named like the Vikings they're based on. Skyrim is full of Old Norse-sounding first names (Ulfric, Ralof, Hadvar), proud hyphenated family names like the Battle-Borns and Gray-Manes of Whiterun, and epithets like Balgruuf the Greater and Elisif the Fair. This Nord name generator builds all three, for Skyrim, Elder Scrolls Online or your own saga.
Three kinds of Nord name
- A family name, hyphenated. Skyrim's great families have two-part names: the Battle-Borns and Gray-Manes feuding in Whiterun, the Black-Briars in Riften, the Silver-Bloods in Markarth and the Shatter-Shields in Windhelm. Each half is a plain, strong word.
- An epithet. Rulers and heroes are often known by a title: Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, Jarl Elisif the Fair, Aela the Huntress.
- A single name. Plenty of Nords go by one name, like Ralof and Hadvar from Skyrim's opening.
The generator's family names are new combinations, built from the same kind of words, so your Nord won't belong to one of the game's families (unless you get very lucky).
Why Nord names sound Norse
The Nords came to Skyrim from Atmora, a cold continent to the north, led in legend by Ysgramor. Bethesda modelled them on the Norse, and the first names show it: many are real Old Norse names or close to them.
The first names in this generator are real Old Norse names, the kind found in the Icelandic sagas: Gunnar, Njal and Egil for men, Astrid, Gudrun and Freydis for women. They fit Skyrim because Skyrim was built to sound like them.
Choosing a name for your Dragonborn
- Single name or family? A Nord from a great family carries its feuds. A Nord with one name can make their own.
- Let the epithet be earned. Start as Sigrid, end the game as Sigrid Storm-Caller.
- Say it like a shout. Nord names are short and strong, which suits a people who settle arguments with the Thu'um.
For other races of Tamriel, try the Khajiit and Skyrim Orc name generators.