300+ Warhammer 40K Names (for Your Army, Campaign, and Characters)

If you’re building a Warhammer 40K army, you know that the right name can transform a simple miniature into a legendary character with their own story.

Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I spent three weeks painting my first Space Marine tactical squad only to realize I’d named them all variations of “Bob.” Not exactly the grimdark aesthetic I was going for in the 41st millennium where there is only war.

The Warhammer 40K universe has cultivated one of the most distinctive naming traditions in science fiction over its 30+ year history.

These aren’t just random syllables thrown together—they’re carefully crafted combinations of Latin militarism, Gothic religiosity, and dystopian brutality that instantly communicate character, faction, and purpose.

Whether you’re naming your tabletop army, creating characters for a Dark Heresy campaign, or writing grimdark fiction, the right name carries the weight of the Imperium’s ten thousand years of brutal history.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover 300+ authentic Warhammer 40K names organized by faction, learn the lore-accurate naming conventions that make characters feel genuine, and get practical tips for creating your own names that would make even the God-Emperor proud.

From the noble Space Marines to the corrupted forces of Chaos, from humble Imperial Guardsmen to the mysterious Eldar, we’ve got every faction covered.

Space Marines Names: The Emperor’s Finest

The Adeptus Astartes are humanity’s greatest defenders, genetically-enhanced super-soldiers organized into Chapters with distinct naming traditions. Here are 80 Space Marine names divided between loyal sons of the Emperor and those who fell to Chaos.

Loyalist Space Marine Names

Ultramarines & Codex-Compliant Chapters:

  • Maximus Invictus – Latin for “Greatest Unconquered,” embodying the Ultramarines’ tactical supremacy and unwavering discipline
  • Titus Severus – Roman military name suggesting stern discipline, perfect for a veteran sergeant
  • Gaius Prabian – Classical Roman styling for a standard-bearing warrior
  • Octavian Victrix – “Eighth Victory,” ideal for an eighth company commander
  • Cato Sicarius – Reflects the canonical captain known for bold tactics
  • Varro Tigurius – Chief Librarian naming convention with mystical resonance
  • Sergeant Telion – Scout veteran with centuries of experience
  • Brother Agemman – First company terminator veteran
  • Ventris Augustan – Noble lineage name for honor guard members
  • Legate Calsius – Roman military rank for battlefield commanders

Blood Angels & Successors:

  • Dante Astorius – Named after the legendary 1,500-year-old Chapter Master who defied age and despair
  • Sanguinius Reborn – Honoring the martyred Primarch, given to warriors who exemplify nobility
  • Mephiston Crimson – After the Lord of Death, for psykers who mastered the Red Thirst
  • Brother Corbulo – Sanguinary High Priest preserving the Chapter’s blood
  • Erasmus Tycho – Captain who fell to the Black Rage in glorious combat
  • Rafen Bloodmoon – Successor chapter warrior with vampiric heritage
  • Astorath the Grim – Redeemer of the Lost, executing those fallen to Rage
  • Lemartes Guardian – Death Company Chaplain riding the edge of madness
  • Morleo the Golden – Honor guard in ancient artificer armor
  • Seth Flesh Tearer – Aggressive chapter master of brutal successors

Dark Angels & Unforgiven:

  • Azrael Sanctus – “Angel of God” + “Holy,” Chapter Master bearing terrible secrets
  • Ezekiel Mindscourge – Grand Master of Librarians hunting the Fallen
  • Belial Lionheart – Deathwing company master in terminator armor
  • Sammael Ravenwing – Master of the fast attack companies
  • Asmodai Interrogator – Chaplain extracting confessions from traitors
  • Zachariah Penitent – Ravenwing black knight seeking redemption
  • Cypher the Fallen – Mysterious traitor or secret loyalist
  • Balthasar Deathwing – Terminator sergeant hunting fallen brothers
  • Luther’s Bane – Named for destroying the arch-traitor’s legacy
  • Nemiel Oathkeeper – Ancient chaplain who died for principles

Space Wolves:

  • Grimnar Fenryx – Norse-inspired name suggesting savage honor and wolf heritage
  • Ragnar Blackmane – Young Wolf Lord known for impetuous bravery
  • Bjorn Fellhanded – Ancient dreadnought, oldest living Space Marine
  • Ulrik the Slayer – Wolf Priest selecting new Blood Claws
  • Lukas the Trickster – Unconventional warrior using cunning over honor
  • Harald Deathwolf – Lord riding massive cyberwolves into battle
  • Arjac Rockfist – Champion throwing massive hammer
  • Krom Dragongaze – Fierce lord staring down greater threats
  • Murderfang Chaos-Bane – Dreadnought driven mad by demons
  • Canis Wolfborn – Warrior raised by Fenrisian wolves

Imperial Fists & Successors:

  • Lysander Castellan – “Liberator” + “fortress keeper,” captain who endured torture
  • Darnath Lysander – Master of the Forge building impregnable defenses
  • Tor Garadon – Captain specializing in siege warfare
  • Veteran-Sergeant Chronus – Tank commander with legendary skill
  • Alexis Polux – Founder of Crimson Fists successor chapter
  • Fafnir Rann – Assault captain breaking enemy lines
  • Sigismund Eternal – First High Marshal of Black Templars
  • Boreas the Adamant – Refusing to yield any position
  • Castellan Draco – Fortress commander holding impossible odds
  • Maximilian Destroyer – Siege master razing enemy strongholds

