When it comes to the fictional creatures of dragons, much mystery surrounds their young. Dragons typically appear fully grown in mythology and fantasy stories, so many wonder – what are baby dragons called? There are a few potential names that authors have used over the years.
Hatchlings
One of the most common terms for baby dragons is “hatchlings.” This refers to dragons being hatched from eggs, like birds. The word hatchling implies that the dragon is freshly emerged from its egg and still in an early stage of life, similar to a chick or fledgling.
Many fictional works, including the How to Train Your Dragon book and film series, use the term hatchling to describe young dragons. The word conjures imagery of newborn dragons still wet from their shells, taking their first steps and flaps of their wings in the world.
Wyrmlings
Another potential name for infant dragons is “wyrmling.” This term has origins in Old English and Germanic languages, derived from words meaning “worm” or “serpent.” It has an archaic feel and hearkens back to early medieval conceptions of dragons as great worms or serpentine beasts.
The term wyrmling suggests the dragon is a little worm-like version of a mighty dragon. It’s commonly used in many fantasy tabletop roleplaying games, like Dungeons & Dragons. In D&D, a wyrmling is the youngest developmental stage for dragons, appearing like small serpents with underdeveloped legs and wings.
Drakelings
“Drakeling” is another name used to indicate baby or young dragons. It’s a simple compound word meaning “little dragon” or “dragonling.” Drakeling has a cute, affectionate ring to it, implying the small size and youthful nature of the dragon.
You may see drakeling used as a name for pet dragons or in children’s stories to make the dragon seem harmless. While not as established in dragon lore as “hatchling” or “wyrmling,” drakeling can add variety and an endearing tone when referring to dragon young.
Dragonet
“Dragonet” is a close variation on drakeling, also meaning a young or miniature dragon. The -et suffix gives an even smaller, cuter tone. A dragonet may be a freshly hatched dragon, still dependent on parental care, or simply a dragon that is notably smaller than average.
The Dragonriders of Pern book series by Anne McCaffrey popularized the term dragonet. It’s used to describe the main characters’ dragons from the time they hatch until they become large mature dragons and bond with riders. The word captures their initially tiny, vulnerable state as babies.
Fledglings
Fledgling is a word used for young birds that have grown enough primary flight feathers to leave the nest. By analogy, it can also be used to describe young dragons that have developed enough wing power to start flying independently.
A “fledgling dragon” implies one that has grown beyond the hatchling stage and gained some flying ability and independence, but is still relatively inexperienced. Calling a dragon a fledgling suggests a juvenile period of awkward, unsteady flight before reaching smooth mastery of the skies.
Faes
In some fictional settings, dragons pass through a small, lizard-like baby form called a fae before maturing into larger dragons. This name comes from the Old English word for “small reptile or insect.”
In the Guardians of Ga’Hoole book series by Kathryn Lasky, which features owls and dragons, fledgling dragons are known as faes. They appear as little blue lizards that eventually undergo a metamorphosis into giant dragons. The term fae captures the initial tiny size and underdeveloped nature of newborn dragons.
Common dragon baby names
Here is a summary table of some common fictional names used for baby dragons:
| Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling | A freshly hatched dragon | Used in How to Train Your Dragon |
| Wyrmling | Baby dragon resembling a snake or worm | Used in Dungeons & Dragons |
| Dragonet | A small or young dragon | Used in Dragonriders of Pern series |
| Drakeling | Little or baby dragon | A cute term for pet dragons |
| Fledgling | Young dragon with some flight ability | Analogy to young birds leaving the nest |
| Fae | Tiny lizard-like infant dragon | Used in Guardians of Ga’Hoole series |
Other possible baby dragon names
Since dragons are imaginary creatures, authors have ample room for creativity in naming their life stages. Here are some other possibilities that may be used:
- Dragonling
- Dragonlet
- Dragonette
- Infant dragon
- Juvenile dragon
- Dragon whelp
- Dragon pup
- Dragon chick
- Dragon babe
Writers may also invent completely new terms to describe baby dragons in their fictional worlds. The names can focus on different attributes, like the dragon’s size, youth, birth circumstances, or abilities at that age.
Conclusion
There are several established terms authors use to describe baby dragons, like hatchling, wyrmling, dragonet, and drakeling. But the fantasy genre also leaves room to invent imaginative new names. While the specifics vary by setting, calling young dragons something diminutive or cute can help establish their innocent, vulnerable nature compared to their giant, powerful adult forms. The names help convey the wonder of witnessing a legendary creature emerge from its humble beginnings.