Character Naming Resources
Help for Writers Trying to Choose the Right Name
Sometimes when you're writing a story the perfect character name just comes to you. Other times, you hum and haw over it for months. There's no magic formula for naming a character but there are resources to help you figure it out.
Choosing the Right Name
A name should not detract from the story. It should not call attention to itself. It should enhance the other aspects of characterization, not overpower them. Consider the following when choosing your character's name:
- Character's Age: Characters born in 1970 will likely have different names than those born in 2003. Check out the internet for popular names for any given birth year.
- Gender: This is fairly self-evident. But remember, some names are more 'girly' than others, and some names can apply to either gender. How does it change your character if you name her Sam?
- Cultural background: You could have an East Indian character with a traditional name like Meena or a Western name like Mary. Or perhaps the character goes by one name in the home, and a different one at school?
- Where they live: A character from likely Paris will have a different name than one from Alaska. Think about the differences between urban and rural names too.
Random Name Generators
Type 'name generator' into a search engine and you'll come up with a number of these. Some are designed for fantasy game players, others are specifically for fiction writers. Most of the names generated border on absurd: names like “Fernando Dedeaux” and “Roxie Kriss.”
These names sound fictional. Names in fiction, however, should read as if they're 'real'. Unless you're looking for some entertainment, random name generators will probably not be much help. But they may kickstart your own creativity.
Online Resources
Writing-world has put together a comprehensive list of character naming resources which is worth a look. It includes plenty of baby naming websites, as well as names with African, Asian and Indian origins.
The internet is also helpful if you're interested in the origin or meaning of a name. While your reader may or may not need to know the history of your character's name, if it helps you develop your character then it's useful knowledge.
Helpful Books
For an in-depth look into character naming, check out The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook by Sherrilyn Kenyon [Writers Digest Books, 2005, ISBN 978-1582972954]. Along with a list of names it features an essay on the ten major naming guidelines, with plenty of examples.
The phone book is another great resource. Everyone has one and it contains nothing but names. Flip through at random and see what you find.
Baby name books are a great resource too, and can be found in abundance at most public libraries.
Your Favourite Writers
Look closely at the books and characters you love. What are the characters' names? Do they have first, last and middle names? Nicknames? How are the names introduced?
Names From Real Life
Pay attention during the day. Jot down any names you hear that strike you. Keeping a name journal is a great way to create your own naming resource.
It can be tempting to use names of people you know well, like your aunt Shelley or your friend Tom. Be careful though, because the associations you have with these names may get in the way of your ability to create fictional characters to match them.
Naming Your Character
Don't worry too much about naming your character. The more you write, the more clearly the character will appear to you and the more likely a name will appear as well.
Remember that you can always change your character's name as you go. For now, just choose a name and start writing.
Name This Character
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