Bugbear Names Latest Guide and Suggestions DnD (5e)
This DnD Bugbear name generator will help you find the right name for your character.
If you are using Bugbear in your RPG game, then you will need to find the right Bugbear name.
You can use the names as written or get ideas to help you brainstorm your options. In the post below, you will find more information that might help you find the perfect name you have been searching for.
Table of Contents
Ever seen a hairy beast that creeps in the dark to lurk on its prey? They are quiet as cats but noisy as an ogre when they pound their prey to death. That’s right, we call these creatures Bugbears. Bugbears are distant cousins of Goblins. They are considered Goblinoids who survive in the wilderness through raiding and hunting. They are stealthy, despite being brute, and like to set up ambushes.
Bugbears are not as threatening as Goblin mobs or corrupted Hobgoblins. This is because they are rare and they almost always… rest. Let’s just not disturb them okay?
In this guide, we’ll talk about the basic traits and ‘goblinalities’ of the Bugbears (yeah, personalities). You’ll be guided to our Top Best Male and Female Bugbear names and Best Class-Specific Bugbear names. We’ll also add to the list some Funny Bugbear names and Top Bugbear Names Suggestions.
Exciting, right? Indulge your searches further by visiting our D&D 5e Bugbear Name Generator for more Bugbear suggested names. It’s easy to use and free!
Indolent Goblinoids
Unlike the energetic Goblin or their quick-witted Hobgoblin cousins, Bugbears spent most of their lives dozing off. They don’t bother creating technologies or making food for themselves. They intimidate lesser creatures and force them to do their dirty work. Lazy Bugbears indeed! They force Hobgoblins to hire them as scouts or front troops but they end up being unreliable, and if not, useless.
Despite Bugbears being big bullies and violators of labor laws (lol), they can still be threatened by other stronger creatures. For example, a vile warlock they encountered can force them into submission through strong magic and spells. Since they are lazy and dislike working, they will prefer to run away. Bugbears can sometimes be submissive to smaller Goblin tribes for as long as they provide them what he wants. Talk about bribery. They also participate in Goblin wars to fight for the tribes that bribe the most. But when the bribe runs out, they return to sleep; because, you know, lazy.
Because of Bugbear’s indolence in life, there are no written facts on how capable or strong these creatures are. Adventurers exploring the world of D&D will identify them as ambush creatures who are adept with short and quick fights. They are not built for an extended period of battles, however, and will tend to escape if they fail an ambush.
Below is the summary of Bugbear’s racial features and traits.
Attribute/Skill Trait | Effect |
Ability Score Increase | As a Bugbear, you are a brute and deft creature. Bugbears have a bonus +2 in Strength and a bonus +1 in Dexterity. |
Age | Bugbears reach adulthood a little earlier than humans. They become adults at 16 years and can live up to 80 years old. |
Alignment | Bugbears are lazy and tend to demand others to do their bidding rather than doing it on their own. Isn’t that chaotic evil? But this the only way they know to survive, even at the expense of their kin. |
Size | Medium-sized. Bugbears are taller than most humans. They range from 6 to 8 feet tall and weigh around 250 to 350 pounds. |
Speed | Bugbear’s walking speed is 30 feet. |
Darkvision | Bugbears are a distant family of Goblins. They share this same trait which allows them to see through the darkness. They can see in dim light within 60 feet and see it as a bright light. In total darkness, they see it as dim light. Bugbears cannot differentiate color in darkened areas but perceived it as grayish. |
Long-Limbed | Bugbears have long limbs that they use to their advantage when attacking. Their melee attacks can reach 5 feet greater than the normal melee range. |
Powerful Build | Bugbears are bulky and strong. They count as one size larger when determining carrying capacity and the possible weight they can push, drag, or lift. |
Sneaky | Bugbears love ambushes. They take advantage of their stealthy skills to overcome any opponents. They are proficient in Stealth skills. |
Surprise Attack | Surprise! A huge Bugbear is behind and about to throttle your neck. When they surprise a creature and was able to hit them with an attack, the attack deals extra 2d6 damage. Ouch! This trait can only be used once per combat. |
Languages | Bugbears can speak, read, and write in Common and Goblin tongue. |
Name suggestions coming! Take a detour and try our DnD 5e Bugbear Name Generator for some quick Bugbear suggested names.
Best DnD Male and Female Bugbear Names
Bugbear’s names are not far from their Goblin and Hobgoblin cousins. Their names have husky sounds and have sharp syllables. The name should be short, can be repeated, and easy to recall. Bugbear names usually define their nature or their appearance. They do not have a distinction for female or male Bugbear names but we will try to indicate possibilities for gender-specific names. Just think of the names as fitting for a bully creature.
