Gnome Name Generator

The natural lifespan for Gnomes is around 500 years, though few reach this age.

As I discussed in my previous post my computer is no more, but I managed to borrow my partners laptop to whip up some code for a Gnome name generator. We got a decent amount of material in the Spike magazine and I also used inspiration from some old C11 gnomes from Games Workshop's pre-slotta era, old Warhammer 3rd edition, Warhammer Fantasy Role Play and some White Dwarf editions covering the three systems. 

 

According to the lore, Gnomes traditionally inherit family names and those of people important to the family.

Gnomes usually name their children following a traditional pattern. The firstborn is named after the grandmother on the mother’s side or the grandfather on the father’s side. The second born is named after the mother or father. The third is named for the grandmother on the father’s side or the grandfather on the mother’s side. And the fourth, and later, is named after any other relations of importance. However, it is also common to name children after people important to the family, such as local rulers, those who have been of great service, or close friends.

That all sounds like there would be less diversity in gnome first names, so my source material should cover plenty of ground here. I can add to this as I come across more.

According to Gnome myth, there were originally 444 great clans of Gnomes. The gods created each clan for a specific purpose, which was secretly imparted to the Great Mother of each clan to pass on to her children.

In Glimdwarrow, only eight clans remain, and most Gnomes in the Reikland hail from one of those eight. A Gnome’s clan name is inherited from the mother, and never changes, even when a Gnome marries. Many Gnomes, secretive folk such as they are, prefer to keep their clan name secret, and instead offer an epithet as a surname. These names are often descriptive, self-mocking, and sometimes sardonic, such as Mudfoot, Glittereye, Soleheart, or Patchcloak.

Glimdwarrow Clans: Annearil, Frayne, Hawken, Landweth, Peddlar, Scantleburn, Thorne, Trethewey

I’ve made a diverse last name generator based on the names I have come across in my research. To be true to the lore, I have included the clan names in the name generator, but they have a less than 1% chance of appearing. 

The Spike stayed very truthful to the established lore on the gnomes. The concept of them masquerading as halflings was already well established and described in the Warhammer setting. Their assignment to the College of Shadows in Dungeon Bowl faithfully followed the lore. Their lore in Warhammer Fantasy Rollplay really tied them with the wind of Ulgu (the magical wind of shadows illusions and deceit) to a degree that the Spike didn’t go into in depth. Gnomes being inherently magical beings and their close relationship with Ulgu manifest in physical attributes:

 Gnome eye colour changes as they age, typically starting with brighter colours then gradually turning grey as they grow older. Most Gnomes have entirely grey eyes by their 200th birthday.

Like their eyes, Gnome hair turns grey with age, and eventually turns a deep-silver (not white).

With the info I found, I also put together a physical attributes option in the name generator for those of you who play Warhammer Fantasy Role Play or who like some personal painting prompts for the different players. Head over and give it a try.

I know some of you don’t like pun team names, it’s not as easy to create a generator for team names that will produce something that works. However, I have continued my research and this is my current list of gnome teams from the lore. I'll keep collating it and maybe come up with a good solution to make a generator for team names as well at some point.

Team Name	Source
Altdorf Park Anglers	Spike 17
Anti-Moot Meddlers	Spike 17
Badgerwood Bin Raiders	Spike 17
Deep Forest Tricksters	Spike 17
Glimdwallow Geezers	Spike 5, Spike 17
Glimdwarrow Groundhogs	Spike 17
Gnome Rangers	WD102
Grey Mountain Gem-miners	Spike 17
Mirror Moor Maurauders	Spike 17
Shortstuff Scurriers	First edition Blood Bowl
Midden Marsh Jesters	Spike 17

 

All the quotes are from Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay: Rough Nights & Hard Days by cubicle 7 Games