Ever stared at your character sheet trying to come up with the perfect name for your black dragon? I’ve been there! Naming these magnificent beasts isn’t just about picking something that sounds cool (though that’s definitely part of it). The right name can bring your dragon to life, giving it personality before it even enters the story.
Black dragons are fascinating creatures in fantasy worlds. They’re typically associated with darkness, corruption, and elements like acid or fire. Whether you’re creating a villain for your D&D campaign or writing fantasy fiction, the perfect name can make all the difference.
I’ve put together this guide to help you find that perfect name—drawing from mythology, popular culture, and creative naming strategies that’ll make your black dragon memorable. Let’s dive in!
Black Dragon Names
Looking for a quick list of awesome black dragon names? Here are some that instantly evoke power and mystery:
- Obsidian
- Nightshade
- Shadowfang
- Voidscale
- Darkmaw
- Ebonfury
- Grimclaw
- Ashvein
- Dreadwing
- Umbrafang
- Onyx
- Vexathon
- Mournscale
- Duskthorn
- Blackfang
- Scorchruin
- Abysstalker
- Grimspine
- Midnightfury
- Charredscale
These names roll off the tongue while still capturing that dark essence you want in a black dragon.
Black Dragon Names and Meanings
Want names with a bit more depth? Check out these options with their meanings:
- Noctis (Night) – Latin origin, representing the darkness black dragons thrive in
- Malachar (Bringer of Darkness) – Fictional origin, combines malevolent themes
- Tenebris (Darkness) – Latin origin, describing the dragon’s shadowy nature
- Kurokami (Black God) – Japanese origin, signifying divine dark power
- Nyxathid (Born of Night) – Greek-inspired, referring to Nyx, goddess of night
- Mordreth (Death Shadow) – Celtic-inspired, combining death and shadow elements
- Erebus (Darkness) – Greek origin, named after the primordial deity of darkness
- Kagemaru (Circle of Shadow) – Japanese origin, representing completeness in darkness
- Stygian (Of the River Styx) – Greek origin, referring to the underworld river
- Obsidiux (Black Stone) – Latin-inspired, referencing obsidian’s dark appearance
- Umbramort (Shadow Death) – Latin origin, combining shadow and death
- Nidhogg (Malice Striker) – Norse origin, the dragon that gnaws at Yggdrasil
- Thanatos (Death) – Greek origin, named after the personification of death
- Skotadi (Darkness) – Greek origin, directly referring to darkness
- Morsoth (Death Bringer) – Latin-inspired fictional name combining death themes
- Abaddon (Destroyer) – Hebrew origin, the angel of the abyss
- Karasu (Raven) – Japanese origin, connecting to the black bird symbolism
- Void (Emptiness) – English origin, representing the absolute darkness
- Nihilus (Nothing) – Latin origin, referring to nothingness and void
- Tartarus (The Abyss) – Greek origin, the deep underworld below Hades
I once used Tenebris for a black dragon in my homebrew campaign, and my players still talk about how perfectly the name captured the dragon’s essence!
Mythical Black Dragon Names
Drawing from mythology gives your dragon an instant connection to ancient lore:
- Tiamat – Babylonian chaos goddess often depicted as a dragon
- Apophis – Egyptian serpent of chaos and darkness
- Nidhogg – Norse dragon that gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil
- Leviathan – Biblical sea monster associated with chaos
- Vritra – Hindu dragon of drought and adversary of Indra
- Jormungandr – Norse world serpent that encircles Midgard
- Typhon – Greek father of monsters, sometimes depicted as dragon-like
- Bakunawa – Filipino dragon that causes eclipses
- Fafnir – Norse dwarf who transformed into a dragon
- Python – Greek serpent slain by Apollo
- Yamata-no-Orochi – Japanese eight-headed dragon
- Ladon – Greek hundred-headed dragon guarding golden apples
- Zmey Gorynych – Slavic three-headed dragon
- Kur – Sumerian underworld serpent
- Kaliya – Hindu many-headed serpent defeated by Krishna
- Illuyanka – Hittite dragon defeated by the storm god
- Azi Dahaka – Zoroastrian three-headed dragon
- Lotan – Ugaritic seven-headed sea serpent
- Apep – Egyptian serpent of chaos, enemy of Ra
- Kukulkan – Mayan feathered serpent deity
When my friend named his black dragon Jormungandr, we all knew this was a creature with world-ending potential. The mythological connection instantly gave the character depth!