Raven Guard:

  • Corvus Malakai – Latin “raven” + Hebrew “messenger,” perfect for stealthy warriors
  • Shrike Shadowhawk – Chapter Master striking from darkness
  • Solaq Ghostwalker – Scout moving unseen behind lines
  • Korvydae Strike – Lightning assault specialist
  • Kayvaan Nightfall – Operating in planetary darkness
  • Agapito Shadow – Veteran of countless covert missions
  • Nykona Sharrowkyn – Legendary Heresy-era sniper
  • Altan Noriz – Tech-marine maintaining stealth equipment
  • Marcus Seeker – Hunting high-value enemy commanders
  • Talon Silentblade – Close-combat infiltrator

Salamanders:

  • Vulkan Tor – Named after the compassionate Primarch and his forge-world origins
  • Tu’Shan Forgefather – Current Chapter Master and master artisan
  • He’stan Guardian – Seeking lost artifacts across galaxy
  • Bray’arth Ashmantle – Dreadnought containing legendary warrior
  • Vel’cona Flamedrake – Pyroclast specialist with melta weapons
  • Ushorak Cinderbrand – Marking enemies with promethium fire
  • Pellas Mir’san – Chaplain teaching self-sacrifice
  • No’mus Soulforge – Techmarine forging legendary weapons
  • Praetor Thunderhammer – Assault terminator with signature weapon
  • Hazon Emberborn – Born during volcanic eruption on Nocturne

White Scars:

  • Jaghatai’s Fury – Named after the Great Khan Primarch who valued speed
  • Kor’sarro Khan – Master hunter of Daemon Prince Doomrider
  • Shiban Speed – Outrider moving faster than thought
  • Torghun Stormseeker – Chasing battles across stars
  • Qin Xa Brotherhood – Ancient warrior embodying unity
  • Yesugei Mindreader – Librarian using psychic foresight
  • Jubal Lightning – Strike force hitting before enemy reacts
  • Batu Windstrider – Scout bike squadron leader
  • Subodai Goldeneye – Tactical genius seeing battlefield whole
  • Hibou Khan – Young lord proving himself in trials

Black Templars:

  • Thaddeus Crusade – Religious zealot on eternal crusade against Emperor’s enemies
  • Helbrecht High-Marshal – Leading largest chapter across galaxy
  • Grimaldus Reclusiarch – Hero of Helsreach who held against impossible odds
  • Sigismund Firstborn – Founder and greatest duellist
  • Tancred Ironheart – Never faltering despite grievous wounds
  • Bayard Truthsayer – Chaplain refusing compromise
  • Mordred Templars – Sword Brethren elite
  • Ricard Purifier – Cleansing worlds with flame
  • Cador the Pious – Leading prayers into battle
  • Lysander Oathbound – Chain-sworn to complete vow

Chaos Space Marine Names

  • Abaddon Nightbringer – “Destruction” + darkness, Warmaster of Chaos leading Black Crusades
  • Typhus Corpsegrinder – Herald of Nurgle spreading plagues across worlds
  • Lucius Eternal – Slaaneshi champion whose armor bears faces of those who killed him
  • Khârn the Bloody – World Eaters berserker whose name means pure rage incarnate
  • Ahriman Sorcerer – Thousand Sons psyker seeking to reverse Rubric curse
  • Erebus Darkword – First Chaplain who orchestrated entire Horus Heresy
  • Morbidus Fane – “Diseased shrine,” Death Guard plague marine
  • Vraxor the Flayed – Emperor’s Children torturer perfecting surgical pain
  • Drachnyen Voidborn – Daemon-possessed warrior born in ship graveyards
  • Haarken Worldclaimer – Black Legion raptor lord claiming planets for Chaos
  • Nurgoth Rotbringer – Death Guard champion spreading entropy and decay
  • Skarr Bloodrage – Khorne berserker living only for slaughter
  • Velthara the Obscene – Slaaneshi champion pursuing darkest pleasures
  • Zarathax Mindflayer – Tzeentchian sorcerer unraveling sanity itself
  • Balekor Doomhammer – Iron Warriors siege master with massive ordnance
  • Malcharion the Warmonger – Night Lords terror weapon incarnate
  • Drakthor Skullcrusher – World Eaters champion collecting enemy heads
  • Falkus Kibre – Terminator lord called “Widowmaker”
  • Sevatar Night-Haunter – First Captain of traitorous Night Lords
  • Typhon Host – Bearer of Destroyer Hive spreading disease

For more intimidating team names, explore these intimidating team names perfect for competitive groups.

Imperial Guard Names: Humanity’s Endless Armies

The Astra Militarum represents countless billions of regular humans holding the line against galaxy-ending threats. These names reflect different regiment cultures, from ice warriors to jungle fighters to noble cavalry.

