Elf on the Shelf Name Ideas: 50+ Funny and Classic Names
A good elf name is easy to say, fun to shout across the house and chosen by the kids. Here are names by style and simple ways to decide together.
The best elf name is short, easy for your youngest child to say and chosen by the kids. If you want a quick pick, classic Christmas names such as Jingle, Holly and Tinsel are safe bets, and silly names such as Captain Cocoa tend to get giggles. Below are names sorted by style, followed by five ways to let your children make the final call.
Elf on the Shelf is a brand name, and this site is not affiliated with it. These names work for any small elf doll or soft toy.
Classic and traditional names
These sound like they come from an old Christmas card. They are easy to spell and easy to say.
- Buddy
- Jingle
- Jolly
- Holly
- Noel
- Nick
- Tinsel
- Merry
- Carol
- Joy
- Angel
- Winter
- Eve
- Ivy
Funny names
Silly names help kids laugh when they find the elf in a new spot. Many of these work well when called out loud: Where’s Sir Sprinkles?
- Sir Sprinkles
- Captain Cocoa
- Fuzzy Boots
- Chimney Charlie
- Pickle Pants
- Waffles
- Mr. Jingle Bottom
- Professor Peppermint
- Sneaky Pete
- Giggles
- Bonkers
- Noodle
- Wiggles
- Elfie McElfface
Christmas-themed names
These borrow from decorations, sweets and winter scenes.
- Twinkle
- Mistletoe
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Gingersnap
- Snowflake
- Frosty
- Sparkle
- Candy Cane
- Pinecone
- Cocoa
- Poinsettia
- Sugarplum
Food and nature names
Great for kids who love the kitchen or the outdoors.
- Biscuit
- Pumpkin
- Pretzel
- Muffin
- Maple
- Acorn
- Clover
- Willow
- Pebble
- Fern
- Berry
- Cricket
Names that fit a family joke
Some of the best names come from your household. Think of a favorite food, a nickname, a pet’s name backwards, a street you live on or a place you visited. These names are one of a kind and feel special to your family.
Build-your-own elf name
If none of the lists click, combine two words. Pick one from each column and see what sounds good out loud.
| Start with | Add |
|---|---|
| Sir, Captain, Professor, Lady, Doctor | A food, a color or a winter word |
| A favorite snack, such as Biscuit or Pretzel | Jingle, Bell, Boots or Bottom |
| A winter word, such as Frost or Pine | A silly ending, such as -ington, -sworth or -kins |
Examples: Professor Pretzel, Captain Snowboots, Lady Gingersnap, Biscuit Bell. A fancy title also gives you something to write on the elf’s notes and a funny voice to use when you read them.
How to pick a good name
- Keep it short. One or two syllables are easiest for little ones.
- Avoid real people’s names you know. A classmate’s or relative’s name can lead to teasing or awkward moments.
- Check that it sounds good with a title. Sir, Captain or Professor can make any name funnier.
- Choose one both parents like. You will say it for a month.
- Skip anything that could embarrass a child later. The elf name might live in family photos for years.
Five ways to let the kids choose
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Name box | Each child writes or draws an idea on a slip of paper and puts it in a box. A parent draws one on arrival day. | Ages 4 and up |
| Family vote | Each person suggests a name, then everyone votes. Ties go to a coin toss. | Mixed ages |
| Elf picks | The elf arrives with a note listing three names. The children vote on the first morning. | Ages 3 to 7 |
| Mix two names | Each child chooses one word, and you combine them, like Biscuit and Jingle for Biscuit Jingle. | Siblings who disagree |
| Name hunt | Hide letters of the name around the room. Children find and assemble them. | Ages 5 to 9 |
Make the naming a small ceremony
- Gather everyone the first morning, ideally with hot chocolate.
- Read the welcome note aloud. Our elf arrival ideas include a note you can adapt.
- Announce the choice and let the kids repeat it together.
- Take a photo of the children with the elf and the name card.
- Write the name on a card and prop it up next to the elf’s regular spot, so you remember it next year.
Keep the name for next year
Write the name in your holiday storage box or on a note in the elf’s packaging. Next year you can keep it, or let the elf return with a new name. Some families add a middle name each year as part of the story.
If you want to keep the tradition simple all month, our list of easy elf ideas uses only things you already own. For more ways to build memories, see Christmas traditions for families.
Bottom line
Pick a name that is short, fun to say and chosen by your kids. Use a name box or a family vote, announce it on the first morning and write it down so you can bring it back next year.
FAQ
Should the elf have a boy or girl name?
Either is fine. The elf can have any name your family likes, and many names such as Holly, Ivy, Jingle or Maple work for any child.
Can we change the elf’s name if the kids don’t like it?
Yes. If the first pick falls flat, the elf can leave a note saying it also answers to a nickname. Let the children choose the nickname.
Do we have to name the elf?
No, but a name makes it easier for children to talk to the elf and for you to write notes in its voice.
What if siblings can’t agree?
Try the mix-two-names method, or let each child name the elf for a week. Another option is to have the elf leave a note on the first morning saying it picked one of the children’s ideas, so no one has to lose a vote.