Below are some of our Top Male and Female Bugbear names. Don’t be shy to try our D&D 5e Bugbear Name Generator for more Bugbear suggested names.
Name | Pronunciation | Gender | Description |
Balaag | /ba-lag/ | Male or Female | This Bugbear name is associated with warmth or temperature. You are a hotheaded lazy Bugbear when using this name. “RAAAAAGH! I HATE HOT WEATHER!” cried Balaag as sunlight touches his face early in the morning, yet has no plans on moving himself. |
Xargar | /sar-gar/ | Male or Female | This Bugbear name is fit for characters who have long crooked teeth. Xargar means someone who has a habit of gnawing. A loud screeching sound can be heard from afar. Dagol asks, “What are you doing Xargar?”. “Me? Oh. Just sharpening my teeth”. |
Lavak | /la-vak/ | Male or Female | This name is sometimes referred to by other Bugbears as “Mudder”, or someone who hides in the mud. This Bugbear waits patiently for potential lesser creatures to pass by in his swamps to drown them. |
Grunur | /gru-nur/ | Male or Female | Meaning “Beastly”. This Bugbear name is for brute characters who like to maul their opponents to pieces. Grunur was one of the many bribable Bugbears under a Goblin banner. His role is to cause heavy casualties to the opposing clan. |
Hadal | /ha-dal/ | Male | This Bugbear name is associated with the word sleep or rest. You are a Bugbear who likes to loaf around and snooze peacefully. Hadal was too kind for a Bugbear to the point he was ignored by everyone during a commotion. He was sleeping during the commotion. |
Boko | /Boko/ | Male or Female | Meaning “Hard Head”. This Bugbear likes headbutting enemies by surprise. “What happened to your head?” asked the guard. “A Bugbear approached me and shake my hand… He headbutted me afterward… ouch.” |
Flaga | /fla-ga/ | Female | Meaning “Flail”. This female Bugbear uses a bronze flail to strike unsuspecting enemies from a distance. Flaga the Flail Thrower |
Zuku | /zu-ku/ | Male or Female | Pick this Bugbear name for characters who like to throw projectiles at unwary enemies. Whether it be spears, stones, or wood, Zuku is a skilled striker. |
Duru-Duru | /du-ru-du-ru/ | Male | Meaning “Pointy-Pointy” in Goblin tongue. This Bugbear has a habit of pointing fingers at his enemies to intimidate them. His pointing does not always intimidate foes. Others are left hanging, wondering what the hell is going on. |
Yogo | /yo-go/ | Male | This male Bugbear name is referenced to a stealthy character who only shows himself to their prey. Their prey, however, is never to be seen again. Stories about Yogo the Stalker are all hearsay and gossip until you become a victim. |
More D&D Bugbear names from our D&D 5e Bugbear Name Generator. It’s fun, easy to use, and free!
Best Class-Specific Names for Bugbears
There are 12 basic classes in the world of DnD and choosing one of these classes is an exciting part of character creation. For this guide, we’ll use three commonly picked classes for the Bugbear race and discuss some advantages of picking them. These classes are namely the Barbarian, the Rogue, and Fighter.
Bugbears as a Barbarian
Barbarian class favors the Strength and Constitution ability score over anything else. This makes a Barbarian Bugbear a hard hitter and at the same time durable against opponents. The Reckless Attack trait combined with Surprise Attack allows the Bugbears to do heavy damage, but in exchange for receiving additional attack rolls against them. Not to mention, Bugbears have the Long-Limbed ability allowing them to strike at a distance.
Other traits fit well for a Bugbear under the Barbarian class. It is up to the player to experiment and discover some tricks on their own when using Bugbear characters. Below are some of the suggested names for Bugbear Barbarians.
Name | Pronunciation | Gender | Description |
Agrush | /a-grush/ | Male | When using this Bugbear Barbarian name, you are an impatient Bugbear who hates waiting and often discards your ambush tactics in the hopes of landing your first surprise attack as fast as possible. |
Gogoro | /go-go-ro/ | Male or Female | This Bugbear name is for Barbarian characters who enjoy killing in the dark by dragging their victims on isolated caves or forests. |
Tulalu | /tu-la-lu/ | Female | This female Bugbear name is for a Barbarian class character that likes setting up traps and ensnares in catching lesser creatures and forcing them to work for her gang. |
Virk | /vir-k/ | Male | This Bugbear Barbarian is a clever and thoughtful Bugbear. He joins groups of Hobgoblins to share their exploits and loots while also taking the time to learn more about martial techniques. |
Nolkr | /nol-kir/ | Male or Female | A careless Bugbear Barbarian who often misses his surprise attacks. Despite being careless, he is tremendously powerful and hard to kill. |
More D&D Barbarian Bugbear name suggestions from our Bugbear Name Generator on top of this page. It’s free, try it now!