Officers and Command

  • Colonel-Commissar Gaunt – Named after Ibram Gaunt of the Ghosts, charismatic leader balancing inspiration with discipline
  • Captain Cain – Self-preserving “hero” who accidentally achieves greatness
  • Lord Castellan Creed – Tactical genius from fortress world Cadia before its fall
  • Commander Yarrick – One-eyed Commissar who defied Ork Warlord Ghazghkull
  • General Kurov – High-ranking officer directing planetary-scale campaigns
  • Colonel Von Strab – Armageddon defender against Ork invasions
  • Major Straken – Catachan survivor who lost arm but gained bionic fury
  • Captain Tycho – Krieg siege specialist comfortable in eternal trenches
  • Commissar Holt – Young officer learning harsh lessons quickly
  • Colonel Stagler – Armored commander leading tank companies
  • General Sturnn – Cadian commander defending honor
  • Lord Commander Militant Solar – High command on Terra itself
  • Warmaster Slaydo – Leading Sabbat Worlds crusades
  • Captain-General Boreale – (Infamous for “METAL BAWKSES!”)
  • Commissar Rath – Political officer executing cowards

Enlisted Soldiers

  • Sergeant Harker – Catachan jungle fighter with inhuman survival instincts
  • Sergeant Bastion – Cadian shock trooper holding impossible positions
  • Lieutenant Graves – Death Corps of Krieg fatalist warrior embracing martyrdom
  • Corporal Erikson – Valhallan ice warrior from frozen death world
  • Private Jenkins – Unfortunately-named redshirt trooper (often first casualty)
  • Sergeant Merrick – Mordian Iron Guard parade ground veteran
  • Trooper Kowalski – Polish-inspired everyman guardsman
  • Corporal Ramirez – Vostryan Firstborn with noble heritage
  • Private Novak – Fresh recruit learning brutal lessons
  • Sergeant Wu – Asian guardsman with martial discipline
  • Trooper O’Neill – Irish-inspired guardsman keeping humor intact
  • Veteran Guardsman Kage – Criminal conscript earning redemption
  • Trooper Bragg – Gentle giant with massive autocannon
  • Scout-Sergeant Mkoll – Master infiltrator moving like ghost
  • Sergeant Varl – Reliable NCO keeping squad alive

Specialists

  • Gunner Minka – Tallarn Desert Raider tank crew member navigating sand seas
  • Vox-Operator Chen – Communications specialist coordinating battle
  • Medicae Rostov – Russian-inspired field medic keeping soldiers alive
  • Ratling Scout Findo – Halfling-inspired sniper with keen eyes
  • Ogryn “Big” Boris – Eastern European abhuman heavy weapon specialist
  • Scout Tanaka – Recon specialist from disciplined regiments
  • Heavy Gunner Dmitri – Eastern bloc-inspired weapon teams
  • Sentinel Pilot Hayes – Walker operator providing mobile support
  • Rough Rider Khan – Attilan cavalry charging with explosive lances
  • Stormtrooper Varn – Elite Tempestus Scion drop trooper
  • Enginseer Rho-17 – Tech-priest maintaining Guard equipment
  • Ratling Chef Milo – Cooking for regiment, morale specialist
  • Vanguard Voss – Forward reconnaissance specialist
  • Grenadier Klaus – Demolitions expert from hive world
  • Corpsman Diaz – Field medic under constant fire
  • Sniper Larkin – Troubled marksman with shaky hands but perfect aim
  • Flamer Operator Bragg – Cleansing heretics with promethium
  • Heavy Bolter Gunner Bonin – Providing suppressing fire
  • Plasma Gunner Caober – Risking overheating weapons
  • Master of Ordnance Rawne – Coordinating artillery strikes

Regiment-Specific Names

Cadian Shock Troops:

  • Color-Sergeant Kell – Bearing regimental banner
  • Trooper Caffran – Common soldier performing heroically
  • Lieutenant Baskevyl – Junior officer with noble bearing
  • Sergeant Varaine – Veteran of Chaos incursions

Catachan Jungle Fighters:

  • Sly Marbo – Legendary one-man army (space Rambo)
  • Sergeant Stone – Muscle-bound warrior surviving deadliest world
  • Trooper Raess – Knife fighter extraordinaire
  • Colonel Straken – Chapter mentioned above, defining Catachan spirit

Death Korps of Krieg:

  • Marshal Karis Venner – Leading suicidal trench charges
  • Quartermaster Jurgen – Malodorous aide with blank null-field
  • Watchmaster Krueger – Timing artillery with brutal precision
  • Grenadier Unit-554 – Faceless soldier numbered not named

Tallarn Desert Raiders:

  • Colonel Al’Rahem – Desert guerrilla master
  • Scout Khalid – Finding paths through endless sand
  • Tank Commander Aziz – Leman Russ driver in sandstorms
  • Lieutenant Kasim – Leading mounted cavalry

Valhallan Ice Warriors:

  • Colonel Schaeffer – Leading Last Chancers penal legion
  • Commissar Cain – (Yes, repeated – he’s that famous)
  • Captain Chenkov – Using human wave tactics ruthlessly
  • Trooper Kolya – Surviving ice and fire

Vostryan Firstborn:

  • Major Danilov – Noble bloodline warrior
  • Sergeant Petrovsk – Maintaining family honor
  • Trooper Alexandrov – Carrying ancient lasrifle

Mordian Iron Guard:

  • Captain Karis – Parade-ground precision in combat
  • Color-Sergeant Marik – Bearing colors with pride
  • Lieutenant Dresden – Never abandoning formation

Looking to name your competitive gaming squad? Check out these team names for gamers for perfect group identifiers.

