Goblins are a D&D staple, appearing in everything from first-level encounters to complex political plots. Their names range from the outright silly to the surprisingly menacing.
Goblin Naming Conventions
Goblin names reflect their culture:
- Short — Usually 1-2 syllables
- Harsh sounds — Lots of K, G, Z, and X
- Descriptive — Often based on traits or deeds
- Changeable — Goblins rename themselves freely
Common Goblin Names
Nix
Zik
Grik
Snaga
Pokk
Yek
Mub
Splug
Vark
Snik
Krizz
Gnash
Fizzik
Drix
Zog
Skab
Vex
Jix
Nikkit
Grot
Zabb
Klep
Murk
Snizz
Goblin Boss Names
Leaders need more impressive names — the principles behind villain names that inspire fear apply to any goblin boss worth statting up:
Grishnak the Mighty
King Splorg
Warlord Skullbiter
Zazzik Ratfriend
Boss Nox
Chief Yikkers
Warchief Gnashtooth
Bloodmoon Karg
Queen Vixxa
Big Boss Skarr
Durgle the Devourer
Chieftain Redfang
Grimtongue the Sly
Overboss Truk
Funny Goblin Names
For lighter campaigns:
Oops
Stinky
Notsmart
Runaway
Definitely-A-Trap
Shiny-Wanter
Backwash
Second-Lunch
Bad-Idea
Loud-Sneaker
Bites-The-Rock
Mostly-Brave
Goblin Scout & Sneak Names
Goblins prize their sneaks, and sneaks earn names for how quietly they move:
Slink
Skulk
Peek
Twitch
Softfoot
Nightnose
Hushh
Longears
Smellfirst
Quickout
Goblin Shaman & Caster Names
Tribal mystics take names hinting at strange powers:
Zixxil the Spark
Mudmouth
Krezz Boneshaker
Old Toadeye
Fizzbang
Moonchewer
Ashlick
Wartsnag
Gutreader Yag
Sparkfinger Zee
Goblin Warrior & Raider Names
Fighters earn names from their favorite ways of hurting things:
Stabrat
Gutslash
Redknife
Skarn
Chopper
Facebiter
Snarlfang
Wolfrider Gniz
Shankfast
Axegrin
Goblin Tinkerer & Trap-Maker Names
The tribe's inventors, named for their dubious creations:
Cogsnatch
Springload Fip
Boom-Boom
Fusewick
Gadget Grix
Boltbiter
Widget
Snapcatch
Kaboom Kib
Tick-Tick
Hobgoblin Names
More militaristic and structured:
Kargun
Thokk
Volgar
Commander Haruuk
Warlord Maglub
Captain Dhurz
Torvag
Grelmach
Iron-Sergeant Kavv
Marshal Ulkag
Zorvak
Bannerlord Hesk
Bugbear Names
The brutal cousins — for full-sized raiders, roll something heavier with our orc name generator:
Grawl
Krug
Morlak
Skulltaker
Hrall
Vorgash
Drazzem
Bonesnapper
Ulgor
Night-Stalker Vek