Tiefling names take sides. Hope is a whole name: one virtue word, worn like armor. Mephios names the blood instead: Mephi (from Mephistopheles) + os. Here are names for tieflings, both paths with their parts on the table.
Two documented paths, split evenly across this page: sixty virtue names, sixty infernal builds. Names bold, glosses italic, tradition column flat. Documented rows say documented; register extensions say so. Nothing between the rows:
Tiefling names with their builds, meanings and traditions
Name
Built from
Meaning
Tradition
Hope
virtue word, used whole
one who embodies hope
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Creed
virtue word, used whole
one who holds to a creed
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Ideal
virtue word, used whole
one who pursues an ideal
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Levity
virtue word, used whole
one who chooses lightness
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Poetry
virtue word, used whole
one who speaks in verse
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Reverence
virtue word, used whole
one who honors
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Verity
virtue word, used whole
one who seeks truth
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Trust
virtue word, used whole
one who trusts
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Patience
virtue word, used whole
one who waits
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Prudence
virtue word, used whole
one who is careful
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Temperance
virtue word, used whole
one who is measured
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Providence
virtue word, used whole
one who provides
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Solace
virtue word, used whole
one who comforts
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Atonement
virtue word, used whole
one who makes amends
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Resolve
virtue word, used whole
one who does not bend
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Sorrow
virtue word, used whole
one who carries grief
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Mercy
virtue word, used whole
one who shows mercy
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Avarice
virtue word, used whole
one who hungers for more
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Despair
virtue word, used whole
one who dwells in despair
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Purity
virtue word, used whole
one who stays unspoiled
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Temerity
virtue word, used whole
one who dares too much
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Torment
virtue word, used whole
one who is tested
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Truce
virtue word, used whole
one who makes peace
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Unity
virtue word, used whole
one who joins
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Vantage
virtue word, used whole
one who watches from high
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Desire
virtue word, used whole
one who wants
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Ide
virtue word, used whole
one who holds an idea, short form
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Memento
virtue word, used whole
one who remembers
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Nostalgia
virtue word, used whole
one who longs for the past
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Once
virtue word, used whole
one who happened once
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Pain
virtue word, used whole
one who carries pain
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Random
virtue word, used whole
one who cannot be predicted
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Weary
virtue word, used whole
one who tires
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Virtue
virtue word, used whole
one who aims to be good
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Amity
virtue word, used whole
one who befriends
Virtue name (register extension, labeled)
Candor
virtue word, used whole
one who speaks plainly
Virtue name (register extension, labeled)
Devotion
virtue word, used whole
one who is devoted
Virtue name (register extension, labeled)
Envy
virtue word, used whole
one who envies
Virtue name (register extension, labeled)
Fidelity
virtue word, used whole
one who stays true
Virtue name (register extension, labeled)
Fortitude
virtue word, used whole
one who endures
Virtue name (register extension, labeled)
Grace
virtue word, used whole
one who moves with grace
Virtue name (register extension, labeled)
Grief
virtue word, used whole
one who mourns
Virtue name (register extension, labeled)
Mephios
Mephi + os
from Mephistopheles, archdevil of Cania, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Mephiak
Mephi + ak
from Mephistopheles, archdevil of Cania, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Mephira
Mephi + ra
from Mephistopheles, archdevil of Cania, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Mephius
Mephi + us
from Mephistopheles, archdevil of Cania, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Zeparan
Zepar + an
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Zeparia
Zepar + ia
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Zeparus
Zepar + us
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Zeparex
Zepar + ex
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Baelos
Bael + os
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Baelan
Bael + an
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Baelak
Bael + ak
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Baelia
Bael + ia