Adeptus Mechanicus Names: The Machine Cult

The tech-priests of Mars speak in binary cant and replace flesh with blessed steel. Their names often include Greek letters, scientific terminology, and religious designations.

Tech-Priests and Magi

  • Archmagos Dominus Cawl – 10,000-year-old tech-priest who created Primaris Marines
  • Fabricator-General Kane – Ruler of Mars controlling all forge worlds
  • Magos Biologis Xenon – Flesh-worker studying xenos physiology for weapons
  • Magos Dominus Scaevola – Forge master directing manufactures across system
  • Magos Explorator Copernicus – Deep space expedition leader seeking STCs
  • Datasmith Zeta-9 – Information specialist managing data-streams
  • Tech-Priest Enginseer Rho – Field mechanic maintaining equipment mid-battle
  • Electro-Priest Ohm – Lightning-wielding religious fanatic conducting electricity
  • Dominus Manipulus Faraday – Electromagnetic warfare specialist
  • Tech-Adept Binary – Junior priest learning sacred machine-rites
  • Genetor Primus Darwin – Biological manipulation expert
  • Artisan Magnus Volt – Creating plasma weapons
  • Lexmechanic Alpha – Decoding ancient technologies
  • Logis-Calculator Turing – Strategic planning through computation
  • Myrmidax Tesla – Warrior-priest with arc weapons

Skitarii Warriors

  • Skitarii Alpha Primus – Cybernetic soldier leading augmented legions
  • Skitarii Marshal Ferrus – Iron-handed warrior commander
  • Ruststalker Princeps Volt – Infiltrator with phase weaponry
  • Sicarian Infiltrator Shade – Stealth warrior with transonic blades
  • Ranger Alpha Omega – Long-range marksman with enhanced optics
  • Vanguard Prime Radion – Advancing with radiation weapons
  • Corpuscarii Electro-Priest Amp – Channeling electricity through body
  • Fulgurite Electro-Priest Surge – Storing death-energy for release
  • Pteraxii Sterylizor Aerial-1 – Jump-troop raining phosphor
  • Serberys Raider Swift – Mounted warrior on cybernetic steed

Servitors and Constructs

  • Kastelan Protocol-Master Turing – Programming battle-automata for combat
  • Kataphron Battle-Servitor Unit-12 – Repurposed criminal now weapon platform
  • Onager Dunecrawler Pilot Neutron – Operating massive walker
  • Sydonian Dragoon Alpha – Mounted warrior with taser lance
  • Ironstrider Ballistarius Theta – High-stepping walker platform
  • Skorpius Dunerider Transport-7 – Ferrying troops across battlefield
  • Manipulus Arc-Handler – Directing servo-skulls
  • Datasmith Gamma Protocol – Updating robot battle-logic
  • Breacher Beta-Unit – Breaking through fortifications
  • Combat-Servitor Lobotomized-9 – Mindless weapon carrier

Forge World-Specific Names

  • Ryza Plasma Specialist Volt – From famous plasma forge world
  • Stygies VIII Infiltrator – From Xenarite radical forge
  • Metallica Battle-Servitor – From aggressive forge world (yes, really)
  • Graia Defender Sigma – Protecting forge from Orks
  • Lucius Pattern-Smith – Creating unique weapons
  • Mars Primus Orthodox – Traditional red-robed priest
  • Agripinaa Siege-Master – Specializing in fortifications
  • Triplex Phall Void-Walker – Operating in deep space

Chaos Forces Beyond Space Marines

The ruinous powers corrupt more than just fallen Astartes—here are names for daemons, cultists, and other servants of darkness.

Chaos Cultists

  • Apostle Kor Phaeron – Dark Apostle spreading Chaos worship
  • Cultist Primus Vorash – Leading planetary uprisings
  • Demagogue Slyte – Preaching daemon worship
  • Dark Disciple Mordus – Channeling warp energies
  • Renegade Psyker Malistrom – Uncontrolled sorcery
  • Heretek Magos Null – Corrupted tech-priest
  • Plague Priest Sepsis – Spreading Nurgle’s gifts
  • Noise Marine Crescendo – Slaaneshi sonic warrior
  • Cultist Champion Vex – Leading militia forces
  • Dark Mechanicum Torment – Building daemon engines
  • Warp Smith Inferno – Forging corrupted weapons
  • Possessed Champion Fury – Hosting daemon essence
  • Summoner Voidcaller – Opening warp rifts
  • Chaos Spawn (formerly Lord Malice) – Devolved into mindless beast
  • Beastman Mutant Gore – Twisted human-animal hybrid

