In the shadowed borderlands between civilization and chaos, the howling packs of gnolls strike fear into the hearts of travelers and villagers alike.
These hyena-headed humanoids embody savagery and bloodlust, driven by an unquenchable hunger and the dark influence of demonic forces.
Whether you’re a Dungeon Master seeking to populate your wilderness encounters with memorable adversaries or a player creating a rare gnoll character, the name you choose sets the tone for these ferocious creatures.
Gnolls are known for their harsh, guttural language filled with snarls, yips, and barks. Their names often reflect their brutal nature, with sounds that evoke their hyena heritage and their worship of Yeenoghu, the demon lord who created them.
This comprehensive guide offers 200 terrifying gnoll names across multiple categories, complete with descriptions that capture the essence of these savage creatures.
At the end of this article, you’ll find an exclusive gnoll name generator to help create the perfect name for your next gnoll encounter.
So sharpen your spears, strengthen your resolve, and prepare to face the bone-chilling names of the gnoll packs that haunt the darkness.
Male Gnoll Names
Male gnoll names carry the harsh consonants and guttural sounds of their savage language.
These names often commemorate brutal deeds, physical traits, or the dark omens that surrounded their birth. They are designed to instill fear and command respect within the pack hierarchy.
- Gnashtooth: Known for his jagged fangs that can tear through armor and flesh with equal ease.
- Krazak: A name that mimics the sound of bones being crushed between powerful jaws.
- Yipwail: Named for his distinctive hunting cry that freezes prey in their tracks.
- Goremouth: His muzzle perpetually stained with the blood of countless victims.
- Snarlfang: Renowned for his terrifying battle snarl that has been known to cause fleeing before combat begins.
- Ravenmaw: His dark-furred face resembles the gaping beak of a carrion bird.
- Grimclaw: Bears unusually long claws, sharpened to deadly points for disemboweling prey.
- Howlfiend: His nighttime howls are said to predict death in nearby settlements.
- Bonecrack: Derived from his habit of cracking open bones to feast on the marrow.
- Shredtail: Missing half his tail from a battle with a human champion, now a badge of pride.
- Skullgnaw: Collects the skulls of worthy opponents to gnaw on during ceremonial feasts.
- Rotfang: His breath reeks of decay, a result of feeding primarily on carrion.
- Hackthroat: Specializes in silent kills, targeting the throats of sentries and scouts.
- Grimbite: Known for never releasing his bite until his victim stops struggling.
- Bloodmane: His matted mane is deliberately soaked in the blood of his kills as a status symbol.
- Festerflesh: Covered in ritual scars that are kept deliberately infected as a sign of toughness.
- Gutrender: Famous for his technique of disemboweling enemies with a single swipe.
- Marrowfeast: Particularly enjoys the marrow of sentient beings, believing it gives him their strength.
- Yeenshade: Named in honor of Yeenoghu, carrying a fragment of the demon lord’s essence.
- Crackjaw: His powerful bite can snap a femur with one chomp.
- Ripsnarl: The sound of his hunting call sends chills down the spines of even hardened adventurers.
- Hellpelt: His fur bears unusual markings that resemble infernal symbols.
- Cruelmaw: Known for prolonging the suffering of his prey for personal enjoyment.
- Vilemuzzle: His face is distorted by battle scars, creating a nightmarish visage.
- Deathjaw: Believed to be able to smell when someone is close to death.
Did you know that gnolls have a connection to the demonic planes?
According to D&D lore, gnolls were created when Yeenoghu, the Demon Lord of Gnolls, slaughtered a tribe of humans and allowed hyenas to feast on their corpses.
These hyenas transformed into the first gnolls, forever binding the race to their demonic creator. This unholy origin explains their savage nature and their tendency toward chaos and evil alignments.
Female Gnoll Names
Female gnoll names balance ferocity with cunning. In many gnoll packs, females hold positions of spiritual authority or serve as strategic leaders.
