Elf on the Shelf Names: The Ultimate Guide to Naming Your Elf

The time is coming. It will be here before you know it. Elf on the Shelf time! If you’re introducing a new elf into the mix, you’re going to need a name. The great thing is that there are tons of options for Elf on the Shelf names your children can use to name their new Christmas friend!

There are naming ideas that fit all kinds of personalities and interests! We’ve got a few ideas to help everyone choosing Christmas Elf names!

We’ve even got a Christmas elf name generator that will have the whole family laughing and can help you start brainstorming ideas. Scroll down to the bottom of the post to check it out!

ELF ON THE SHELF NAMES

Part of the magic of an Elf on the Shelf arriving at your home for the first time is the joy of naming your new friend. Most parents wait until their children are old enough to understand the concept of a name so that they can join in on the fun.

Sometimes, you may find your children are stuck on what to name their new elf friend. They may not be able to think up a name they like, or worse, two or more siblings are fighting over the final decision.

When it comes to having an elf come to visit for the holiday season, you can choose between a male or female friend. This choice is usually up to the parents, of course, so the surprise of seeing the elf that first morning is half the fun for your kids.

A Quick Word about Choosing an Elf Name

Make sure that when looking through Elf on the Shelf names, you choose something your kids will love for 4-5 years. The same elf visits every year, so you may want to stay away from names that are specific to your child’s interests now.

For example, Elmo may be cute for a 3-year-old, but when he’s 7 years old and still believes in the magic of Santa and his elves, he may not find the name so cute anymore.

Below are several Christmas elf names, separated by gender. That way, no matter which Elf on the Shelf visits you during the holidays, your family can find a name that is suitable for your festive buddy!

GENERAL IDEAS

• Name your elf after a family member.
• Name your elf after a favorite book, movie or television character.
• Name your elf using a combination of things like — favorite color and favorite food. WARNING this could get pretty silly!
• Name your elf after a character from a Christmas movie:
  • National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Clark, Griswold
  • A Christmas Story – Ralphie
  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Rudolph, Clarice, Hermey
  • Elf – Buddy
  • A Christmas Carol – Tiny Tim, Crachit
  • Grinch – Max, Cindy Lou
• Name your elf after a reindeer – Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen or SVEN!

GIRL ELF NAMES

First, let’s looking at naming a girl elf. We have included some trendy names as well as more traditional options for your children to choose from below!

Traditional Girl Elf on the Shelf Names

• Beatrice
• Margaret
• Grace
• Mary (fun spin on “Merry Christmas” can be done with this choice!)
• Nellie
• Clara
• Hannah
• Katherine (or nicknames from this one, like Kate, Katie, or Kathy)
• Elizabeth
• Amelia
• Anna
• Julia

Trendy Girl Elf on the Shelf Names

• Olivia
• Isabella
• Madison (or Maddie, for short)
• Charlotte
• Emily
• Sophie
• Scarlett
• Layla
• Zoe
• Lily
• Ava

BOY ELF NAMES

Elf on the Shelf names for a boy can be categorized the same way as girls. You have your more old-fashioned options as well as more popular names that are commonly seen today. Take a look at our lists of male elf names below!

Traditional Boy Elf Names

• James
• William
• George
• Henry
• Nicholas/Nick (Perfect fit for an elf of Santa’s!)
• Joseph
• Robert
• Charles
• Samuel
• Fred
• John
• Michael

Trendy Boy Elf Names

• Jackson/Jaxon
• Landon
• Xavier
• Aiden
• Liam
• Grayson
• Finn
• Arlo
• Gunner
• Bentley
• Carter
• Logan

CHRISTMAS ELF NAMES

Of course, if you want something a little more festive, you can always choose a Christmas name for your Elf on the Shelf. One that reminds you of the season or the holidays. Check out this list and see if you can find a name for your elf (either gender works here!)

• Snowflake
• Ginger (Hello, Mr. Gingerbread Man, let me borrow your name!)
• Frost
• Jingle
• Snowbunny/Snowball
• Claus
• Mistletoe
• Tinsel
• Candy
• Cane
• North
• Holly
• Jolly
• Joy
• Eve
• Noelle
• Twinkle
• Cocoa
• Cookie
• Kris
• Kringle
• Peppermint

No matter what you decide to name your Elf on the Shelf, the most important thing is that you have fun! When introducing your child to his/her elf, be sure to read the accompanying book about your new family friend and his connection to the jolly man at the North Pole.

We hope that our lists of boy and girl Elf on the Shelf names help you choose the best name for your own elf when the time comes!

ELF ON THE SHELF NAMES FAQ

What if the kids can’t agree on a name?

Choose more than one name! Many people have a first name, a middle name, and a last name so why should it be any different when choosing Elf on the Shelf names?

What happens if you need to rename your elf?

Have no fear! There are no rules in the Elf on the Shelf game. It’s meant to be a fun family tradition. If you need to rename your elf for any reason, just go for it!

If something happens to your elf and you need to get a new one, you can sub a new one in or go through a new renaming ceremony. Trust me, if you’re mellow about it, your kids will be too! Have no worries!

Where can you buy your Elf on the Shelf?

You can use any elf doll or figuring that you have or find. Most people go with the official Elf on the Shelf which you can buy on Amazon or at other local retailers like Target. But really, any elf will do!

There really all no rules when it comes to Elf on the Shelf and Elf on the Shelf names! Just have fun and create a magical, memorable tradition for your family!

Leave a comment and let us know what your family named your Elf!

ELF ON THE SHELF NAMES GENERATOR

If you’re looking for a fun way to come up with Elf on the Shelf names for your elf (or just for yourself) then try our Elf on the Shelf names generator to get the brainstorming started!

Everyone in the family can have their very own elf name!

CLICK TO PRINT YOUR OWN ELF NAME GENERATOR!

What elf name did you get with the name generator? And please leave a comment letting us know your elf’s name!

We love hearing what everyone decides on for their elf names!

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