Daemon Names

  • Bloodthirster Ka’Bandha – Greater Daemon hunting Sanguinius’s sons
  • Great Unclean One Rotrigus – Nurgle daemon spreading plague
  • Lord of Change Kairos – Two-headed Oracle seeing all timelines
  • Keeper of Secrets N’Kari – Slaaneshi tempter
  • Bloodletter Champion Skarbrand – Rage incarnate
  • Plaguebearer Epidemius – Tallying Nurgle’s diseases
  • Pink Horror Shriek – Splitting when killed
  • Daemonette Silkscream – Perfection’s dark reflection
  • Daemon Prince M’kar – Ascended Word Bearer
  • Be’lakor Dark Master – First Daemon Prince, serving all gods
  • Skulltaker Bloodletter – Collecting worthy skulls for Khorne
  • Herald of Nurgle Spoilpox – Lesser plague daemon
  • Flamers of Tzeentch Pyrocaster – Warpflame thrower
  • Fiends of Slaanesh Euphoria – Battle-drug addiction
  • Daemon Engine Defiler Ruinbringer – Corrupted machine-spirit

Xenos Names: Alien Threats

Orks

  • Warboss Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka – Prophetic warlord uniting greenskins for WAAAGH!
  • Big Mek Orkimedes – Genius inventor creating reality-defying weapons
  • Warboss Grukk Face-Rippa – Brutal leader enjoying close combat
  • Boss Snikrot – Kommando infiltrator (for an Ork)
  • Mad Dok Grotsnik – Cybork surgeon with questionable methods
  • Kaptin Badrukk – Flash Git pirate with maximum firepower
  • Zodgrod Wortsnagga – Making Gretchin unexpectedly dangerous
  • Boss Zagstruk – Stormboy jet-pack warrior
  • Mek Boss Buzzgob – Creating exploding inventions
  • Ghazghkull’s Prophet Makari – Lucky banner-waving Grot
  • Warboss Nazdreg – Rich ork with best equipment
  • Boss Skarboyz Ironhide – Incredibly resilient warlord
  • Painboy Urgork – Field surgeon with rusty tools
  • Weirdboy Zogwort – Psychic power turning enemies to squigs
  • Kommando Nob Sneakgit – Large ork trying stealth

Eldar (Aeldari)

  • Autarch Kayleth – Warrior who mastered many paths
  • Farseer Eldrad Ulthran – Ancient psyker seeing possible futures
  • Phoenix Lord Asurmen – Immortal aspect warrior founder
  • Autarch Meladrys – Strategic genius coordinating aspect warriors
  • Dire Avenger Exarch Irrillyth – Dedicated warrior wearing ancient armor
  • Howling Banshee Jain Zar – Screaming death incarnate
  • Striking Scorpion Karandras – Master of stealth strikes
  • Fire Dragon Fuegan – Melting through armor
  • Warp Spider Shroudfall – Teleporting warrior
  • Dark Reaper Maugan Ra – Death avatar with massive cannon
  • Warlock Spiritseer Iyanna – Communicating with dead
  • Bonesinger Laeresh – Psychically shaping wraithbone
  • Ranger Illic Nightspear – Legendary sniper
  • Corsair Prince Yriel – Rogue warrior saving craftworld
  • Avatar of Khaine Bloodshard – War god’s burning essence

Dark Eldar (Drukhari)

  • Archon Vect – Immortal tyrant ruling Commorragh through cruelty
  • Succubus Lelith Hesperax – Undefeated gladiatrix avoiding weapons
  • Haemonculus Urien Rakarth – Flesh-sculptor creating horrors
  • Drazhar Master – Anonymous Incubi lord
  • Archon Lady Malys – Replacing eye with daemon’s vision
  • Mandrake Kheradruakh – Shadow-stalker collecting heads
  • Scourge Skyterror – Winged mutant warrior
  • Wych Cult Razor – Arena fighter addicted to combat
  • Kabalite Warrior Venom – Poisoned blade specialist
  • Haemonculus Coven Fleshcarver – Augmenting warriors grotesquely
  • Beastmaster Klaivex – Controlling alien predators
  • Reaver Jetbiker Nightshard – Aerial blade-dancer
  • Incubi Aspect Deathblade – Mercenary murderer perfecting art
  • Grotesque Pain-Engine – Stitched-together monster
  • Talos Pain-Engine Torment – Mechanical horror seeking revenge

Tau Empire

  • Commander Farsight – Rebel commander achieving immortality
  • Aun’va Ethereal Supreme – Highest caste leader (assassinated)
  • Commander Shadowsun – Tactical genius with prototype suits
  • Crisis Suit Pilot Brightsword – Elite battlesuit operator
  • Fire Warrior Shas’ui Vior – Veteran infantry squad leader
  • Pathfinder Team Leader Darkstrider – Reconnaissance specialist
  • Kroot Shaper Anghkor Prok – Mercenary infantry leader
  • Riptide Pilot Surestrike – Massive battlesuit commander
  • Ethereal Aun’shi – Warrior caste philosopher
  • Earth Caste Engineer Por’malcaor – Drone controller
  • Stealth Suit Operative Shadowflare – Infiltration specialist
  • Broadside Shas’vre Longstrike – Tank ace with perfect aim
  • Vespid Strain Leader Buzzkill – Alien auxiliary commander
  • Hammerhead Pilot Sunshard – Railgun tank operator
  • Cadre Fireblade Hotshot – Inspiring volley fire

Tyranids

Tyranids typically don’t have individual names, but humans assign designations:

  • Hive Fleet Leviathan – Largest swarm threatening galaxy
  • Hive Tyrant Designation: The Swarmlord – Tactical evolution incarnate
  • Broodlord Alpha-Prime – Leading genestealer infestation
  • Carnifex Bio-Titan Class-7 – Living siege beast
  • Lictor Assassin-Strain – Infiltrator marking prey
  • Hive Fleet Behemoth – First major invasion
  • Hive Fleet Kraken – Fast-adaptation strain
  • Old One Eye – Regenerating carnifex legend
  • Deathleaper – Named Lictor hunting commanders
  • Red Terror – Ravener attacking from below
  • Genecult Patriarch Grandfather Wurm – Four-armed tyranid hybrid
  • Ymgarl Factor Subject – Shape-shifting strain
  • Norn-Queen Breeder – Creating bioforms
  • Malanthrope Synapse – Psychic network node
  • Toxicrene Poisonmist – Venomous cloud creature

Necrons

  • Silent King Szarekh – Ancient ruler awakening after millions of years
  • Imotekh the Stormlord – Phaeron controlling lightning
  • Trazyn the Infinite – Collector imprisoning beings in galleries
  • Anrakyr the Traveller – Awakening tomb worlds across galaxy
  • Orikan the Diviner – Astromancer predicting futures
  • Illuminor Szeras – Mad scientist experimenting on living
  • Nemesor Zahndrekh – Senile general thinking still alive
  • Vargard Obyron – Loyal bodyguard protecting mad lord
  • Destroyer Lord Terminus – Nihilistic warrior desiring death
  • Cryptek Technomancer Voltaic – Reanimation specialist bringing warriors back endlessly
  • Overlord Kutlakh – World Killer destroying inhabited planets systematically
  • Phaeron Ahmontekh – Dynasty ruler with vast tomb fleets
  • Royal Warden Sentinel – Coordinating warrior phalanxes with precision timing
  • Skorpekh Lord Bladestorm – Melee specialist with whirling blades
  • Canoptek Wraith Phasewalker – Dimension-shifting construct passing through walls
  • Deathmark Assassin Voidshot – Sniper marking targets across dimensions
  • Lychguard Guardian Shieldwall – Protecting lords with warscythe and dispersion shield
  • Flayed One Horror Skinwear – Insane warrior wearing victim’s flesh
  • Transcendent C’tan Shard Worldshaper – Fragment of star god
  • Triarch Praetorian Lawbringer – Ancient enforcer of Necron codes

Need names for your gaming clan? Browse these gaming clan name ideas for your squad.

Inquisition and Imperial Agents

The Inquisition operates in shadows, hunting heretics, daemons, and xenos threats with fanatical dedication.

Inquisitors

  • Inquisitor Lord Hector Rex – Grey Knights ally banishing greater daemons
  • Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn – Radical who became what he hunted
  • Inquisitor Gideon Ravenor – Psychic investigator trapped in life-support chair
  • Inquisitor Fyodor Karamazov – Fanatic riding Throne of Judgement
  • Inquisitor Katarinya Greyfax – Witch-hunter imprisoned by Trazyn
  • Inquisitor Obiwan Sherlock Clousseau – (Yes, Games Workshop really did this)
  • Inquisitor Tyrus – Hunting daemon cults across sectors
  • Inquisitor Covenant – Obsessed with purity and eradication
  • Inquisitor Bronislaw Czevak – Harlequin-taught explorer of Black Library
  • Inquisitor Witch-Hunter Torquemada Coteaz – Grand Master protecting Sol System
  • Inquisitor Valeria – Young but brilliant investigator
  • Inquisitor Draken – Puritan hunting radical colleagues
  • Inquisitor Thrax – Using Jokaero weaponsmiths
  • Inquisitor Mordecai Toth – Dawn of War videogame protagonist
  • Inquisitor Adrastia – Political manipulator

Inquisitorial Agents

  • Interrogator Solomon Lok – Eisenhorn’s student turned rival
  • Death Cult Assassin Lilith – Religious killer with neural whips
  • Psyker Savant Ravenor – Mind-reading interrogator
  • Sanctioned Psyker Morrigan – Controlled warp-user serving Throne
  • Arco-Flagellant Penitent – Lobotomized criminal weaponized for redemption
  • Crusader Sternguard – Bodyguard with storm shield and power sword
  • Daemonhost “Cherubael” – Bound daemon serving Eisenhorn reluctantly
  • Gun-Servitor Unit-47 – Mindless weapon platform
  • Jokaero Weaponsmith – Ape-like alien creating digital weapons
  • Mystic Astropath Vraine – Psychic communicator linking across stars
  • Familiar Imp-Servant – Warp creature assisting investigations
  • Chirurgeon Medicae – Field surgeon for dangerous missions
  • Sage Analysist Malthus – Decoding ancient texts and xenos languages

Assassins (Officio Assassinorum)

  • Vindicare Assassin Shadowmark – Sniper killing from miles away with exitus rifle
  • Callidus Assassin Morpha – Shapeshifter infiltrating as trusted allies
  • Eversor Assassin Rage-Protocol – Drug-fueled berserker killing everything
  • Culexus Assassin Animus Spectre – Anti-psyker blank erasing warp presence
  • Venenum Assassin Toxin – Poison specialist (rare temple)
  • Vanus Assassin Data-Corrupt – Cyber-warfare specialist (rare temple)
  • Execution Force Leader Reaper – Coordinating multiple temples

For secretive team operations, check these spy team names for covert groups.

