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Tiefling Names: Infernal, Virtue and Surname Ideas for D&D
Tiefling names in Dungeons & Dragons come in three styles: Infernal names from their fiendish bloodline, virtue names they choose for themselves, and ordinary names from the culture that raised them. This guide explains each one, gives examples and lets you generate new tiefling names that fit both the 2014 and 2024 rules. It is part of our demon names collection.
By James Henry · Last updated: October 2026
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The 3 styles of tiefling names
1. Infernal names
These names come from the language of the Nine Hells and are passed down through a tiefling’s family. The Player’s Handbook gives examples such as Akmenos, Damakos, Kairon and Morthos for male characters and Akta, Bryseis, Kallista and Nemeia for female characters.
One honest note: the official books do not give meanings for these names. If a website tells you “Akmenos means steadfast soul”, that meaning was invented by the site.
2. Virtue names
Many tieflings, usually when they are young, pick a name for an idea they want to live by, or one that marks a break from their fiendish heritage. Official examples include Art, Carrion, Creed, Hope, Reverence, Sorrow, Temerity and Torment. Virtue names do not have to be positive. Carrion and Torment are as valid as Hope.
3. Human-raised names
A tiefling raised among humans, elves or dwarves often has a normal name from that culture: a tiefling called Sarah or Tomas is perfectly in-world. A popular mix is an Infernal given name with a human surname, like Kairon Halloway.
Two names, one tiefling
Tieflings can carry both a birth name and an adopted virtue name, and players on the D&D Beyond forums often use this. A tiefling might be Nemeia to her parents and Salubrious to everyone else. It is a simple way to show a character’s growth: the virtue name is who they decided to become.
Generated tiefling names (original)
These were created in the Infernal style for GujoAnimes and are free to use.
| Style | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Infernal | Vexara, Ysmeria, Kaelith, Thessira, Damyra | Zarakos, Morvael, Iskarion, Belthos, Kaedros |
| Virtue (hopeful) | Mercy, Lantern, Amity, Promise, Kindle | Valor, Steadfast, Anthem, Patience, Resolve |
| Virtue (grim) | Ruin, Ashes, Lament, Hollow, Vigil | Ember, Penance, Silence, Wrath, Nevermore |
| Virtue (ironic) | Delight (for a gloomy warlock), Gentle (for a barbarian) | Laughter (for a grim paladin), Quiet (for a loud bard) |
Tiefling surnames
Infernal names rarely include surnames. When your tiefling needs one, try these approaches:
- A family name from the culture that raised them: Halloway, Brennick, Ashworth.
- A descriptive name others gave them: Emberhorn, Duskwalker, Brimstone.
- A chosen surname that matches the virtue name: Hope Unbroken, Sorrow Ashgrave.
Need more surnames? Use the last name generator.
Tiefling names and the 2024 rules
Tieflings are still a core player species in the 2024 Player’s Handbook. The 2024 version ties tiefling magic to a fiendish legacy (Abyssal, Chthonic or Infernal), but it adds no new naming rules for tieflings. Every name style on this page works in both editions. If you pick an Abyssal or Chthonic legacy, harsher or more death-themed names can hint at it.
Playing Baldur’s Gate 3? The same styles work there too, since its tieflings follow D&D 5e lore.
How to pronounce common tiefling names
| Name | Say it |
|---|---|
| Akmenos | AK-meh-nos |
| Bryseis | bry-SAY-iss |
| Kallista | kah-LISS-tah |
| Morthos | MOR-thos |
Tips for choosing a tiefling name
- Decide how your tiefling feels about their heritage. Proud → Infernal name. Rejecting it → virtue or human name.
- Let the class colour the name. A bard might pick Lyric; a rogue might choose a plain name that draws no attention.
- Use irony on purpose. A virtue name that clashes with personality is memorable.
- Keep it sayable at the table. Two or three syllables are easiest in play.
Tiefling names by class
A tiefling’s name often says something about who they want to be. These tiefling names, from classic examples to original ideas, are matched to common Dungeons & Dragons classes:
| Class | Name ideas | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Warlock | Kallista, Morthos, Damaia | infernal and mysterious |
| Bard | Cadence, Lyre, Revelry | virtue names about art and joy |
| Rogue | Shade, Vex, Whisper | short and sneaky |
| Paladin | Hope, Resolve, Valor | virtue names about duty |
| Sorcerer | Ember, Akmenos, Nemeia | fiery and dramatic |
| Wizard | Quill, Leucis, Ardent | thoughtful and clever |
| Fighter | Brand, Iron, Torment | tough, battle-born |
| Cleric | Mercy, Solace, Faith | hopeful virtue names |
| Druid | Thorn, Bramble, Ash | nature and change |
Virtue names and their meanings
Many tieflings choose a virtue name that describes an idea they want to live up to, or one they mock. Here are popular virtue names and the character ideas they suggest:
- Hope: an optimist who refuses to give up.
- Despair: a tiefling who has seen too much.
- Mercy: a healer who forgives too easily.
- Torment: a fighter haunted by their past.
- Song: a performer with a sad backstory.
- Ruin: a reformed troublemaker, or not reformed at all.
- Patience: a calm tactician.
- Wander: a traveller who never settles.
Tiefling roleplay tips
- Decide how they feel about their heritage. Proud, ashamed or indifferent changes how they introduce themselves.
- Use the name as a hook. A tiefling named Fear who is kind and gentle invites questions from the party.
- Add a nickname. Long infernal names often get shortened by friends: Akmenos becomes Ak.
- Check with your table. Ask your Dungeon Master if they have setting rules for tiefling names.
Why use our tiefling names list?
Our tiefling names list combines infernal names, virtue names, surnames and a generator, so you can build a complete character in minutes. Players use these tiefling names for new characters, Dungeon Masters for NPCs, and writers for fantasy stories. Pick a style, test a few names out loud at your table, and choose the one that fits your tiefling’s story.
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Frequently asked questions
D&D and Dungeons & Dragons are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wizards of the Coast. All generated names are original.