Their names often reflect both their deadly nature and their vital role in ensuring the pack’s survival through hunting prowess and dark rituals.
- Ripclaw: Her claws are filed to razor sharpness, capable of shredding armor with ease.
- Shadowfang: Moves like a shadow at night, her victims rarely see her coming.
- Bonegrinder: Known for crushing the bones of enemies between her powerful jaws.
- Yipsnicker: Her laugh-like battle cry is the last sound many have heard.
- Bloodeye: Her eyes have an unusual red tint, believed to be a blessing from Yeenoghu.
- Gorespittle: Notorious for the bloody foam that forms at her mouth during battle frenzies.
- Shrieker: Her war cry can shatter confidence and cause inexperienced fighters to flee.
- Ravenwound: Covered in self-inflicted ritual scars that resemble flying ravens.
- Deathlaugh: Her hunting call sounds disturbingly like manic human laughter.
- Soulflay: Believed to consume not just the flesh but the spirits of those she kills.
- Heartgnaw: According to pack legend, she devours the hearts of brave warriors to gain their courage.
- Vilefang: Her teeth are stained black from a ritual mixture of blood and poisonous herbs.
- Howlhaunt: Her howls are said to attract ghosts and other spirits to the hunting grounds.
- Grimsnout: Her muzzle is permanently twisted into a terrifying snarl from an old battle wound.
- Fleshrender: Famous for her technique of stripping flesh from living victims.
- Marrowtooth: Can crack open bones with her teeth alone, a rare skill even among gnolls.
- Hungerjaw: Perpetually hungry, she has been known to devour other gnolls who show weakness.
- Skullcrush: Wears a necklace made from the finger bones of those she’s killed.
- Foulbreath: Her breath is toxic from feeding on carrion and rotting flesh.
- Ragefury: When battle-frenzied, she becomes nearly unstoppable, feeling no pain.
- Yeenwhisper: Claims to hear the whispers of Yeenoghu guiding her to worthy prey.
- Blooddrinker: Ritually drinks the blood of enemies to absorb their strength.
- Demonfur: Her pelt bears unusual patterns said to be marks of demonic favor.
- Gutripper: Specializes in disemboweling techniques that ensure a slow, painful death.
- Cacklefang: Her laugh during the hunt is more terrifying than any battle cry.
Gnoll Clan Names
Gnoll clan names represent the collective identity of a pack, often referencing their hunting grounds, notable victories, or distinctive traits. These names are worn with fierce pride and shouted as war cries when the pack descends upon their victims.
- Bloodmoon Ravagers: Hunt primarily during full moons, believing the red light strengthens their connection to Yeenoghu.
- Bonecrusher Tribe: Known for leaving no remains of their victims, consuming even the bones.
- Fleshrender Horde: Infamous for their torturous method of slowly tearing apart captives.
- Demon-Marked Pack: Each member bears a ritualistic scar said to channel demonic power.
- Midnight Howlers: Strike exclusively at night, using darkness as their ally.
- Carrion Fangs: Specialists in ambushing battlefield scavengers and funeral parties.
- Ghostpelt Clan: Their unusual pale fur allows them to blend into foggy landscapes.
- Skullpile Warband: Build mounds of victims’ skulls to mark their territory.
- Gutfeaster Pack: Notorious for their preference for eating their prey alive.
- Soulsnatcher Tribe: Believe they consume the souls of their victims along with their flesh.
- Ruinwalker Horde: Make their lairs in abandoned settlements, adding to their eerie reputation.
- Deathmaw Collective: Named for their unusually powerful jaws, even by gnoll standards.
- Shadowstep Gang: Masters of silent movement, specializing in ambush tactics.
- Brimstone Ravagers: Their fur often smells of sulfur, said to be from their demonic patron.
- Thunderhowl Tribe: Their coordinated howling creates a sound like rolling thunder across valleys.
- Bloodspill Nomads: Never stay in one location, following the path of most bloodshed.
- Grimfang Fellowship: Led by shamans who practice particularly dark rituals.
