Celtic Name Generator
Our Celtic Name Generator creates fantasy names inspired by Irish, Scottish and Welsh traditions, for characters, clans and the places they come from. It suits D&D campaigns, novels and games with druids, bards and misty glens.
Click for five names, click again for more, and copy any name with the icon beside it. A rare name appears in gold now and then.
The mistake that makes Celtic names sound off
“Celtic” is not one language. The Celtic languages split into two branches: Goidelic, which includes Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Manx, and Brythonic, which includes Welsh, Cornish and Breton.
Mixing them is the common error. A name like “Gwyneth mac Fergus” joins a Welsh first name to a Gaelic surname. It looks fine to most readers, but a reader who knows the languages will notice.
The generator blends styles on purpose because fantasy cultures often do. If you want a single culture, pick names from one column in the table below and keep them together.
Son-of and daughter-of markers
Celtic surnames often say whose child you are. The markers differ by language, and they are the quickest way to make a name feel consistent.
| Tradition | Marker | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish Gaelic | Mac | son of | Fergus mac Alpin |
| Irish | Mac | son of | Cormac mac Dara |
| Irish | Ó / Ua | descendant of | Niamh Ua Briain |
| Irish | Ní | daughter of a descendant of | Aoife Ní Néill |
| Welsh | ap / ab | son of | Cadwyn ap Rhys |
Welsh ap shows up in modern surnames. Price comes from ap Rhys, and Bowen from ab Owen. One thing to avoid is Fitz, which looks Irish but comes from Norman French fils, “son.”
Names by style
Irish-leaning: Fionn, Niamh, Cormac, Aoife, Fergus, Brannoch
Welsh-leaning: Rhys, Owain, Gwenllian, Tegan, Bronwen, Cadfael
Scottish-leaning: Isla, Alasdair, Mairead, Ruaridh, Eilidh, Calum
Nature compounds: Oakheart, Ravenglen, Stagford, Briarcrest, Mosshollow, Cairnbrook
Clans and fellowships: The Standing Stone Clan, The Hawthorn Hound Fellowship, The Silver Harp Circle, The Red Raven Kin
Using the names in a campaign
A clan makes a good faction. “The Standing Stone Clan” can guard a ring of stones that the party needs, and a rival clan can claim the same ground. For more clan ideas, try our Clan Name Generator.
Druids and bards often lead Celtic-style stories, so the Druid Name Generator and Bard Name Generator fit well. For the folk who live in the hills, the Fairy Name Generator adds a few strange neighbors.
If the setting leans toward cold coasts and longships instead, switch to the Norse Name Generator.
Saying the names at the table
Celtic spellings can look strange to English readers, so a short guide saves arguments. In Irish, Niamh is usually pronounced like “neev,” and Aoife sounds like “EE-fa.”
Welsh has its own rules. The letter combination dd sounds like the “th” in “this,” so Gwenddydd carries a soft sound in the middle.
You do not need to be perfect. Tell your players how you say a name once, and then stay consistent, because a name said three different ways stops feeling like a place with its own language.
If you prefer spelling that is easier to read, use the nature compounds such as Oakheart or Cairnbrook. They read in English at a glance and still keep the misty, wooded mood.
Celtic Name Generator FAQs
What are some Celtic names?
Fionn, Niamh, Cormac, Rhys, Gwenllian, Isla and Alasdair all come from Irish, Welsh or Scottish traditions.
What does Mac mean in a Celtic surname?
Mac means “son of” in Irish and Scottish Gaelic. The Welsh equivalent is ap or ab.
Are Celtic names the same as Irish names?
No. Irish is one Celtic language, and Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and others have their own names. Keep them in one tradition if you want a consistent culture.
Can I use these names for fantasy clans and places?
Yes. The generator makes personal names, nicknames, clans and place-flavored names for fiction and tabletop games.