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Amonus
Amon + us
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Amonra
Amon + ra
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Amonis
Amon + is
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Amonak
Amon + ak
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Asmodak
Asmod + ak
from Asmodeus, ruler of the Nine, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Asmodia
Asmod + ia
from Asmodeus, ruler of the Nine, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Asmodus
Asmod + us
from Asmodeus, ruler of the Nine, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Asmodeth
Asmod + eth
from Asmodeus, ruler of the Nine, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Dispaus
Disp + a + us
from Dispater, archdevil of Dis, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Dispia
Disp + ia
from Dispater, archdevil of Dis, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Dispeth
Disp + eth
from Dispater, archdevil of Dis, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Dispar
Disp + ar
from Dispater, archdevil of Dis, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Mammus
Mamm + us
from Mammon, archdevil of Minauros, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Mamman
Mamm + an
from Mammon, archdevil of Minauros, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Mammeth
Mamm + eth
from Mammon, archdevil of Minauros, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Mammara
Mamm + a + ra
from Mammon, archdevil of Minauros, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Belira
Beli + ra
from Belial, archdevil of Phlegethos, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Belian
Beli + an
from Belial, archdevil of Phlegethos, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Beliak
Beli + ak
from Belial, archdevil of Phlegethos, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Beline
Beli + ne
from Belial, archdevil of Phlegethos, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Levistus
Levist + us
from Levistus, archdevil of Stygia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Levistia
Levist + ia
from Levistus, archdevil of Stygia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Levistak
Levist + ak
from Levistus, archdevil of Stygia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Levistar
Levist + ar
from Levistus, archdevil of Stygia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Glasyara
Glasy + a + ra
from Glasya, archdevil of Malbolge, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Glasyane
Glasy + a + ne
from Glasya, archdevil of Malbolge, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Glasyak
Glasy + ak
from Glasya, archdevil of Malbolge, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Glasyis
Glasy + is
from Glasya, archdevil of Malbolge, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Baalzebos
Baalzeb + os
from Baalzebul, archdevil of Maladomini, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Baalzebia
Baalzeb + ia
from Baalzebul, archdevil of Maladomini, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
What are female tiefling names?
Virtue names belong to any gender, per the documented rule. On the infernal path, female builds close on -ta, -ia, -ra and -ne:
Female tiefling names with their builds and meanings
Name
Built from
Meaning
Harmony
virtue word, used whole
one who makes peace around them
Honesty
virtue word, used whole
one who tells the truth
Humility
virtue word, used whole
one who bows
Innocence
virtue word, used whole
one who is unspoiled
Joy
virtue word, used whole
one who carries joy
Justice
virtue word, used whole
one who rights wrongs
Lament
virtue word, used whole
one who sings grief
Modesty
virtue word, used whole
one who understates
Passion
virtue word, used whole
one who burns
Mephita
Mephi + ta
from Mephistopheles, archdevil of Cania, table-style close
Zarita
Zari + ta
from Zariel, archdevil of Avernus, table-style close
Zariara
Zari + a + ra
from Zariel, archdevil of Avernus, table-style close
Zarine
Zari + ne
from Zariel, archdevil of Avernus, table-style close
Amonne
Amon + ne
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Zeparta
Zepar + ta
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Belita
Beli + ta
from Belial, archdevil of Phlegethos, table-style close
Glasyra
Glasy + ra
from Glasya, archdevil of Malbolge, table-style close
Zeparane
Zepar + a + ne
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
What are male tiefling names?
Male infernal builds close on -os, -an, -ak, -us and -ex, matching published male table names:
Male tiefling names with their builds and meanings
Name
Built from
Meaning
Piety
virtue word, used whole
one who keeps the rites
Pride
virtue word, used whole
one who stands tall
Regret
virtue word, used whole
one who looks back
Remorse
virtue word, used whole
one who regrets deeply
Ruin
virtue word, used whole
one who ends things
Silence
virtue word, used whole
one who keeps quiet
Sincerity
virtue word, used whole
one who means it
Strife
virtue word, used whole
one who stirs conflict
Zeal
virtue word, used whole
one who burns for a cause
Mephian
Mephi + an
from Mephistopheles, archdevil of Cania, table-style close
Zeparos
Zepar + os
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Baelus
Bael + us
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Amonex
Amon + ex
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Asmodos
Asmod + os
from Asmodeus, ruler of the Nine, table-style close
Dispak
Disp + ak
from Dispater, archdevil of Dis, table-style close
Mammex
Mamm + ex
from Mammon, archdevil of Minauros, table-style close
Levistex
Levist + ex
from Levistus, archdevil of Stygia, table-style close
Glasyus
Glasy + us
from Glasya, archdevil of Malbolge, table-style close
What do tiefling names mean?