- Yeenoghu’s Chosen: Claim a direct blessing from the Demon Lord of Gnolls himself.
- Rotflesh Warband: Deliberately allow their wounds to fester as a sign of toughness.
- Corpsefeeder Clan: Primarily target graveyards and funeral processions for easy meals.
- Nighthaunt Pack: Believe they become invisible in complete darkness.
- Goreslick Brotherhood: Anoint themselves with the blood of their victims before each hunt.
- Faminebringer Horde: Leave deliberate devastation in their wake to create future food shortages.
- Hellmarked Tribe: Each member bears a birthmark believed to be Yeenoghu’s personal sign.
- Laughing Death Pack: Known for their disturbing cackling during attacks.
Have you ever wondered how gnoll packs organize themselves?
Gnoll society follows a strict “survival of the strongest” hierarchy. Packs are typically led by the most powerful gnoll, known as the Fang of Yeenoghu, who maintains leadership through displays of strength and cruelty.
Shamans also hold significant influence, interpreting the will of Yeenoghu and leading religious rituals. Pack loyalty is fierce but practical—weaker members are often killed and eaten when food becomes scarce.
Gnoll Chieftain Name Ideas
Gnoll chieftain names embody dominance and the brutal strength required to lead a pack of these savage creatures. These names inspire both fear and respect, often commemorating great acts of violence or unusual displays of cunning that helped them rise to power.
- Gorefang the Merciless: Rose to leadership after devouring the previous three chieftains in succession.
- Skullcrusher the Mighty: Wears a crown fashioned from the skull fragments of defeated rivals.
- Yeenhowl the Blessed: Claims to hear Yeenoghu’s commands directly, leading his pack on demon-inspired raids.
- Gutripper the Insatiable: Known for his perpetual hunger and willingness to eat anything—or anyone.
- Bloodmaw the Terrible: His muzzle is permanently stained crimson from countless feasts.
- Souleater the Deathless: Rumored to have survived fatal wounds through dark pacts with Yeenoghu.
- Bonesnapper the Cruel: Takes pleasure in breaking his victims’ bones one by one before killing them.
- Grimfang the Conqueror: Has absorbed seven smaller packs into his growing horde.
- Demonpelt the Chosen: His fur grows in patterns that resemble unholy symbols.
- Fleshrender the Savage: No one in his pack dares to make eye contact with him.
- Hellroar the Unstoppable: His battle cry has been known to cause lesser foes to die of fright.
- Deathjaw the Mighty: Can bite through steel with his supernaturally strong jaws.
- Ravageflesh the Violent: Covered in self-inflicted scars that tell the story of his conquests.
- Shadowhunter the Cunning: Unlike most gnolls, he plans elaborate ambushes and strategic raids.
- Brimstone the Demonic: His eyes glow with an unnatural red light during battle frenzies.
- Marrowthief the Undying: Survived being impaled through the chest by consuming the life force of his attackers.
- Vilespawn the Corrupted: His body shows signs of mutation, possibly gifts from Yeenoghu.
- Thunderfang the Destroyer: The ground seems to shake when he leads his pack into battle.
- Rotgut the Poisonous: Has developed immunity to toxins by consuming venomous creatures.
- Soulflayer the Terrible: Wears shrunken heads of powerful enemies as trophies around his neck.
- Eyegouger the Blind: Lost his eyes in battle but developed an uncanny sense of smell that makes him deadlier.
- Demonheart the Fearless: Cut out his own heart in a ritual, replacing it with a demonic artifact.
- Bloodstorm the Relentless: Never abandons a hunt once he has the scent, no matter how long it takes.
- Skullthrone the Emperor: Sits upon a throne made from the skulls of rival chieftains.
- Nightterror the Shadow: Can seemingly disappear into darkness, striking from unexpected angles.
Savage Gnoll Warrior Names
Gnoll warrior names celebrate ferocity and battle prowess. These names often describe their fighting style, favorite weapons, or particularly brutal kills that earned them recognition within the pack.
