Stuck on thinking of names for your new Elf on the Shelf? Make brainstorming fun and easy with this list of terrific Elf on the Shelf names! With our lists of ideas for both boy and girl Elf on the Shelf names, we’ve made the process a breeze.

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It’s just about time to get a visit from the Elf on the Shelf. If you’re just joining in on the tradition for the first time (or adding an additional elf), you’re probably on the hunt for some great Elf on the Shelf names!

Whether you’re looking for something traditional, Christmassy, funny, or a relevant pop culture reference, we’ve got an extensive list of names for Elf on the Shelf for you.

How Did The Elf On The Shelf Tradition Get Started?

The Elf on the Shelf tradition started out as a 2005 children’s storybook by Carol Aebersold and her daughter, Chanda Bell.

The idea is that Santa’s elves hideout during the day in homes across the country to spy on children. Then at night, they zoom back to the North Pole to report whether the kids were acting naughty or nice that day (Santa’s got eyes everywhere!).

Since then, participating parents have found fun and creative ways to display toy elves for their children to find every morning leading up to Christmas.

As the years went on, parents became increasingly clever and elaborate with their elf placements, even going so far as to dress their elf in different costumes and accessories every night! 

Part of the fun of this tradition is coming up with cute Elf on the Shelf names. Some parents name and introduce their new elf to their kids right off the bat, while others turn the naming process into an interactive family activity.

However you decide to bestow your elf, we’ve compiled a list of boy and girl Elf on the Shelf names to inspire and get you started.

How To Pick Good Elf On The Shelf Names

My daughter was three years old when we were first introduced to the Elf on the Shelf. Choosing names has never been an easy task for me, and naming our Elf on the Shelf was no exception. Fortunately for me, my daughter took over and named our new companion Susie, who has been a part of the family for over eleven years!  

Questions To Ask When Choosing A Name For Your Elf

When thinking of names for Elf on the Shelf, it’s smart to consider shared interests as a family. Here are some questions you can ask yourself while brainstorming good Elf on the Shelf names.

Do your kids have classic names?

Are they fascinated by the lore of Santa Claus and Christmas traditions? Is ancient folklore or fantasies such as Lord of the Rings a hit in your household?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may want to consider Traditional Elf on the Shelf Names.

Does your family get excited about all things Christmas?

Do you sing Christmas songs and put up your tree as soon as Halloween is over? Are Christmas-themed cookies a holiday staple in your household?

If so, Classic Christmas Names For Elf On The Shelf might be right up your alley.

So your kids have a sharp sense of humor?

If they tend to giggle at funny noises and words, you may want to give your family elf one of the Unique and Funny Names For Elf On The Shelf we’ve listed below.

Are your family members keen on pop culture?

Do your kids love to quote lines from famous films? Are family screenings of all the best and most classic Christmas movies a favorite holiday pastime in your household?

Then, our list of Character and Celebrity Elf On The Shelf Names is probably for you.

Once you’ve narrowed down the type of Elf on the Shelf names that most piques your interest, it’s time for the fun part. Read on to browse 236 Of The Best Names For Elf On The Shelf!

Elf On The Shelf sitting in a mug

236 Of The Best Names For Elf On The Shelf

We’ve rounded up some awesome boy and girl names for Elf on the Shelf in four categories. There’s a name for every elf personality, so you’re sure to find one that suits your family elf.

Have fun!

Traditional Elf On The Shelf Names

If tradition is your thing, start here. We’ve got everything from ancient elven names of yore to Santa’s original tiny employees, as well as longtime favorite elf names from over the years.

Quintessentially Classic Elf Names

Some names are just perfect for elves. Here are some suggestions (including our family favorite, of course).

  • Arthur
  • Augustus
  • Brownie
  • Calvin
  • Christian
  • Eddie
  • Elfa
  • Elfie
  • Eve
  • Evie
  • Faith
  • Flora
  • Grace
  • Gracie
  • Gus
  • Hans
  • Harmony
  • Henrik
  • Herman
  • Hermie
  • Hope
  • Itsy
  • Joseph
  • Keebler
  • Krispie
  • Lucy
  • Mini
  • Pep
  • Pixie
  • Susie / Suzie

Names of Santa’s Original Christmas Elves

Did you know that Santa’s original operation only employed six elves? These are the OG elves – you can take one of their full names, or just the first! Either way, these are fantastic boy and girl names for Elf on the Shelf.

  • Alabaster Snowball
  • Bushy Evergreen
  • Pepper Minstix
  • Shinny Upatree
  • Sugarplum Mary
  • Wunorse Openslae

Traditional Elf Names from Folklore and Literature

For families who revel in historical accuracy, here are some elf names from folklore from around the world, as well as some familiar names you may know from such beloved fantasy authors as J. R. R. Tolkien.

Traditionally Female Elf Names:
  • Aerin 
  • Alfreda
  • Anna
  • Arwen
  • Calen
  • Elanor
  • Elbereth
  • Elva
  • Eowyn
  • Estel
  • Freda
  • Galadriel
  • Idril
  • Lobella
  • Melian
  • Worwen
  • Rina
  • Ronda
  • Vena
Traditionally Male Elf Names:
  • Aldon
  • Aragorn
  • Arod
  • Balin
  • Callon
  • Celeborn
  • Elendil
  • Elrand
  • Elrond
  • Garrett
  • Gildor
  • Gil-Galad
  • Glorfindel
  • Haga
  • Haldir
  • Legolas
  • Logon
  • Peregrin
  • Pippin
  • Theoden
  • Thranduil
Elf On The Shelf Eating Pancakes

Classic Christmas Names For Elf On The Shelf

This list of classic Christmas names is inspired by things like delicious baked holiday treats and frightful, delightful winter weather. These festive and cute Elf on the Shelf names will get everybody in the Christmas spirit faster than you can say Donder and Blitzen.