Bugbears as a Rogue
Stealth is at the heart of any Bugbears. They do not prefer confrontational fights but rather prefer doing sneak attacks and backstabbing. For Bugbears to be able to do this, they need to have a high level of skill and precision in grabbing a decisive moment when to strike. A Rogue class is the best fit for this characteristic.
A Rogue class prefers the Dexterity ability score compared to strength. Bugbears can also capitalize on this trait and abuse the use of their Stealth proficiency and Surprise Attacks. A Bugbear Rogue also benefits from the Sneak Attack skill to deal extra damage aside from the Surprise Attack. Bugbear Rogues also have the Cunning Action trait allowing them to Dash or Disengage in case the odds are against you. Other Rogue traits complement the Bugbears and it is up to the player to discover and try. Below are some of the suggested names for sinister Bugbear Rogues.
Name | Pronunciation | Gender | Description |
Ko’owe | /ko-o-we/ | Male or Female | This Bugbear Rogue name is associated with the shadow or darkness. Pick this name for a Rogue character who is an expert assassin |
Xar’ach | /sar-ak/ | Male or Female | Meaning “stalker”. This Bugbear Rogue is an excellent tracker and assassin. They are commonly hired in exterminating important people. |
Jagar | /ja-gar/ | Male or Female | The name is a soft translation for the Goblin word for “dagger”. It also somehow means knife. A common weapon of choice for a Roguish Bugbear. |
Grabo | /gra-bo/ | Male | Grabo is not a Goblin word. It is a colloquial or invented word for someone who “grabs”. They like grabbing rich individuals who are lost on the road and extort rich families in exchange for them. |
Bosho | /bo-sho/ | Male | Bosho is an unusual Bugbear Rogue. He wields a blunt weapon and prefers smashing the face of an unwary opponent. His victim’s identity was never known after the ordeal. |
Bugbears as a Fighters
Fighters are well-rounded weapon and armor specialists. They have unmatched mastery of weaponry that they utilize to gain the best advantage during combat. What makes Fighters an excellent choice for the Bugbears is their core ability score centering on Strength or Dexterity. Since Fighters are all-around martial characters, Bugbears get to choose their fighting style depending on what they prefer. The Fighter’s Extra Attack is a nice matching trait for the Surprise Attack of the Bugbears. Fighters also have interesting traits like Action Surge that allows extra movement or action and Ability Score Improvement that allows them to increase an ability score of their choice.
There are other exciting traits for the Fighter class and we are sure that it is one of the preferred choices for Bugbears by many players. It is up to the player to explore and discover further how well-suited is the Fighter class for them. Below are some suggested D&D Bugbear Fighter names.
Name | Pronunciation | Gender | Description |
Shagyr | /sha-gir/ | Male or Female | This Bugbear Fighter name is only given to a powerful and prevailing Bugbear Champion who won the title through duels. |
Lhokr | /lok-er/ | Male or Female | A Bugbear Fighter who wants who dislikes exposing his martial skills by showing themselves weak or less intimidating. Creatures who look down on Lhokr often end up having their heads in a pike. |
Purgrak | /pur-gra-k/ | Male or Female | A Bugbear Fighter who likes the concept of bribery before exerting any effort for his serving company. He thinks of Hobgoblins and Goblins as mere customers and he/she is willing to fight to whoever pays the most. |
Vabon | /va-bon/ | Male or Female | Vabon is a nomadic Bugbear Fighter. He/she prefers to wander the outskirts of the forest to hunt for food and forage. They rarely engage in fights but when threatened, become a force to be reckoned with. |
Wagar | /wa-gar/ | Male | When using this Bugbear Fighter name, you are an aggressive Bugbear who wants trouble and fighting. You sleep for long days, however. |
More D&D Bugbear name suggestions from our Bugbear Name Generator. You can select from our vast library of ready-made Bugbear names that you can freely use for your characters in-game.
A Guide to Funny Bugbear Names
Lazy! Bugbears are lazy creatures who love naps and rest. But beware, they might get angry if you disturb their sleep! If you were following this guide you now know that Bugbears can also be part of Goblin or Hobgoblin groups for as long as they get what they want in return.