Warriors form the backbone of gnoll society, and their names reflect their value as instruments of slaughter.
- Quickkill: Prides himself on the efficiency of his kills, wasting no movement.
- Spinebreaker: Specializes in attacking from behind to snap his victims’ spines.
- Eyeripper: Targets the eyes of his enemies, believing they contain special power.
- Throatbiter: His preferred attack targets the throat for a swift, gurgling death.
- Bowelspiller: Takes pleasure in inflicting gut wounds that ensure slow, agonizing deaths.
- Ribcracker: Known for his powerful embrace that crushes enemies against his spiked armor.
- Headtaker: Collects the heads of worthy opponents as trophies.
- Limbripper: Often leaves victims alive after removing limbs, enjoying their suffering.
- Jawsnapper: Can dislocate his jaw to bite larger chunks from his prey.
- Heartpiercer: Uncannily accurate at driving his spear through his enemies’ hearts.
- Braingnawer: Believes consuming the brains of intelligent foes increases his own cunning.
- Skullsplitter: Wields a massive maul that can crush a helmeted head in one blow.
- Fleshstrips: Methodically removes strips of flesh from captives, sometimes keeping them alive for days.
- Marrowslurper: After battles, he cracks open bones to feast on the nutritious marrow within.
- Gutspiller: His disemboweling technique is studied by younger gnolls in the pack.
- Blooddrinker: Ritually drinks the blood of his first kill each day.
- Tendoncutter: Targets tendons and ligaments, preferring to cripple rather than kill immediately.
- Organgouger: Has an unsettling knowledge of anatomy, removing specific organs from victims.
- Fingerchewer: Collects and preserves the fingers of his victims as grisly counting tokens.
- Spinesucker: Believed to have the ability to extract and consume his victims’ spinal fluid.
- Necksnapper: Known for his swift execution technique that ends fights before they begin.
- Faceripper: Removes and wears the faces of particularly hated enemies.
- Bonebreaker: The sound of breaking bones is music to his ears.
- Fleshpeeler: Uses a specialized blade to remove skin in one piece.
- Soultracker: Claims to be able to track prey by following the scent of their souls.
Gnoll Pack Names
Gnoll pack names represent smaller hunting units within larger clans. These names often reflect their specific hunting techniques, territories, or the particular aspect of Yeenoghu’s influence they embody.
Pack names are practical identifiers that help organize the chaotic gnoll society.
- Nightstalkers: Specialize in silent night raids on sleeping villages.
- Blood Seekers: Use the scent of blood to track wounded prey across vast distances.
- Throat Rippers: Known for their silent kills that target the windpipe.
- Bone Collectors: Gather bones for both religious purposes and crafting weapons.
- Shadow Hunters: Masters of ambush who strike from darkness and disappear just as quickly.
- Flesh Renders: Take particular joy in the act of tearing flesh from bone.
- Demon Howlers: Their cries are said to summon minor demons to the battlefield.
- Marrow Drinkers: Believe that consuming bone marrow grants supernatural strength.
- Soul Harvesters: Claim to collect the souls of their victims for Yeenoghu’s feast.
- Carrion Eaters: Specialize in tracking and ambushing other scavengers.
- Midnight Fangs: Strike exclusively during the darkest hour of night.
- Heart Seekers: Trained to target the heart with uncanny precision.
- Corpse Ravagers: Desecrate burial grounds and ambush mourners.
- Blood Moon Hunters: Only hunt during the full moon when the moon appears red.
- Spine Collectors: Carefully remove and preserve the spinal columns of worthy opponents.
- Ghost Walkers: Move with unnatural silence through any terrain.
- Skull Crushers: Specialize in powerful attacks that target the head.
- Hunger Bringers: Leave survivors deliberately to spread tales of terror.
- Death Laughers: Their disturbing cackling laughter precedes their attacks.
- Rot Spreaders: Intentionally spread disease through contaminated weapons.
