Origin of D&D words/names?

[Oreot]

I know the Gith were lifted from science fiction as well.

 

[Serendipity]

I know the Gith were lifted from science fiction as well.

Aren't those the critters Charles Stross created for White Dwarf? (Or am I thinking of something else??)

 

[Thanael]

D&D Monster Origins
Literary sources of D&D

The two sites above (esp the first) are excellent sources for these kinds of questions.

Also here are some older ENworld threads about Monster Origins:
D&D Monsters in Fantasy Literature: What's Where?
Bizarro World History 101: Monster Origins

 

[Thanael]

Aren't those the critters Charles Stross created for White Dwarf? (Or am I thinking of something else??)

Yes you're right. But he was inspired by a SF novel and lifted the names from another one. See Githyanki on D&D Monster Origins

 

[Raven Crowking]

The Derro were in literature too. Some 30's science fiction book I believe.

Deleted because there is a better (much more complete) answer upthread.

RC