The origins and history of kingdom names
Much like family names, Kingdom names frequently have strong ties to history, geography, and the civilizations that inhabit them. These names serve as rich, historical markers that retell old stories of survival, conquest, and power that led to the formation of the realm.
Kingdom names like "Ironwall" for instance, conjure ideas of strongholds and fortifications and convey a sense of stability and resiliency. Some, like "Silvermere" or "Goldcrest," may symbolise riches, prosperity, or the abundant natural resources for which the kingdom is renowned. These names can reveal information about the beliefs, customs, or myths of the people who formerly inhabited the country and frequently act as living reminders of its past.
The evolution of kingdom names reflects the changing dynamics of power and society, from mediaeval realms influenced by mediaeval Latin, where names like "Regnum Aurelia" (Golden Kingdom) evoked divine favour, to more contemporary kingdoms with names inspired by geography or nature.
So you want to create kingdom names?
It takes more than just choosing a catchy-sounding term to come up with the ideal kingdom name. The name of your kingdom should reflect its history, geography, and culture in order to feel genuine and significant.
Here are a few tips for picking the perfect kingdom name with our name generator:
- Take inspiration from terrain. Is your realm tucked away in the mountains? Consider names like "Cragstone" or "Frostpeak." Is it close to the sea or a river? Think about names like Riverdeep or Shorehaven. These names contribute to the kingdom's identity by evoking its natural surroundings.
- Tap into the kingdom’s history. A kingdom's name may allude to its origins, the mythical figures who moulded it, or the troubling incidents that characterised it. Names like "Wyrmscar" may allude to a kingdom that has a long history of fighting dragons, while "Ashenhold" may conjure a kingdom that sprang from the ashes of a major conflict.
- Include religious or cultural influences. Kingdom names frequently have religious or cultural connotations. While "Valkaroth" can evoke the Viking-like "Valhalla" tradition, a name like "Sancturia" might indicate a kingdom with strong religious foundations. Equally, a kingdom with magical roots might have a name like Eldoria,” taking inspiration from the word “elder” to suggest ancient magical knowledge.
- Choose a name that is memorable and clear. A kingdom name needs to be distinctive yet simple to pronounce and recall. Steer clear of names that are too complicated since this could mislead readers. Choose names that are easy to pronounce, such as "Thalor" or "Aleron." Simplicity preserves the name's uniqueness while making it memorable and approachable.
If you're looking to bring your story to life with the right kingdom name, using our kingdom name generator might just give you a handy headstart.
Looking for more? Check out our city name generator or dive into our character naming guides for even more inspiration.
10 kingdom names for inspiration
Want to get ideas straight from the source? You're in luck. Here are some of our favorite kingdom names of all time:
Kingdom names |
Meaning |
Ideal for |
Emberfield |
Scorched by fire |
A kingdom recovering from war, rising from the ashes |
Stonehaven |
Strong city |
A fortified kingdom of metal |
Dewfield |
Lush fields, rolling hills |
A kingdom known for its gentle beauty |
Sunstone |
Sunny, strong land |
A kingdom known for its sun-drenched deserts |
Thornewood |
Dangerous forest |
A kingdom hidden in a dense, mysterious forest. |
Stormhelm |
Ravished by weather |
A kingdom built on a high cliff. |
Frostholt |
An ice kingdom |
A kingdom in the far north known for treacherous weather |
Silverpeak |
High altitude, rich mines |
A kingdom found in the mountains amongst silver mines |
Firefell |
A fiery, tough land |
A kingdom shaped by fire and ash |
Ravencliff |
Mysterious, remote land |
A kingdom in the clouds, home to many birds and mysterious winds |
Looking for more kingdom names?
Feel free to use any of the names that this kingdom name generator provides. Be sure to tell us the success story at service@reedsy.com! And if you’re still worlds away from the right kingdom name, the rest of the Internet’s got you covered. Here are some of our other favorite kingdom name generators on the web: