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! You can also check out our alphabetical list of Girl Elf on the Shelf Names!
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!
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!
MORE ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS
- Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Arrival
- Elf on the Shelf Accessories You Must Have!
- Elf on the Shelf Coloring Pages
- 50+ Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- Week of Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 2nd Week of Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Margaret Smith says
Candy Wonderland…kind of a cute name. I like it.
Anne Higgins says
Buddy
Candi says
Our Elf on the Shelf is named Rosie. She gets into all kinds of mischief. But, we still love her.
Sarah A Cascio says
My now 10 year old daughter (she was 8 at the time) cleverly named our Elf on the Shelf “Elfis,” as a play on ELVIS, because she knows I’m an Elvis lover. LOL! We used to have an ornament that played “Blue Christmas,” and my daughter decided whilst listening that ELFIS was the best name! Whatta cutie! LOL!
Brittany says
I would name him Fred.
Tracy Shafer says
If I had one I would name it Bert!
Antoinette M says
Jolly von Twinkletoes!
Tabitha Eason says
Our elf’s name is Jingle Evergreen
Mellissa C says
I got Candy Winterville!
Annie Skali says
Elfy (yeah, not quite unique but cute!)
Hanna D. says
Our elf is called Steve.
beth shepherd says
We would name him Larry. Thank you!
Ashley c says
We don’t have an elf yet! The name I get is jolly winterville
Nicole Lancaster says
I would name my Elf On A Shelf Tinsel.
Ronda Patrick says
Using the name generator I am Jangle McMittens. :)
Peggy Johnson says
We would name him “Buddy”
Alexandra Y says
My elf name is Jolly Chillson.
Casandra LaMonaca says
I look forward to starting this tradition with my little girl. I like the Christmas themed names like Ginger, Joy, Snowflake or Twinkle but will let her choose a name she likes. I got Snowflake Sweetkins on the name generator.
Christine says
the two we have are called hersheys and snickers
courtney b says
snowflake wonderland
lol sounds like a stripper
Elizabeth Miller says
Ours is named Eddie Elf. My daughter keeps saying Eddie needs a friend.
Sylvia says
WE had one named Pickle.
Francine Anchondo says
I would name him George.
Nicole D. says
I got Sweet O’Gingerbread with the name generator!
Stephanie Liske says
We named him North.
Mary Gardner says
Our Elf’s name is Snowflake.
Ashley Madden says
Spencer Jingles is what my daughters named our elf.
Kiara says
If I recall the offical website does have a popular name list for the elf and his companions (such as the reindeer) I would probably name mine Buddy or Hermey like you suggested as Rudolph and Elf are great movies!
Jammie Morey says
We would name ours Mister Silly Pants
Brittany L says
Happy Sweetkins is the name that came up on the generator! I love it and will be using it this year, if I win!
Alex S. says
Ralph!
Robin says
Ours would be named Candy Frostington.
Gina says
I got Peppermint Play Well!
Ed says
Tinsel Sparkleson!
Elaine Powell says
Bobbie for our granddaughter ‘s Elf.
Laurie Emerson says
I am Happy Playwell.
Paula Hafner says
We have a boy elf named Elfie and a girl named Candi Cane.
Brianna Cavins says
My son said ours would be named Elferdo haha!
Danielle Lindquist says
My son named our elf Snowflake!
Laura DeLaRosa says
My elf name would be Happy O’Gingerbread.
Jamie Martin says
Chilly Von Twinkletoes reporting in!
nicole bowers says
My elf name would be Sweet Tinselson!!
Leela says
I would name him Elfo.
Denise W says
It looks like it’s Jingle O’Merry. It sort of fits! Thank you!
Carrie Sizemor says
Jimmy Jolly
Sheila Rominger says
I would name it Bartleby Buster Brown
kathy pease says
I would name my elf George
Kerri W says
We would name our new elf Holly!!
Trisha Musgrave says
Our elfs name is Elfie lol my girls named it when they were little.
Julieh says
We named our elf Ermie.
STEPHANIE MACDONALD says
SPRITE VON TWINKLETOES
Stephanie Larison says
Sprite Sweetkins is the name I got, how cute!
Amber Hensley says
Our elf on the shelves name is “Elfie”
Trisha McKee says
Tiny Von Twinkletoes. There is not much room for improvement there! I love it!
Leah Shumack says
If I use my daughter’s name then our elf would be named Snowflake McCheer! She would love it!
Kelsey Vinson says
Merry Cookieberg
Janine Hwang says
Chilly McCheer! How cute
Sand says
Sprite Sweetkins.
Vikki L Billings says
I would name my Elf Ernie!
Angel Collins says
We are new this year to elf on the shelf and we are already late by starting tonight, the 2nd day of December. We are making our elf Chad Chillison. Chad is the name my husband wanted to name our last child if it was a boy but she ended up being a girl (I prayed hard since we already have 2 boys). We are very excited for this, bc of my 6 year old daughter’s personality she makes doing things extra special.
Donna says
Our elf’s name is Tinsel! I love these name ideas!
Sesame Chong says
Tinsel Winterville!
Mackenzie says
That’s a cute name
Mackenzie says
Our elf is the best her name is jolly
Mackenzie says
That’s a cute name
Dayna says
Me and my friend and my brother have a electric on the shelf. They are sometimes naughty but it is fun waking up every morning trying to find them.
hi says
This year my elf,s name is charlie, but we can never remember the names from last year so we always choose new ones! in our family we have two elves and a deer