Exactly what their parts say, and the parts are claims. A virtue name states an intention. An infernal build states a lineage. Twelve meaning spotlights, receipts attached:
Tiefling name meanings spotlight
Name
Built from
Meaning
Tradition
Hope
virtue word, used whole
one who embodies hope
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Verity
virtue word, used whole
one who seeks truth
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Avarice
virtue word, used whole
one who hungers for more
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Torment
virtue word, used whole
one who is tested
Virtue name (documented 5e)
Mephios
Mephi + os
from Mephistopheles, archdevil of Cania, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Zeparia
Zepar + ia
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Baelan
Bael + an
goetic spirit, Ars Goetia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Asmodak
Asmod + ak
from Asmodeus, ruler of the Nine, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Mammus
Mamm + us
from Mammon, archdevil of Minauros, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Levistus
Levist + us
from Levistus, archdevil of Stygia, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Glasyara
Glasy + a + ra
from Glasya, archdevil of Malbolge, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
Baalzebos
Baalzeb + os
from Baalzebul, archdevil of Maladomini, table-style close
Infernal root (documented) + table-style close
How do tiefling names work?
One word, or one root plus one close. Hope stands alone. Mephi + os names the archdevil in the family tree. That is the whole grammar, both paths. The full compound-name lesson the race grid shares lives on the how elvish names work page.
What are tiefling last names?
Sometimes: house-mode surnames, built and labeled. The pattern follows the published lineage lore; the builds are ours and say so:
Tiefling house surnames with their builds and lineage senses
Surname
Built from
Lineage sense
Ashborn
ash + born
born of ash
Embersworn
ember + sworn
sworn to the ember
Cinderblood
cinder + blood
of the cinder blood
Pactborn
pact + born
born of the pact
Veilkin
veil + kin
kin of the veil
Chainmarked
chain + marked
marked by the chain
Virtue names versus infernal roots
The split on this page is sixty against sixty, and the split is the point. The virtue path answers the question people are too rude to ask out loud: who does this tiefling intend to be? The infernal path answers the other one: what is in the blood? Published tables record both because players keep choosing both, and no ranking exists between them. Pick by the scene: a virtue name plays better at a tavern door, an infernal build better in a census ledger. Both carry receipts here, so you can check what your pick claims before you commit. That is how you pick the right name from a list: read the claim, not just the sound.
The tiefling naming paths compared
Path
Entries here
Signals
Examples
Virtue name
60
a claim about who they intend to be
Hope, Avarice, Verity
Infernal root
60
the lineage, named plainly
Mephios, Zeparia, Baelan
Tiefling name questions, answered
What is a rare tiefling name?
Four low-frequency picks, each with its receipt.Vantage: the virtue word used whole, "one who watches from high." Random: the register's quirkiest documented entry. Zeparex: zepar + ex, a goetic root with a rare close. Baalzebos: baalzeb + os, from Baalzebul of Maladomini. Levistak: levist + ak, from Levistus of Stygia.
Can tiefling names be short?
Yes: a single virtue word is a complete tiefling name. Hope, Ide, Once. The published convention runs one word for the virtue path, and two parts for the infernal path. Length is not the point; taking a side is.
Why do tieflings have virtue names?
Because the name is armor put on at birth. A tiefling child meets fear young, and published lore has parents answer it with a claim: name the child Hope, and every sneer meets the hope anyway. The virtue path is documented in the 5e tables; the infernal-root path is its twin, naming the blood instead of the intention.
Where the meanings come from.The virtue register and the archdevil and goetic roots trace to published fifth-edition tables and published grimoire lists; register extensions are labeled as ours. Receipts assemble from the same dataset the generator draws from. Where every name's receipt comes from →