  • Blizzard
  • Brandy
  • Candy Cane
  • Carol
  • Chestnut
  • Chip
  • Cinnamon
  • Clara
  • Cocoa
  • Cookie
  • Crasher
  • Eggnog
  • Figgy Puddin
  • Flake
  • Flurry
  • Fritz
  • Frosty
  • Ginger
  • Holly
  • Ivy
  • Jingle
  • Jolly
  • Jovie
  • Joy
  • Kiki
  • Kringle
  • Kris
  • Landing
  • Lucky
  • Merry
  • Minty
  • Mistletoe
  • Mittens
  • Nicholas
  • Nick
  • Noel
  • Pep
  • Peppermint 
  • Poinsettia
  • Prep
  • River
  • Rockefeller
  • Snickerdoodle
  • Snowball
  • Snowflake
  • Snowy
  • Star
  • Sugar
  • Sugarplum
  • Tinsel
  • Topper
  • Twinkle
  • Wonder
  • Yule

Reindeer Themed Elf Names

And, of course, the names of Santa’s famous reindeer also make perfect elf names.

  • Dasher
  • Dancer
  • Prancer
  • Vixen
  • Comet
  • Cupid
  • Donder
  • Blitzen
  • Rudolph

Unique and Funny Names For Elf On The Shelf

If your kids have a sense of humor, they’re sure to crack up at this hilarious elf names. Of course, the only limit is their imagination, so I’m sure they can come up with something even funnier.

  • Bing
  • Biscuit
  • Bling
  • Bolt
  • Bonbon
  • Bubbles
  • Burpy
  • Butterball
  • Cheeky
  • Cheeto
  • Chewy
  • Chubby
  • Doody
  • Dopey
  • Drinky
  • Fa-la-la
  • Figg
  • Flurry
  • Fruitcake
  • Fudge
  • Henrik
  • Hermie
  • Hiccup
  • Jinx
  • Larry
  • Lazy
  • Loopy
  • Ninja
  • Otis
  • Pep
  • Pickles
  • Pompom
  • Pudding
  • Puffin
  • Razzle
  • Ringo
  • Scout
  • Smiles
  • Sneaky
  • Speedy
  • Spock
  • Stinky
  • Stuffer
  • Tater
  • Tipsy
  • Tootsie
  • Tooty
  • Trouble
  • Twinkie
  • Waffles
  • Wally
  • Wink
  • Winky
  • Yapper
  • Yippi Ki-Yay
  • Zesty
  • Zippy
Elf On The Shelf Movie Night

Character and Celebrity Elf On The Shelf Names

Here are some beloved character names (elves and non-elves) from some of your favorite movies (Christmas and non-Christmas), plays, fairytales, storybooks and literature.

There are also a couple of clever takes on celebrity names sprinkled in there (I’m sure you can come up with your own creations, too!).

  • Bernard (from The Santa Clause)
  • Bilbo (from The Lord of the Rings)
  • Buddy (from Elf)
  • Buzz (from Home Alone, Toy Story)
  • Charlie (from The Santa Clause)
  • Cindy Lou Who (from How The Grinch Stole Christmas)
  • Clarice (from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer)
  • Cobweb (from A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
  • Dobby (from Harry Potter)
  • Dory (from Finding Nemo)
  • Figwit (from The Lord of the Rings)
  • Flick (from A Christmas Story)
  • Frodo (from The Lord of the Rings)
  • Gimbel (the store name in Elf)
  • Gonzo (from The Muppets)
  • Griswold (from Christmas Vacation)
  • Harry (from Home Alone)
  • Hermey (from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer)
  • Holly Berry
  • Hoppity (from The Great Santa Claus Switch)
  • Jingle Belle (Comic book character)
  • Judy (from The Santa Clause)
  • Kevin (from Home Alone)
  • Marv (from Home Alone)
  • Maxx (from How The Grinch Stole Christmas)
  • Mustardseed (from A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
  • Nemo (from Finding Nemo)
  • Peaseblossom (from A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
  • Puck (from A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
  • Ralphie (from A Christmas Story)
  • Ruth Bader Giftsburg
  • Samwise (from The Lord of the Rings)
  • Sparky (from Christmas Vacation)
  • Tauriel (from The Lord of the Rings)
  • Titania (from A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
  • Tom Thumb (from The Tale of Tom Thumb)
  • Yukon Cornelius (from Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer)
  • Zippity (from The Great Santa Claus Switch)
  • Zuzu (from It’s a Wonderful Life)
Elf On The Shelf Watching An Elf's Story

What Are You Naming Your Elf On The Shelf?

Phew. That’s 236 great boy and girl names for Elf on the Shelf. Which one of these is your favorite? Are you a traditionalist, or do you love funky, spunky, and cute Elf on the Shelf names?

You can be creative and think of some of your own, too!

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