Male Black Dragon Names
These masculine names convey strength and dominance:
- Morthax
- Draxus
- Zarcaloth
- Vyrkanos
- Norgrimm
- Thanagrim
- Rakazoreth
- Malagor
- Korgath
- Voraxx
- Grimthane
- Darkstryker
- Zoraxus
- Vexathrax
- Zarathos
- Mograxx
- Skarleth
- Nyzorax
- Karthax
- Dreadmaw
Male black dragon names often feature harsh consonants and multiple syllables that sound imposing when spoken aloud. My D&D group still remembers facing Vexathrax the Cruel—just saying his name put everyone on edge!
Female Black Dragon Names
For a more feminine touch while maintaining that dangerous edge:
- Nyxara
- Morrigan
- Zilvra
- Vexahlia
- Shadixa
- Onrathea
- Lilithax
- Kaelyssa
- Ebonara
- Thalrissa
- Morvaina
- Sylvarax
- Nightarra
- Voraxina
- Raveneth
- Umbrielle
- Duskmaw
- Ashenra
- Necrosa
- Zorathelle
I’ve noticed female black dragon names tend to include more flowing sounds while still incorporating those darker elements. When my sister introduced Umbrielle as her character’s dragon companion, we immediately felt the blend of beauty and danger in the name.
Famous Black Dragon Names
These iconic black dragons have made their mark in books, games, and movies:
- Deathwing – World of Warcraft, originally named Neltharion
- Onyxia – World of Warcraft, daughter of Deathwing
- Ancalagon the Black – J.R.R. Tolkien’s Silmarillion
- Níðhöggr – Norse mythology, chews the roots of Yggdrasil
- Fatalis – Monster Hunter series
- Alduin – The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Kalameet – Dark Souls
- Nicol Bolas – Magic: The Gathering
- Shenlong – Chinese mythology and Dragon Ball
- Temeraire – Naomi Novik’s series (though not evil)
- Shruikan – Inheritance Cycle
- Drogon – Game of Thrones (black with red accents)
- Flemeth – Dragon Age (can transform into a dragon)
- Malystryx – Dragonlance
- Falkor – The Neverending Story (benevolent luck dragon)
- Smaug – The Hobbit (more red but often portrayed with dark elements)
- Bahamut – Final Fantasy series
- Takhisis – Dragonlance (queen of darkness)
- Acnologia – Fairy Tail anime
- Shadow Dragon – Various mythologies and games
Growing up, I was always fascinated by Deathwing’s story in Warcraft—a once-noble dragon driven to madness. His name perfectly captures his fall from protector to destroyer!
Black and White Dragon Names
The contrast of light and dark makes for compelling dragon names:
- Duality
- Equilibrium
- Yin-Yang
- Eclipsewing
- Balancefang
- Polaryx
- Twilightscale
- Dawnshade
- Marbletalon
- Contrastrix
- Ebonivory
- Shadowlight
- Moonshadow
- Penumbra
- Halftone
- Dichotomy
- Chromashift
- Duskgleam
- Harmonia
- Equivox
I once created a black and white dragon named Duality for a campaign about balance. The players immediately understood the dragon’s conflicted nature just from the name!
Red and Black Dragon Names
Fire and shadow combine in these powerful names:
- Embershadow
- Bloodnight
- Crimsonvoid
- Infernodarks
- Scarletshadow
- Rubyclaw
- Nightflame
- Ashmaw
- Cinderscale
- Bloodscorch
- Emberdark
- Magmashade
- Flameveil
- Darkblaze
- Shadowflame
- Netherspark
- Obsidianflame
- Charcoalburst
- Blackfire
- Shadowburn
The combination of fire and darkness themes makes these dragons seem especially dangerous. When my friend introduced Shadowflame in her novel, readers immediately pictured a terrifying creature that commanded both elements!
Green and Black Dragon Names
Perfect for dragons associated with poison, acid, or corrupt nature:
- Toxinscale
- Vilebloom
- Rotfang
- Acidshade
- Plaguewing
- Venomshade
- Corruptroot
- Pestilence
- Blightfang
- Morbidfern
- Poisonveil
- Acidmaw
- Darkmoss
- Fetidscale
- Nocturnal Vine
- Darkwood
- Corrosiveshade
- Putrescence
- Noxiousscale
- Murkthorn
Green and black dragons often combine the themes of poison and darkness. I created a character named Toxinscale for my fantasy story, and readers immediately understood the dragon’s deadly nature.
