You spend forty-five minutes sculpting the perfect jawline in the Sanctuary Hills bathroom mirror. You’ve debated the stats. You’ve picked the hair. Then, the Vault-Tec rep hands you that clipboard. Most players just type in whatever they want, thinking it's a vanity metric. But if you want that extra hit of immersion, what names can codsworth say becomes the most important question in the character creator.
Hearing a robotic butler actually vocalize your name is a trip. It’s one of those "small" features Bethesda hyped up back in 2015 that actually still feels impressive today. Honestly, it makes the early game feel personal. When he floats up to you in the ruins of your old neighborhood and says, "Mr. Howard!" or "Miss Katniss!" it hits different than a generic "Sir" or "Mum."
How Many Names Does Codsworth Actually Know?
The database is bigger than you'd think. When the game launched, Stephen Russell (the legendary voice behind Codsworth and Nick Valentine) had recorded about 924 names. Since then, patches have bumped that number up. By the time the 1.6 update rolled out, the list grew to over 1,200 entries.
It’s a bizarre mix of the ordinary and the absolute unhinged. You’ve got your classics like Adam, Sarah, and John. Then you have names that were clearly included just because the developers thought it would be hilarious to hear a polite British robot say them.
The Hall of Fame: Weird and Pop Culture Names
Bethesda didn’t just stick to the top 100 baby names of 2015. They went deep into nerd culture and toilet humor. If you want to lean into the roleplay, or just want to laugh every time you return to base, here is the kind of stuff you can pull off.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Icons
If you’re a fan of The Matrix, you’re in luck. Codsworth can say Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus. He’s also well-versed in Mad Max lore, recognizing Rockatansky, Toecutter, and Furiosa.
Fantasy fans aren't left out either. He’ll recognize Artemis, Apollo, and Arya. Even Dragonborn is in the list—though ironically, Dovahkiin is not. If you’re a Dishonored fan, try naming your character Corvo. Since Bethesda published that game, they made sure their favorite assassin got a shout-out.
The "I Can't Believe He Said That" Tier
This is where the feature truly shines. Stephen Russell had to stand in a booth and record some of the most juvenile insults imaginable with a straight face.
- Fuckface (A community favorite)
- Assface
- Boobies
- Bacon
- Orgasmo
- Nipple
- Bastard
- Cock
There’s something surreal about a Mr. Handy hovering over a pile of scorched radroaches and calling you "Mr. Boobies" with the utmost respect.
The Logic Behind the List
Why is Nourmohammadi on the list but Vincent isn't? It’s not random. Many of the more obscure or specific names are actually the surnames of Bethesda employees. Nourmohammadi, for example, is a nod to Paris Nourmohammadi, a brand manager at the company.
Other names like Bruckheimer or Ripken are likely there because of the personal interests of the dev team or high-level executives at ZeniMax. It’s a literal Easter egg hunt buried in the audio files.
What if You Use Two Names?
This is a common point of confusion. If you name your character "Sarah Lyons," Codsworth will usually prioritize the first name if it's on the list. If you go with something like "Mr. Fuckface," he’ll use the whole thing.
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However, if you pick two names that are both on the list—say, "John Cena"—he usually defaults to the last name or a specific recognized combination. In the Cena example, he actually says "Mr. Cena." It’s worth experimenting with combinations if you want a specific title.
Names That Surprisingly Don't Work
It’s a bit of a bummer when you pick a name you think is common and get met with a generic "Sir." Some notable absences or quirks include:
- Louise: For some reason, this one was skipped despite being very common.
- Deon: Not recognized.
- Jesus: Interestingly, Mohammed is in there, but Jesus is a no-go.
- Adolf: Understandably blocked.
Troubleshooting: Why Won't He Say My Name?
So you picked Cody or Abigail, but he’s still calling you "Sir." What gives?
Usually, this happens because of the way you edited your name. If you change your name at the very end of Vault 111 before the elevator goes up, there's a known bug where the audio might not update correctly. The game sometimes "locks in" the name you chose during the pre-war sequence.
Another factor is that he doesn't say it in every single line. He uses it mostly during greeting barks or when he’s commenting on your inventory. If you’re standing in Sanctuary and he just says "Yes?" don't panic. Give him a second to cycle through his dialogue.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Playthrough
If you want the full Codsworth experience, follow these steps during character creation:
- Check the Master List: Before you commit, look for the full data-mined list of 1,200+ names. Websites like the Fallout Wiki or specialized gaming databases keep the literal text files of what's in the code.
- Stick to Surnames: If you want him to sound like a proper butler, use a surname that's on the list. Being called "Mr. Miller" feels much more "Fallout" than just being called "Chris."
- The "Pre-War" Test: The best way to know if it worked is right at the start. After you talk to the Vault-Tec rep and go back into the kitchen, listen to Codsworth talk to your spouse. If he uses the name there, you’re golden for the rest of the game.
- Avoid Special Characters: Don't get fancy with apostrophes or weird spelling unless you know the specific phonetic version is in the game.
Knowing what names can codsworth say allows you to add a layer of polish to your 2026 replay that most people skip. Whether you're going for a serious survivor vibe or just want to be called "Mr. Titties" while you're rebuilding civilization, picking the right name is the first real quest of the game.