Character Name Generator
First and last names for any story or game, by genre, gender and origin — with the real meaning of each name.
Choose your options and press Generate — your results will appear here.
Character Name Generator for Stories, Games and Role-Play
Name your protagonist, your villain or the whole supporting cast. Choose a genre, gender and name origin, add a personality or theme, and get 12 first-and-last-name combinations, each with the real meaning or origin of the name and the kind of character it suits.
Choose Genre and Origin
The right name depends on when and where your story happens.
- 01
Genre
Fantasy, sci-fi, modern, horror, romance, school or action — each pulls the names toward its setting and era.
- 02
Origin
English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Nordic, Greek or Latin names, or a mix.
- 03
Original script
Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Greek names come with their original writing, so you can use them correctly.
- 04
Real meanings
Real names come with their actual meaning or origin, not a made-up one.
How to Use the Character Name Generator
Three quick steps to a cast list.
Set genre, gender and origin
Match your story's setting, or leave options on Any for a varied list.
Describe the character (optional)
Add a trait or theme — "grumpy detective", "cheerful healer", "cold-blooded heir" — to steer the feel.
Generate and copy
Copy names one by one or all at once, and generate again for more.
Tips for Naming Characters
Small checks that keep a cast easy to read.
- 01
Vary first letters
Two main characters named Mara and Mia blur together on the page.
- 02
Fit the era
A medieval knight and a 2020s streamer rarely share the same names.
- 03
Use meaning as subtext
A name meaning "light" on a villain, or "wolf" on a gentle character, can add irony.
- 04
Check the full name
Read first and last name together out loud before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Character Name Generator FAQ
Answers about origins, meanings, and using names for books, games and OCs.
What is a character name generator?
It suggests names for characters in novels, comics, games and role-play based on genre, gender and origin. OCMaker AI returns 12 full names per click with the meaning of each.
Are the names and meanings real?
Names for real-world origins are real first and last names, and the meaning describes their actual origin. If the generator is not sure of a root, it describes how the name is used instead of inventing one.
Can I get Japanese or Korean character names?
Yes — choose the origin and you will get the name in its original script too. For Japanese names with every kanji explained, use the Japanese Name Generator.
What about fantasy or invented names?
Choose the fantasy or sci-fi genre for names that fit those worlds, or use the Fantasy Name Generator for elves, dwarves, dragons and more.
Is the character name generator free?
Yes, it is free with no sign-up, with an hourly limit per visitor.
Have a Name? Build the Character
Give your character a look, personality, backstory and powers, then bring them to life as art.