But one of the things that drives me CRAZY, (besides reading other peoples' work and finding 80,234 grammar mistakes), is picking a name for my character. It may sound easy, but it is probably one of the hardest things to do. So, I have come up with a few rules and guidelines to picking a name for your next character...
1. Make sure it goes with your character. For instance: this is Amelia. In my opinon, Amelia is the perfect name for a redhead. And not just because of Doctor Who. I imagine the name Alexandra to go to a brunette, or the names Emma or Rose to go to a blonde. But it also has to match her personality. See what I mean?
2. Get your era right! Very important. One of my characters is named Corinne, but she's in 1899. Good job, Hayden. But If your story is set in the 20s, you might pick a name like Millie, or Dorothy. 3. Check your initials.
Honestly, I think it depends on what kind of story you write, but I find many names that are alliterative and many that are not. Usually it would be a fantasy story where you find names with alliteration. Example: Serverus Snape, Bilbo Baggins, etc. Amelia above is called Amelia Abney. I love that name, it just rolls off the tongue. And that is what you're looking for, right?
4. Look it up.
It's always so cool to find out what a character's name means. It always makes so much sense. We all love the series, The Chronicles of Narnia, right? It includes our favorite lion, Aslan. Well, his name definitely gives him justice. Aslan means Lion. Cool right? C.S. Lewis never fails to blow my mind.
5. Be sure to make it age-appropriate.
His/her birth name can be whatever you want it to be, but as a child, did he/she have a nickname? Or do you have a little girl in the story? Instead of Elizabeth, why not call her Lizzie? One of my friends' names is so pretty, but she goes by her middle name instead, that is, until she gets older. (Hey, Grace!! :D)
6. Pair one of your names with another.
If you're having trouble choosing between two names, try and pair it with your character's best friend, spouse, or boyfriend/girlfriend.
Liza and Amelia v. Eevee and Amelia
Liza and Thomas v. Eevee and Thomas
I don't know about you, but it helps me!
7. Know the difference between a unique name and a common name.
You don't see a girl named Yuilsheozeagh walking around every day, do you? No! That's a weird name. But the thing is, you also don't want a name that's very common either, like Anna or Emma. Those are too famous. You'll need some thing right in between. Like maybe, Essa. That's a pretty name, and it's unique!
8. Avoid names of famous people or popular characters.
Example: I LOVE the name Annabeth, but if I name my character that, everyone would think of Annabeth Chase from the Percy Jackson series. Ugh. But if I name my character Hermione, my readers will automatically think of Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. #thestruggleisreal
9. Help really helps.
Whether it be on social media, or one of your roommates, it's always good to hear the names you've chosen, or ask for suggestions. All you need is a good description of your character and some really helpful and creative Facebook friends!
10. Open up.Who knows? You could find your inspiration watching the ending credits on your TV screen, or maybe the waiter at your table? Or perhaps a name could catch your eye while you read a new book? Inspiration is everywhere. You just have to open your eyes.
I really hope this helped. Finding a name is really hard, but I know you can do it!
QOTD: What's your favorite character name?
AOTD: Annabeth (Percy Jackson) or Eevee (Now That You're Here)
While you're still here, why don't you look at my Wattpad profile? It's pretty cool!
Much Love, Hayden Beth ❤