- Organ Eaters: Consume specific organs in a ritual order during their feasts.
- Howling Doom: Their coordinated howls create fear-inducing harmonics.
- Blight Bringers: Poison water sources after raiding settlements.
- Dusk Slayers: Hunt primarily during the twilight hours.
- Bone Shredders: Leave no recognizable remains of their victims.
What makes gnolls different from other monstrous humanoids?
Unlike orcs or goblins who might form complex societies, gnolls are driven by an insatiable, supernatural hunger that can never be satisfied—a direct result of their demonic origin. This “demon-touched hunger” means gnolls can never feel truly full, driving them to constant raiding and consumption.
It also explains why gnoll societies never advance technologically; they’re too consumed by their perpetual need to hunt and devour to develop culture beyond what serves their predatory lifestyle.
Demonic Gnoll Names
Demonic gnoll names belong to those who have been directly touched by Yeenoghu’s power.
These individuals often serve as shamans, oracles, or special champions within gnoll society. Their names reflect their connection to the Abyss and the dark powers that created their race.
- Yeenscream: His howls temporarily open tiny rifts to the Abyss.
- Abysswatcher: Born with three eyes, the third said to always gaze upon the Abyss.
- Demonvessel: Allows lesser demons to possess his body during sacred rituals.
- Soulflayer: Capable of tearing the soul from a living body through dark magic.
- Hellmarked: Born with symbols of the Abyss etched into his fur.
- Brimstone: His fur perpetually smells of sulfur and his footprints sometimes smolder.
- Voidcaller: Can summon small demonic entities to aid the pack during hunts.
- Bloodrite: Leads ceremonies where pack members drink blood mixed with abyssal ichor.
- Fleshwarper: Has limited ability to twist and distort living flesh through touch.
- Yeentouched: His paws bear stigmata-like wounds that never heal but never weaken him.
- Soulgorger: Can consume the essence of the recently dead to fuel demonic magic.
- Abyssal Fang: His bite leaves wounds that resist all magical healing.
- Demonheart: Replaced his heart with an abyssal artifact in a dangerous ritual.
- Vilepriest: Interprets Yeenoghu’s will through the entrails of sacrificial victims.
- Corruptclaw: His claws spread a festering corruption that slowly transforms victims.
- Madness Speaker: His words can induce temporary insanity in those who listen too long.
- Ritualist: Covered in self-inflicted scars forming complex patterns of demonic significance.
- Fleshmolder: Can reshape his own flesh temporarily to pass through small spaces.
- Hungerbringer: His presence causes unnatural hunger in all creatures nearby.
- Yeenoghu’s Voice: Claims to speak the direct words of the Demon Lord during trances.
- Soulrender: Can see the souls of living beings and target their spiritual weaknesses.
- Boneshaper: Uses demonic magic to craft weapons from the bones of special victims.
- Abyssal Howler: His howls cause nightmares in anyone who hears them for weeks after.
- Bloodmoon: Born under a red moon, marked with Yeenoghu’s blessing from birth.
- Doomchanter: His rituals can bring misfortune and blight to targeted settlements.
Funny Gnoll Names
Even among the savage gnolls, some individuals bear names that might elicit a chuckle from adventurers brave enough to laugh in the face of death.
These names often result from unusual circumstances, peculiar habits, or simple gnoll humor that most civilized races find disturbing rather than amusing.
- Kibblesnatch: Known for stealing dried rations rather than hunting fresh prey.
- Tailchaser: Constantly circles trying to catch his own tail, possibly due to a head injury.
- Manpocket: Has sewn dozens of small pouches into his fur to collect shiny objects.
- Barkbite: Occasionally attacks trees when confused or extremely hungry.
- Droolflood: Excessive salivation has become his identifying trademark.
- Wrongway: Notorious for leading the pack in the opposite direction of prey.
- Tummytickler: Uses his spear to scratch his belly more often than to kill.
- Hiccuphowl: His intimidating howls are regularly interrupted by uncontrollable hiccups.
