Elf names matter more than you might think. The moment your elf has a name, he becomes part of the family. Kids stop saying "the elf" and start asking, "What did Snickerdoodle do last night?"
Below are 150 names in eight groups. They're all either made up or ordinary first names – no famous characters from books, movies or TV. That way, your elf stays one of a kind.
How to pick the perfect elf name
A few questions make choosing easier:
- Who gets to decide? Lots of families let the kids pick. It instantly makes the elf "theirs."
- Does the elf arrive with a name? Then it's in his welcome letter. Templates are at Arrival Letters.
- Does it fit the personality? A cheeky prankster elf is probably more of a Wiggles than a Humphrey. A calm, story-reading elf could absolutely be a Beatrice.
- Is it easy to say? For little kids, short two-syllable names work best.
A fun twist: the elf suggests three names in his first letter, and the kids vote.
Classic Christmas elf names
Names with a festive ring, many of them borrowed straight from the season.
Holly · Ivy · Noel · Noelle · Carol · Gabriel · Nicholas · Joy · Hope · Faith · Star · Belle · Angel · Grace · Felix
"Felix" means lucky or happy in Latin – a pretty good description of an elf.
Funny elf names
For elves who build toilet paper snowmen and put party hats on toothbrushes. Kids giggle just saying them out loud.
Sprinkles · Gumdrop · Snickerdoodle · Pudding · Biscuit · Nutmeg · Cinnamon · Pickles · Waffles · Muffin · Noodle · Jellybean · Peppermint · Tinsel · Jingles · Fizz · Twinkletoes · Cocoa · Marshmallow · Butterscotch · Crumpet · Toffee · Sugarplum · Doodle · Wiggles · Giggles · Sock · Bubbles · Snoozy · Tumble
A funny name suits an elf who's big on mischief. Find plenty of ideas in our Elf Prank Ideas.
Nordic elf names
Christmas elves have their roots in Scandinavian folklore, where they're called nisse or tomte. Read more in What Is a Christmas Elf?. A Nordic name is a nice nod to that – short, friendly and a little bit snowy.
Nils · Lars · Ingrid · Freya · Sigrid · Leif · Bjorn · Gunnar · Solveig · Tove · Linnea · Anders · Mette · Ylva · Arvid
Old-fashioned elf names
Grand, old-fashioned names sound wonderfully dignified on a tiny elf in a pointy hat. That contrast is the whole charm.
Archibald · Mabel · Bartholomew · Winifred · Percival · Agatha · Cornelius · Edith · Mortimer · Hazel · Ernest · Florence · Horace · Gertrude · Humphrey · Mildred · Theodore · Beatrice · Ambrose · Dorothy
These are great for an elf who claims to be several hundred years old and mentions it in every letter.
Elf names for girls
Whether you've got a girl elf in mind or your child insists on one, these names are sweet, wintry or simply lovely.
Clara · Rosie · Lucy · Daisy · Ella · Poppy · Lulu · Juniper · Clover · Pearl · Ruby · Hattie · Nell · Molly · Tilly · Bonnie · Pippa · Maisie · Josie · Effie
Elf names for boys
Friendly, a little mischievous, a little vintage: names for elves with a tool belt – or a chef's hat.
Alfie · Barnaby · Otis · Jasper · Ollie · Teddy · Gus · Rory · Finn · Milo · Hugo · Toby · Arlo · Ned · Jack · Bertie · Sid · Albie · Rex · Monty
Gender-neutral elf names
Elves don't have to be a boy or a girl. If you want to keep it open, or siblings can't agree, neutral names are perfect. Many come from nature or the winter sky.
Snowdrop · Sparkle · Ember · Aspen · Bramble · Comet · Pine · Sky · Twig · Flurry · Sleet · Cedar · Wren · Sunny · Nova
Elf names with a last name
Some elves insist on a full name – it does go on their elf ID card, after all. Pair a first name with a wintry surname:
Jolly McSnowflake · Twinkle Frostbottom · Pip Pinecone · Dot Sparkleboots · Bertram Bellweather · Bea Hollyberry · Tobias Tinseltoes · Nora Nightingale · Fergus Figgypudding · Rosalind Reindeerbell · Gilbert Gingersnap · Cleo Candlewick · Basil Butterbeard · Hector Hearthstone · Winnie Wintergreen
Kids are brilliant at inventing these, by the way. Just ask: "And what's his last name?"
Putting the name to work
A name really comes alive when it shows up everywhere:
- Name sign on the door: The Arrival kit includes a door sign with space for a name.
- Profile and ID card: The Profile & ID Card kit has an elf ID with name, age and favorite food.
- Signing letters: Every letter ends with the elf's name – maybe with a little flourish or a tiny hat dotting the i.
- Luggage tag: On arrival day, a name tag dangles from the Suitcase.
Still making your elf door? Leave room for the name sign. How-to: How to Make an Elf Door.
FAQ
Should the elf have the same name every year?
That depends on your story. Many families have the same elf return each year. Others get a visit from a new elf with a new name every December.
What if siblings can't agree?
Give the elf a double name. Or two elves move in – a brother-and-sister team. That's extra fun, because they can tattle on each other in their letters.
Can our elf be named after a famous character?
Whatever your family loves is fine. But a name of your own makes the elf something special that only your family has.
Can the elf have a nickname?
Absolutely. Bartholomew quickly becomes "Barty," and Winifred turns into "Winnie." Nicknames usually happen all on their own.