Character Names

Here are some tips for thinking up character names:

1) Don't. If you look in the Bible, there are a lot of really interesting names like Solomon, Manasseh, Naomi, Aquila, etc. You can also look at different languages, and find names from them, like Cailin (girl in Irish), or Zoro for a villain (Spanish for fox minus an r). Also modern, English names are good, like Sophia, Anna, or Lilian.

2) Scramble up words or names. Like the name Kara spelled backwards is Arak, a very good boys name.

3) say a line of random jibberish to yourself aloud and if there are any syllabyles you like in there, make it into a name. For example, Dol laia hil shrig thraki chri broai. One of my favorite syllabyles in there is Laia. (A good name for a bug is Shrig. That's the name I just gave to the beetle I found in one of my folders. LOL)

I love naming characters. It gives me a really cool feeling--it feels like they're really mine once I've given them a name. But names are also very important. Although it's really actions, thoughts, and words that shape your character the name should reflect and compliment their personalities.

There are certain names that just go with personalities and images more. Which character would fit the name 'Gertrude' more: a beautiful and proud princess/assassin or a plain, honest, friendly girl? Does 'Theodore' sound more like a brilliant professor or a surfer? (Although, for contrast, it would be pretty interesting to have a surfer named Theodore).

Some people, like me, love making up our own names and can do it at a split-second (don't worry; we have other shortcomings that make up for this =). Others can't make up character names to save their lives! If you're one of the latter group, then don't sweat. There are plenty of online sites that have lists and lists of awesome names. You can search for Gaelic names, French names, Indian names...so on and so on. Typically, I prefer Celtic or Gaelic names if I'm writing fantasy.

(just a quick note before I send you onto the web to search for names...please use caution when you're looking anything up. Some ads can be really bad. Also, respect your parents wishes: they may not like you surfing on the web)

One last thing. If you find a lot of really good character names, I highly suggest you write them down in a notebook and start your own list. That way, instead of wasting time trying to think up a name you can simply flip open your notebook. I still have my battered and torn 'name book'...and I still use it!

Yours without wax,

Izori