Names from Fairy and Elven Mythology: Origin and Meaning

Where Do Fairy and Elven Names Come From?

Names that we associate today with fairies or elves mostly stem from three major sources. The first source is Germanic and Norse mythology. Here, the so-called "Alben" or "Alfar" appear, who were regarded as nature spirits. Many ancient German names still carry the syllable "Alb" or "Alf" today.

The second major source is Celtic folklore, particularly from Ireland and Wales. The Irish "Aos Sí" (the people of the mounds) correspond to what is often translated as fairies or elves. Names from this cultural sphere usually have Gaelic or Cymric roots.

The third source is literature. Authors such as William Shakespeare in the 16th century or J.R.R. Tolkien in the 20th century either drew on ancient legends to popularize names, or constructed their own languages and names for their works that are given as regular first names today.

The Names in Detail

Alberich
This first name traces back to the Old High German words "alb" (elf, nature spirit) and "rihhi" (mighty, ruler). The documented meaning is "the elf ruler". In Germanic heroic legend, Alberich is the king of the dwarves and elves.

Alvina
Alvina is a feminine form of names such as Alwin. The Germanic word root consists of the elements "alf" (elf) and "wini" (friend). The documented meaning is "the elf friend".

Arwen
This name was invented by J.R.R. Tolkien for his literary world. In his constructed language Sindarin, the meaning is documented as "noble maiden". The name is closely tied to the character of the elf princess in "The Lord of the Rings".

Avery
Avery traces back to the Norman-French pronunciation of the name Alberich. As such, the name shares the documented meaning "elf ruler". Today in the English-speaking world, it is given to both boys and girls.

Elara
Elara originates from Greek mythology, where it denotes a princess hidden from Hera by Zeus. The older etymological meaning of this name family has not been definitively clarified. The name appeals primarily due to its brevity and straightforward spelling.

Faye
This name traces back to Middle English "faie" and Old French "fée". The Latin root word "fata" means "goddess of fate". The documented meaning of the name is simply "the fairy".

Fiona
Fiona derives from the Gaelic word "fionn", whose documented meaning is "white", "fair", or "blond". The name was popularized in the 18th century by Scottish poet James Macpherson and is frequently associated with Celtic fairy beings.

Flora
The Latin root word of this name means "flower". Flora is documented as the Roman goddess of flowers and spring. In many later fairy tales and legends, fairies bear this name, such as in the story of Sleeping Beauty.

Lorelei
The name traces back to a prominent rock formation on the Rhine, around which the legend of a water nymph revolves. The frequently cited translation "murmuring rock" is a widespread interpretation, as the exact origin of the first part of the word is historically disputed.

Mab
Mab is a figure from English and Celtic folklore, known as "Queen Mab". The meaning of the name is unclear; an often-mentioned interpretation connects the name with the Welsh word "mab" for "son" or "child", which, however, is not verified with respect to a fairy queen.

Melusine
Melusine is a well-known water fairy of European legend. The etymological origin of the name has not been definitively resolved. It is usually traced back to French or Celtic roots, but a generalized meaning cannot be substantiated.

Morgana
This name originates from Arthurian legend, where Morgana appears as a powerful fairy. The name is widely translated as "born of the sea"; what is firmly established is its affiliation with the Celtic name family surrounding the original name Morcant.

Niamh
Niamh is a name from Irish mythology, where it is borne by a fairy queen. The documented Old Irish root word means "radiance" or "brightness". Pay attention to the Irish spelling here: in German, the name is usually pronounced "neev" or "Niv".

Oberon
Oberon is the French variant of the Germanic name Alberich. It shares its documented meaning "elf ruler" and became widely known primarily through Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as the name of the fairy king.

Parisa
A name from the Persian language area. The documented meaning is composed of the word "pari" (fairy) and the suffix "-sa" (like). Translated, the name means "like a fairy".

Rhiannon
Rhiannon is a central figure in Welsh mythology. The frequently cited translation "great queen" is an interpretation tracing the name back to the reconstructed Celtic form "Rigantona".

Siofra
A first name from the Irish language area. The documented Gaelic root word "síofra" directly translates to "elf", "nature spirit", or "changeling".

Tauriel
Tauriel is a literary name created specifically for the film adaptation of "The Hobbit". In the elven language Sindarin constructed by Tolkien, the meaning is documented as "daughter of the forest".

Titania
The name dates back to the Roman poet Ovid, who used it to refer to the daughters of the Titans. The documented meaning is "descendant of the Titans". Shakespeare later used the name for his fairy queen.

Undine
Undine derives from the Latin term "unda", which means "wave". In the 16th century, the name was documented and introduced for water spirits by the physician and philosopher Paracelsus.

These pronunciation guides are approximate; regional variants are possible.

Combining Mythological First Names with Modern Surnames

If you decide on a name from mythology, it is worth looking at how it pairs with your surname. A very rare mythological first name like Arwen or Oberon creates a strong contrast with a common, short German surname like Müller or Schmidt. This contrast is not wrong, but it is something you should be conscious of.

Furthermore, names from the Celtic or Gaelic linguistic tradition often bring along a spelling that is not intuitive in German. With names such as Niamh or Siofra, you should expect that your child will often have to explain the spelling or pronunciation later on. If you would like to avoid this hurdle, you can also choose the mythological name as a middle name. This preserves the connection to the legendary world while keeping the everyday call name easier to manage.

How to Proceed with Your Name Search

Mythological names are often very distinctive, and it is completely normal for parents to have different favorites. Discuss together whether you prefer a Norse, Celtic, or literary direction. Also clarify how important an uncomplicated everyday spelling is to you.

In the HeyName app, you can independently rate these and many other names as "Favorite", "Maybe", or "Not a match". Names that you both mark as a favorite will appear directly as mutual matches. You can also apply specific filters in the app by origin or length to discuss your shortlist together and try out the first name directly with your surname.

Editorial update: September 22, 2026

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