Monday, March 4, 2013

Naming Characters

How do you choose names for your characters? Do you keep a list? Do you use names of family, friends and co-workers--or your dreaded former boyfriends?!!

Lately, I've noticed when writing in a hurry I "grab" the same character names too often, namely (pun intended) "Jenny" and "Sylvia." I don't know why but I do. Actually, my parents almost named me Jennifer but didn't like "Jenny" so they chose Beth. I happen to like the name Jenny so maybe that's why I use her as a character. I also tend to use "S" names quite a bit like Sarah and, yes, Sylvia.

When we're all spending too much time on Facebook or Twitter, I say we keep a running list of interesting names that we see online. At least we'll feel halfway productive while socializing. I often check the phone book (the real, heavy one--old school) for last names. Last names are particularly hard for me.

Of course, if you have an ethnic character from a country you're not that familiar with, you'll want to Google possible names so they are realistic.

Last but not least, I bought a baby book of about 5,000 names. That should keep me from tiring out poor Jenny and Sylvia! How about you? How do you choose names for your characters?

13 comments:

  1. Behindthename.com is my go-to for names. I like it because it tells you the history of the name and where it's from. They also run a site called surnames.behindthename.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cool. Thank you for these resources, Allison! I can't wait to read the history of Beth, Jenny and Sylvia. ;)

      Delete
  2. I used to use Carolyn and Matt in the beginning of each book as a stand-in for the Heroine and Hero until the characters revealed their true natures, backgrounds & personalities. Then I'd "know" what name fit each. For some reason, I stopped doing this, but I often have to change the name I assigned them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a good idea, Megan. Have a couple of go-to names and change them as the characters develop. Thanks.

      Delete
  3. So far, they just come to me. Not at first, but after I've written a few pages. But, I think the baby name book is a good idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good for you, Wanda. I keep post-its all over the house. When I hear a name I like, I write it down. Problem is, those little notes get buried under a pile.

      Delete
  4. I use Google a lot, looking for names that were popular during the year that my character was born, as well as for lists of last names. These days, I can find just about anything I need sitting on my couch with my computer in my lap.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a good point, Sharon. I have Googled popular names from the seventies or sixties, for example. Thanks for that important reminder.

      Delete
  5. I'm old-school. I use The Character Naming Sourcebook by Writers Digest books. Names our listed broken down by ethnic background, common sur-names are given then broken down into Female and Male names with meanings. I usually have an idea of my character's ethnic background (as that can often times lead into character traits) then use the sourcebook to go from there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have several WD books but missed that one, Angela. Thx for the info.

      Delete
  6. I try to match the names with personality or quirks of the character. However, if they are the 'straight man' in my comedies, I give them common names like, Brian, Brad, or Julie. And if course, Rachel is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I agree, Russell. I give quirky names to quirky people. I like Rachel, too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I agree, Russell. I give quirky names to quirky people. I like Rachel, too.

    ReplyDelete