Ancient Black Dragon Names
These names evoke age, wisdom, and primordial power:
- Aeons
- Primordus
- Antiquus
- Elderscale
- Ancientus
- Primeval
- Eternyx
- Chronostryx
- Aeonwing
- Antiquity
- Timeless
- Eonbringer
- Primordiax
- Ageless
- Ancienthor
- Eternaldark
- Oldblood
- Primevalor
- Antiquax
- Eldritch
Ancient black dragons deserve names that hint at their incredible age and accumulated knowledge. In my last campaign, the dragon Primordus had lived for thousands of years—and his name instantly conveyed that sense of ancient power.
Black Dragon Names Girl
Perfect for female dragons with a slightly softer touch:
- Lunara
- Ebony
- Nightingale
- Raven
- Shade
- Silhouette
- Vesper
- Obsydia
- Noir
- Shadow
- Midnight
- Eclipse
- Dusk
- Twilight
- Onyx
- Umbra
- Nyx
- Dark Star
- Obscura
- Tenebra
I’ve found that female black dragon names can blend darkness with beauty in an interesting way. My niece named her dragon character Nightingale, which perfectly captured both the mysterious and graceful aspects of her creation.
Black Dragon Names Japanese
Drawing from Japanese language and culture creates exotic and meaningful names:
- Kuroryū (Black Dragon)
- Yamikage (Dark Shadow)
- Kuromaru (Black Circle)
- Ankoku (Darkness)
- Kurohime (Black Princess)
- Yamishin (Dark God)
- Kurotatsuo (Black Dragon Man)
- Kokuryu (Black Dragon)
- Yamiyo (Dark Night)
- Kurokage (Black Shadow)
- Kagehebi (Shadow Snake)
- Kurosame (Black Shark)
- Yaminaga (Dark Longevity)
- Kurokage (Black Shadow)
- Yamisora (Dark Sky)
- Kurohyō (Black Panther)
- Yamikami (Dark God)
- Kurotoge (Black Thorn)
- Kurooni (Black Demon)
- Yamiakuma (Dark Devil)
Japanese-inspired names have a wonderful flow while maintaining that dark essence. When I used Kuroryū in a short story, readers loved how exotic yet meaningful the name felt!
Black Dragon Names Boy
These names have a particularly masculine energy perfect for male dragons:
- Dread
- Grimclaw
- Doom
- Abaddon
- Chaos
- Blight
- Malice
- Darkclaw
- Fury
- Void
- Rage
- Ashbringer
- Nightmare
- Fang
- Hunter
- Ravager
- Thunder
- Scorch
- Ruin
- Havoc
Black Dragon Names by Theme
Picking a name that matches your dragon’s personality or powers can help create a more cohesive character. Here are some themed options to consider:
Fire and Flame
If your black dragon harnesses fire, these names might spark some interest:
- Ember
- Dracarys
- Ashfang
- Cinderscale
- Blazetalon
A black dragon with fire abilities makes for an interesting twist on the classic archetype! Many dragons in stories like Game of Thrones breathe fire, making these names instantly recognizable as dragon-worthy.
Darkness and Mystery
Black dragons often embody the shadows they lurk in. These names capture that eerie essence:
- Shadow
- Nightterror
- Obsidian
- Darkfang
- Eclipse
These names work beautifully for dragons that prefer stealth or have connections to darkness and mystery. They create an immediate sense of danger and intrigue.
Power and Strength
For a dragon that commands respect through sheer might:
- Deathwing
- Tiamat
- Tyrannos
- Dominus
- Hellscream
When your dragon is all about raw power, these names communicate strength and authority right away. They’re perfect for the big bad antagonist in your story!
Corruption and Acid
Many black dragons are associated with acid and corruption in fantasy settings:
- Toxinscale
- Vilebreath
- Acidfang
- Corruptor
- Venomspine
These names hint at the deadly abilities many black dragons possess in settings like Dungeons & Dragons.
Black Dragon Names by Origin
Looking at different mythologies and stories can give us some incredible name options with rich histories behind them.
Mythology and Folklore
Greek:
- Medousa (guardian)
- Typhon (father of monsters)
- Python (serpent slain by Apollo)
Babylonian:
- Sirrush (dragon depicted on the Ishtar Gate)
- Tiamat (primordial goddess of the ocean)
Nordic:
- Nidhogg (dragon that gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil)
- Jormungandr (the world serpent)
- Fafnir (dwarf turned dragon by greed)
Mythological names carry weight and history, connecting your dragon to ancient tales of power and wonder. I’ve always found that using a name with mythological roots gives instant depth to a character.
