Genre

Name Style

Name Structure

Author Presentation

Surname Style

First-Name Era

Preferred Name Length

Preferred Initials (optional)

First

Middle

Surname

Avoid using my real initials

Not First

Not Middle

Not Surname

Before publishing, search bookstores, retailer websites, domain records, social platforms, and trademark databases to check whether a name is already in use.

Compare Pen Names

Your saved pen-name ideas will appear here.

Test a Pen Name

Enter a pen name you’re considering

Style Review Only — Availability Not Checked

Before You Choose a Pen Name

Search major book retailers for authors with the same or similar name.
Search common web browsers and social platforms.
Check whether a suitable domain name is available.
Review trademark databases where relevant.
Consider pronunciation and spelling.
Consider whether the name will still suit future genres.
Avoid intentionally impersonating another author.
Decide whether you want privacy, genre separation, or simpler branding.
Keep consistent records for contracts, taxes, and publishing accounts.

This generator provides creative suggestions only. It does not check legal availability, trademarks, domains, social handles, or existing author usage. It does not provide legal advice.

How to Use the Pen Name Generator

Set your Genre, Name Style, Structure, Author Presentation, Surname Style, First-Name Era, and Length — or leave any of them on “Surprise Me” to explore more combinations. You can also enter preferred initials if there's a letter you'd like to build around. Generate a name, and if you're weighing a few options, use Add to Compare to line them up side by side in the Compare Pen Names panel.

The Test a Pen Name section lets you type in any name — generated or your own — and see it reflected back the way readers would encounter it, so you can judge how it reads before you commit. Save the ones you're seriously considering to “My Saved Names” so you can return to them later.

Does this check whether a pen name is already taken?

No. This tool generates name ideas based on genre and style; it doesn't check trademark status, existing authors, or domain availability. Always search a name before committing to it.

Can I combine a generated first name with my own last name (or vice versa)?

Yes. Many writers mix and match — use the generator for inspiration, then adjust individual pieces using the Test a Pen Name section until it feels right.

How many names can I compare at once?

Add as many as you'd like to the Compare panel. It's meant for weighing a shortlist side by side rather than choosing from just two.