Now that we get to know our Bugbears, let’s create some funny names for them! Check out some of our Top 10 Funny Bugbear Names under this guide.
Name | What makes it funny? |
Snore Lax | It’s a Pokemon! This name is very fitting for a Bugbear. Sleeps most of the time, angry when awake, has brute STRENGTH, etc. |
Uber | A Bugbear who is ready to take you to your destination… |
Bogus | A Bugbear… sometimes a Goblin… or a Hobgoblin… I am not sure. This Bugbear seems sus. |
Cloggnos | This Bugbear always wakes up with a clogged nose. |
ClikBeyt | Don’t click it… |
Silent Bill | A Bugbear from an award-winning horror suspense game of 1999. |
Boggybear | A dirty Bugbear. Eew… |
Yuckr | A yucker. Is that even a word? |
Jean Scena | Bugbears are stealthy. You can’t see them. |
ChipzAhoy | For a sweet tooth Bugbear. |
Try Name Generator and you might encounter some funny names for your Bugbear character.
Top Bugbear Names Suggestions
And we are down on the ending part of this guide. For the following section, we present to you our ranked Top 10 Best Bugbear names based on our earlier suggestions. We based the ranking on how good the name sounds and how nice the lore can fit for the characters when using the names. Let’s not forget that we also have a bit of favorites from the name list. Let’s get started!
Rank | Name | Gender | Class Suggestion | Description |
1 | Ko’owe /ko-o-we/ | Male or Female | Rogue Fighter | First of all, the name quality is outstanding. It is dark, mysterious, and fits for either a Rogue or a Fighter without removing the Bugbear element to it. We think this deserves the top spot for this guide. |
2 | Shagyr /sha-gir/ | Male or Female | Barbarian Fighter | This Bugbear name is given to powerful Bugbears who earned the champion title through duels. It’s befitting for a Barbarian and a Fighter. It also flaunts the power of a Bugbear despite them being lazy. |
3 | Balaag /ba-lag/ | Male or Female | Barbarian Fighter | A hotheaded Bugbear. This name also sounds Goblin or Hobgoblin and can be used to either of the race when the player wants it. We depict the name as fitting for Barbarian or Fighter who has very low patience and easy to anger to small things. |
4 | Lhokr /lok-er/ | Male or Female | Rogue Fighter | Again, the name is mysterious. It fits for someone who dislikes showing their power. A perfect name for a Rogue or a calm Fighter. We also like its lore. A Bugbear that decapitates heads and places them on steaks. |
5 | Virk /vir-k/ | Male | Barbarian Rogue Fighter | Virk is cool. Not only because of the name but because of the lore. He can team up with other Goblinoids and learn from them. He isn’t lazy at all. Not only that, the lore allows us to use the name for all the three selected classes. |
6 | Duru-Duru /du-ru-du-ru/ | Male | Barbarian | This name is a funny one. Duru-Duru is a Bugbear who specializes in pointing fingers at people in an attempt to intimidate them. It’s weird though and funny. |
7 | Lavak /la-vak/ | Male or Female | Rogue | Lavak the Mudder is a nice Bugbear name for a Rogue who ambushes people by drowning them on the swamps. Hey, that mud camouflage seems to always work right? We think this name and lore deserves a slot in our ranking. |
8 | Wagar /wa-gar/ | Male | Barbarian | This male Bugbear name strongly suggests an aggressive and frightful Bugbear who always wants to fight. We think Bugbears like this are a common sight in the world of D&D and they spend the rest of their days sleeping anyway. |
9 | Yogo /yo-go/ | Male | Rogue | Yogo is a Bugbear name for a very stealthy character. He shows himself only to his preys and their preys are never seen again. Pretty scary right? And at the same time cool. He remains a mystery despite all missing people are attributed to him. |
10 | Grunur /gru-nur/ | Male or Female | Barbarian Fighter | Of course, we will not forget to include a name that directly describes the beastly and brutish nature of the Bugbears. Grunur is a name for a Bugbear who likes mauling its opponents. We find this name fitting for a Barbarian or a Fighter class. |
Looking for other race-specific names for D&D? Checkout our D&D Name Generator for other race names. It’s easy to use and free.
External sources:
1. Volo’s Guide to Monsters: Chapter 1: Monster Lore, Bugbears, pg.44
2. Volo’s Guide to Monsters: Chapter 2: Character Races, Monstrous Adventurers, Bugbear Traits, pg. 119
3. Explorer’s Guide to WIldemonunt: Chapter4: Character Options, Bugbear Racial Traits, pg.174
4. Player’s Handbook: Chapter 3: Classes, pg. 45