Literature and Popular Culture
Game of Thrones:
- Drogon
- Viserion
- Rhaegal
Dungeons & Dragons:
- Sjachmalsvir
- Mrinabnahor
- Voaraghamanthar (known as the “Black Death”)
World of Warcraft:
- Deathwing (formerly Neltharion)
- Onyxia
- Nefarian
Other Media:
- Smaug (The Hobbit)
- Kalameet (Dark Souls)
- Ancalagon (Tolkien’s legendarium)
Pop culture has given us some truly iconic dragon names. Using one as inspiration can help players or readers instantly connect with the type of dragon you’re presenting.
Gender-Specific Black Dragon Names
Male Black Dragon Names
Male black dragon names often sound imposing and complex:
- Insithryllax
- Morgathrond
- Vraxanaurix
- Zehktarnex
- Krovalthazar
In many fantasy settings, male dragons have longer, more complicated names that are full of harsh consonants. They practically rumble when you say them out loud!
Female Black Dragon Names
Female black dragon names tend to be more melodic while still sounding powerful:
- Melusine
- Shabriri
- Nythona
- Raenisa
- Varaxia
These names maintain the dangerous edge you want for a black dragon while incorporating more flowing sounds. I’ve noticed that in stories, female dragons often get more mysterious, enchanting names compared to their male counterparts.
Creating Your Own Black Dragon Name
Sometimes the best name is one you craft yourself! Here’s how to create something unique:
Explore Cultural Influences
Different languages can provide interesting sounds and meanings:
- Japanese: Combine “Kuro” (black) with “Ryu” (dragon) to create “Kuroryū”
- Greek: Use “Mavros” (black) with “Drakon” (dragon) for “Mavrodrakon”
- Norse: Blend “Svart” (black) with “Orm” (serpent) for “Svartorm”
Play with Sounds
- Use hard consonants (X, Z, K) for power
- Add flowing vowels for melody
- Create rhythm with syllable patterns
For example: Zaxareth combines harsh Z and X sounds with smoother vowels for a balanced name.
Match the Name to the Role
- Villainous dragons: Emphasize threatening sounds (Morthax, Vexinor)
- Guardian dragons: Use noble-sounding elements (Crisanth, Vastroth)
- Ancient dragons: Incorporate archaic sounds (Yithranax, Olokron)
I once created a black dragon named “Obsidrithrax” by combining “obsidian” with threatening sounds. My players instantly knew this wasn’t a dragon to mess with!
Famous Black Dragons and Their Names
Let’s look at some of the most recognizable black dragons in fantasy:
| Dragon Name | Source | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Deathwing | World of Warcraft | Formerly Neltharion, corrupted Earth-Warder |
| Drogon | Game of Thrones | Named after Khal Drogo, largest of Daenerys’ dragons |
| Onyxia | World of Warcraft | Deathwing’s daughter, master of deception |
| Ancalagon | Tolkien’s works | “The Black,” greatest of winged dragons |
| Nidhogg | Norse mythology | Gnaws at the roots of the world tree |
What makes these names work so well is how they match the dragon’s personality and role in their respective stories. Deathwing’s name perfectly captures his destructive nature, while Onyxia’s name hints at her black scales with its reference to the gemstone onyx.
Common Patterns in Black Dragon Names
After looking at hundreds of black dragon names across different media, I’ve noticed some patterns:
- Prefix/Suffix combinations: Names often use pieces like “neth-“, “vox-“, “-thrax”, or “-goth”
- Elemental references: Many incorporate words for acid, shadow, or darkness
- Length trends: More ancient or powerful dragons tend to have longer names
- Cultural borrowing: Many effective names blend elements from different languages
These patterns show up in names across fantasy worlds and can help guide your own naming process.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect name for your black dragon doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether you borrow from mythology, popular culture, or craft something entirely new, the key is choosing a name that feels right for your dragon’s personality and role in your world.
I hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas to work with! Remember, the best dragon names are the ones that feel natural when you say them and create an immediate impression. Whether your black dragon is a terrifying villain or a misunderstood guardian, its name should capture its essence.
Happy naming, and may your black dragon strike fear (or awe) into the hearts of all who hear its name!