Adeptus Sororitas (Sisters of Battle)

The militant arm of the Ecclesiarchy, burning heretics with faith and fire.

Canoness and Leaders

  • Saint Celestine the Living – Resurrecting warrior saint with golden wings
  • Canoness Veridyan – Order of Our Martyred Lady commander
  • Canoness Prioris Superior – Convent leader directing multiple orders
  • Palatine Squadron-Commander Faith – Elite squad leader
  • Sister Superior Repentia Mistress – Leading penitent warriors
  • Junith Eruita Pulpit-Saint – Preaching while hovering in combat
  • Saint Katherine the Matriarch – Order founder (deceased but revered)
  • Canoness Selena Agna – Bloody Rose aggressive commander
  • Morvenn Vahl Abbess – Supreme leader of all Sororitas Orders

Battle Sisters

  • Sister Superior Seraphina – Squad leader with holy fury
  • Battle Sister Magdalene – Bolter-wielding zealot burning heretics
  • Dominion Squad Leader Ignisia – Close-range melta specialist
  • Retributor Sister Castigator – Heavy bolter gunner laying down fire
  • Celestian Veteran Aurora – Elite bodyguard protecting Canoness
  • Seraphim Superior Angelus – Jump-pack warrior descending from sky
  • Zephyrim Sky-Dancer – Assault specialist with power blade
  • Imagifier Bearer of Icons – Carrying holy relics into battle
  • Dialogus Sister Vox – Translating and communicating
  • Hospitaller Mercy – Medic offering final rites or healing
  • Sister Repentia Flagellant – Penitent warrior seeking death
  • Mistress of Repentance Whipmaster – Driving repentia forward
  • Paragon Warsuit Pilot Strength – Operating massive armor
  • Simulacrum Imperialis Carrier – Bearing holy symbols
  • Sister Dogmata Hymnal – Leading prayers mid-combat

Order-Specific Names

Order of Our Martyred Lady (Black and Red):

  • Sister Artemisia Martyr – Embracing sacrifice willingly
  • Sister Evangeline Blood-Oath – Swearing vengeance for fallen
  • Sister Dorothea Flame-Saint – Burning purification specialist

Order of the Bloody Rose (Red and Black):

  • Sister Morrigan Rose-Thorn – Aggressive assault specialist
  • Sister Isabella Crimson – Decorated veteran hunter
  • Sister Arabella Fury – Channeling righteous anger

Order of the Valorous Heart (Red and Gold):

  • Sister Lucia Valor – Never abandoning position
  • Sister Vincentia Courage – Inspiring nearby warriors
  • Sister Beatrice Stalwart – Enduring impossible punishment

Order of the Ebon Chalice (Black and Silver):

  • Sister Theodora Chalice – Preserving ancient rites
  • Sister Margarita Shadow – Operating covertly when needed
  • Sister Felicia Dark-Herald – Announcing judgment

The Art of Naming in the 41st Millennium

Here’s the thing about Warhammer 40K names—they’re not accidental. Games Workshop has spent over three decades building a universe where naming conventions reflect the brutal, theocratic militarism of humanity’s desperate struggle for survival.

According to Games Workshop’s 2023 financial reports, the Warhammer franchise generated over £400 million in revenue, with the community growing 15% year-over-year as new players join the hobby and seek to personalize their armies with lore-accurate names.

The grimdark aesthetic that defines 40K names combines several key influences: Latin ecclesiastical titles that emphasize the religious nature of the Imperium, Gothic medieval warrior traditions that reflect humanity’s technological regression, and militaristic Roman naming that reinforces the endless warfare.

This unique combination has become so influential that it’s shaped naming conventions in modern sci-fi gaming, from video games to tabletop RPGs.

What makes a name feel authentically Warhammer 40K? It typically includes harsh consonants, Latin or Gothic roots, references to warfare or death, religious terminology, and often a title or epithet that describes the character’s role or greatest deed.

When you hear “Marneus Calgar, Chapter Master of the Ultramarines,” every element tells you something about who this warrior is and why they matter in the eternal war.

Looking for more team name inspiration? Check out these esports team names for competitive gaming groups.

Practical Tips for Creating Your Own Warhammer 40K Names

Picture this: you’ve just assembled your new army, spent hours painting every detail, and now you’re staring at blank name plates wondering how to capture that perfect grimdark essence. I get it—naming can feel more intimidating than facing a Chaos Titan. Here’s how to create names that feel authentically 40K:

Understanding Faction Naming Conventions

Each faction has distinct patterns that make names instantly recognizable. Space Marines favor Latin roots and military ranks (Maximus, Praetor, Centurion), while Chaos names emphasize corruption and darkness (words like “plague,” “rot,” “skull,” “blood”). The Imperial Guard uses real-world military traditions—Russian names for Valhallans, Germanic for Kriegers, Middle Eastern for Tallarn.

