Borrowed heroes, earned epithets
Each result is a given name followed by an epithet, drawn from 35 first names and 30 epithets, about a thousand pairings. You might get Hector the Unbroken, Decimus the Unconquered, Maximus Lionheart, Gaius Spearpoint or Theseus the Bold. The epithets come in two forms: "the" plus a virtue (the Relentless, the Scarred, the Undying) and fused compounds (Battleborn, Steelarm, Oathkeeper, Shieldwall).
The first names are not invented. They come from Greek myth and epic (Ajax, Achilles, Hector, Odysseus, Theseus, Perseus), Roman history and names (Brutus, Marcus, Titus, Lucius, Spartacus), legend (Roland, Lancelot, Mordred) and a few modern characters (Maximus, Kratos). A result will therefore usually remind a reader of someone. If you do not want the allusion, change the first name and keep the epithet.
Four kinds of epithet
| Kind | Examples | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Virtue | the Bold, the Relentless | Heroic and easy to grasp, but generic. |
| Deed | Oathkeeper, Shieldbreaker | Implies a story behind the name. |
| Body | Steelarm, the Scarred | Feels earned and personal. |
| Compound | Battleborn, Lionheart, Warproven | Compact and good for a title card. |
Epithets are very old. Greek epic attaches fixed phrases to heroes, such as the "swift-footed" Achilles, and fighting names were common: Leonidas contains the Greek word for lion. That is why a name built on a lion, spear or shield feels at home here. Fighters and rulers also took new names when they rose, as the Mongol leader born Temujin became known by the title Genghis Khan. A character who drops a birth name for a battle name signals a break with the past.
Fitting the name to the fighter
A heavy brawler suits a short, hard name; a scout or duelist something lighter. Consider who gave the name: comrades, enemies or the warrior. A mocking name worn proudly is a good character beat. One epithet is enough, since stacking more makes the name a sentence.
Every result is a name plus an epithet, two or three words long (Hector the Unbroken, for example), with no hyphens or accents, so it is easy to type into a character sheet or game profile. Warriors of any gender can carry them; the list has no feminine given names, so replace the first name if you want one.
The tool does not match names to gender, culture or setting, and the pool is mostly Greek and Roman, so a result like Thor the Bold may mix traditions. For specific systems, see the knight, Viking and Roman name generators. For monstrous fighters use the orc name generator, and for a hero turned enemy the guide to naming a villain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an epithet in a warrior name?
A descriptive tag attached to a name, such as the Bold or Steelarm. It records a virtue, deed, feature or reputation, so it tells readers something about the fighter before any scene begins.
Should a warrior name be short or long?
A short, hard given name is easy to shout, and a brief epithet adds history. Avoid piling up several titles.
Can I use the names it gives me?
Many first names are famous (Achilles, Leonidas, Kratos), so readers may link your character to them. Keep the epithet and swap the first name if you want no allusion.