Iconic Monsters (Like Strahd, Eclavdra, Acererak)

[Stormonu]

What's he from?

I take "ironic" individuals of a certain monster race to be those that have made a large impression on the public (of gamers') consciousness. In this regard, appearing in multiple products tends to help a lot (though it's not absolutely necessary). Hence, I nominate Tasslehoff Burrfoot as the iconic kender.

If that's the case (we're including the ...er good races)

Half-elf: Tanis
Dwarf: Flint Forgefire, Brunnor, Tordek
Elf: Laurana, Gilthanas, Mialee
Gnome:

I'm not even going to mention humans....

Lich: Azalin (Ravenloft), Vecna
Flesh Golem: Adam (Ravenloft)
Werewolf: Harkon Lucas (Ravenloft)
Ghost: Lord Weathermay(?) (Ravenloft/House on Griffon Hill)
Vampire: Centimir (White Plume Mountain), Kas
Mummy: Anktepot (Ravenloft)
Unicorn: Forestlord (Dragonlance)

 

[Nebten]

I would have to say Irontooth from Keep on the Shadowfell. I know many groups that encountered him that almost had a TPK. Players also realized how different 4th edition was from the previous one by how dangerous this one goblin was. Another stand out was that he had 106 hps, which was insane for the time as well.

I also want to say the Giant Frogs from Village of Hommlet/ToEE. Many people remember this encounter since it was the first and almost always somebody gets dropped.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Bargle, iconic evil wizard.
Zargon ... thing.
Lolth, demon queen.
Tharizdun, elder god