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Names for Characters

I always find that I have to get the perfect name for a character or else the rest of the story does not seem to flow. What are your tips on coming up with names that fit the character just right?

Asked by: Emily Graham

  1. Zoe King on August 28, 2012

    I absolutely agree. I think character names are hugely important in that they signal for both the writer and the reader. If your character is truly working for you, very often, he or she will give you the name. Live with your character for a few days/weeks, get to know them, then the name should arise naturally. It's a two way thing - the character defines the name to some extent, and vice versa.

    Also, think about nicknames, how they define people.

    Try this: (From Short Circuit, ed Vanessa Gebbie, Salt Publishing)

    'Google baby names and spend some time looking at the lists for both girls and boys. Don't rush this, savour the names, until one of them speaks to you. Names carry resonance, some more than others, and it's often possible for a story to arise purely from a name.'

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  2. Emily Graham on August 28, 2012

    Thank you! This will really help me!

  3. Jonathan Hopkins on August 28, 2012

    I keep a list of any interesting/unusual names I come across. If I get stuck for a character there's usually something suitable, either using one as it is or mixing Christian and surnames up.

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  4. Victoria Whithear on August 28, 2012

    I had a nightmare with my MC names because they had to fit anagrams. It took me ages to get them right, but other characters have walked up to me fully formed and introduced themselves. It's like magic when that happens.

    I have got stuck on a few others because I have a nasty habit of coming up with a great name and then realising I've heard it in popular culture and it should be changed. Calvin Harris was a particular bane in 2009! I always google every name I come up with to check I haven't unconsciously stolen it from somewhere.

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  5. Frederick James on August 28, 2012

    Hi Emily, I agree with the others that a name can say so much. As Victoria says it's a good idea to check that any name you want to use has not already been used elsewhere. I have found it useful to look at names of people who are already doing the job that my character is going to do. Just to see if there is something there that will give me ideas. Other than that a lot of my names have come from my old school teachers.

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