- Fleafeaster: Spends more time eating his own parasites than hunting.
- Stubpaw: Lost several toes to frostbite after falling asleep in snow.
- Tripfall: Remarkably clumsy for a predator, often alerting prey with his stumbles.
- Pantstealer: Has a strange fascination with collecting leggings from victims.
- Chickenripper: Prefers poultry to people, often abandoning raids to chase chickens.
- Wronch: Attempts to speak Common but mangles every word beyond recognition.
- Buttsniff: His overzealous greeting ritual embarrasses even other gnolls.
- Gigglewhine: Alternates between maniacal laughing and pitiful whimpering.
- Itchscrat: Constantly scratching due to an unfortunate encounter with poison ivy.
- Tonguetrip: His abnormally long tongue frequently gets stepped on by other pack members.
- Moonmoon: Howls at anything round and bright, including lanterns and bald heads.
- Dendigger: Obsessively creates new dens, only to abandon them immediately.
- Armorchewer: Has broken most of his teeth trying to eat scavenged metal armor.
- Shadowpouncer: Regularly attacks his own shadow when bored.
- Puddlelapper: More interested in drinking from muddy puddles than joining hunts.
- Rockhopper: Collects and hoards stones with no apparent purpose.
- Twostep: Known for his peculiar dancing-like movement when approaching prey.
Tips for Using Gnoll Names in Your Campaign
When selecting names from these categories, consider the role your gnoll will play in your story.
A minor encounter might warrant a simpler name from the Wild or Unique categories, while a major antagonist deserves something from the Powerful or Demonic lists.
Don’t be afraid to combine elements from different categories or modify names to better fit your campaign’s tone.
Remember that gnoll names can evolve throughout a campaign. A simple raider might earn additional titles through noteworthy deeds, gradually accumulating a more fearsome reputation.
This progression can serve as excellent character development, whether for NPCs or player characters.
Consider the phonetic impact of names when spoken aloud at the table. The best gnoll names roll off the tongue with a sense of menace, making them memorable for players long after the encounter ends.
Names with harsh consonants and guttural sounds typically work best for capturing the essence of these savage predators.
Conclusion
Gnolls represent primal savagery and demonic influence in the D&D world, serving as perfect antagonists to test the mettle of any adventuring party.
The names you choose for these creatures help establish their threatening presence and can elevate a simple wilderness encounter into a memorable confrontation that players will discuss long after the session ends.
Whether you opt for the terrifying brutality of names like “Souleater the Deathless” or the unexpected humor of “Tailchaser,” each name contributes to the rich tapestry of your world.
May these 200 savage gnoll names inspire your storytelling and provide plenty of challenges for your players to overcome!
Frequently Asked Questions About Gnoll Names
What makes a good gnoll name?
Good gnoll names typically include harsh consonants, guttural sounds, and themes of violence, hunting, and consumption. Names that evoke their hyena-like nature (yipping, cackling, etc.) or their demonic connection to Yeenoghu work particularly well.
Can gnolls have surnames or family names?
Traditional gnolls don’t use family names since pack loyalty supersedes blood relations. However, particularly notable gnolls might add titles or descriptors to their names (e.g., “Gorefang the Merciless”) to signify their status or accomplishments.
Are there regional differences in gnoll naming conventions?
Gnoll packs in different regions might incorporate sounds or naming elements from the cultures they frequently raid. Desert gnolls might use more Bedouin-inspired names, while forest gnolls might incorporate elvish sounds they’ve encountered.
Can gnolls have non-evil names?
While extremely rare, gnolls who break from their demonic nature might adopt names that reflect their rejection of Yeenoghu’s influence. These names might incorporate concepts alien to typical gnoll culture, such as mercy, protection, or redemption.
How do gnolls choose names for their young?
Gnoll pups are typically named based on physical characteristics, circumstances of birth, or omens observed by pack shamans. Names may change as they mature, especially if they perform notable deeds or show particular hunting prowess.