Here’s the secret: start with historical references and twist them darker. Take “Marcus Aurelius” and transform it into “Markus Aurelis,” or “Genghis Khan” becomes “Jaghatai Khan.” The 40K universe loves these cultural echoes made brutal and militaristic.

Combining Elements for Impact

The most memorable 40K names combine three elements: a given name with classical or cultural roots, a descriptive epithet earned through deeds, and sometimes a faction or chapter designation. Think “Marneus Calgar, Chapter Master of the Ultramarines” or “Commissar Yarrick, Hero of Hades Hive.”

For Space Marines, use Latin military terms: Primus (first), Maximus (greatest), Invictus (unconquered), Validus (strong), Ferrum (iron), Corvus (raven), Lupus (wolf). Combine these with harsh consonants for that warrior edge.

For Chaos forces, incorporate words suggesting decay, madness, or excess: Putrid, Malice, Torment, Ecstasy, Wrath, Spite. The more uncomfortable the name sounds, the better it works.

For Guard regiments, research historical military naming from the culture you’re emulating. Polish surnames for Vostroyan Firstborn, Celtic for Tanith First-and-Only, Russian for Valhallan Ice Warriors.

Using Titles and Ranks Effectively

Titles transform simple names into legendary warriors. Don’t just use “John”—make him “Captain-General John the Unyielding, Defender of Cadia, Bearer of the Honorifica.” The 40K universe loves excessive titles that list achievements, battles survived, and honors earned.

Common powerful titles include: The Eternal, The Vigilant, The Blessed, Bane of [Enemy], Slayer of [Monster], Defender of [Place], Bearer of [Artifact], Master of [Skill]. Stack 2-3 titles for truly epic nomenclature.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Here’s what doesn’t work: modern names without modification (Steve, Dave, Jeff sound jarring), overly complicated spelling that no one can pronounce (Xyzthqal’vraxx), or mixing faction aesthetics (a Space Marine named “Cutesy Bunnyhop”). Keep names pronounceable but distinctive.

Also avoid directly copying canon characters unless you’re specifically playing them. Your “Roboute Guilliman” won’t feel as special as “Tiberius Guilliman,” a successor bearing legacy without copying.

Testing Your Names

Say your name out loud—does it sound imposing? Does it fit the character’s role? A humble guardsman shouldn’t sound like a Primarch, and a Chapter Master shouldn’t sound like a conscript. Context matters immensely in the 40K universe.

Ask yourself: Would this name fit in official lore? Does it respect the faction’s cultural influences? Could you see it printed in a Codex? If yes to all three, you’ve created something authentically grimdark.

Building a creative team? Explore these creative team name ideas for inspiration.

Why Names Matter in Warhammer 40K

Trust me when I say that naming isn’t just cosmetic in the 40K hobby—it’s fundamental to the experience. When you’ve spent twenty hours painting a single character, giving them a proper name transforms them from a game piece into a warrior with history, personality, and narrative weight.

The Warhammer 40K community has grown 15% year-over-year according to Games Workshop’s financial reports, with much of that growth driven by narrative play and crusade campaigns where character names, backstories, and earned honors create ongoing sagas across multiple battles. Your named characters become heroes, not just stat blocks.

I’ve seen entire campaigns built around the rivalry between a named Commissar and an Ork Warboss, watched players refuse to remove casualties because “Sergeant Varen has survived six campaigns,” and heard stories of legendary last stands where a single properly-named character became the stuff of gaming group legend.

The grimdark universe of Warhammer 40K demands names that carry weight, history, and the brutal aesthetic of a galaxy consumed by eternal warfare. Whether you’re fielding the Emperor’s finest Space Marines, the countless billions of the Imperial Guard, the corrupted forces of Chaos, or xenos threats from beyond the stars, the right name makes all the difference between another miniature and a character you’ll remember forever.

Conclusion: Forge Your Legend in the 41st Millennium

In the grim darkness of the far future, there are countless billions of warriors, but only those with names worthy of legend are remembered. We’ve explored 300 Warhammer 40K names spanning every major faction—from the genetically-enhanced Adeptus Astartes to humble Imperial Guardsmen holding impossible lines, from the machine-priests of Mars to the corrupted servants of the Dark Gods, from noble xenos warriors to terrifying alien swarms.

The perfect name combines cultural authenticity, faction-appropriate styling, and that indefinable grimdark essence that makes the Warhammer 40K universe so compelling. Whether you’re naming your army for tabletop battles, creating characters for Dark Heresy campaigns, writing fan fiction, or just appreciating the rich lore of the 41st millennium, these names provide authentic foundations you can build upon.

Remember that every legendary character started as an unnamed warrior—Marneus Calgar was once just another Ultramarine, Commissar Yarrick was a junior officer before he defied Ghazghkull, and even the Warmaster Abaddon began as Ezekyle of the Luna Wolves. Your named characters can achieve similar legendary status through campaigns, battles, and the stories you create around them.

What will you name your army? What legends will you forge on blood-soaked battlefields? The Emperor Protects—now go forth and give your warriors names worthy of the eternal war!

For the Emperor! For the Omnissiah! For the Greater Good! WAAAGH!

For more epic naming inspiration across different themes, explore these collections:

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war—and every warrior deserves a name that echoes through eternity.