How do you choose character names?

This might sound weird, but sometimes I yell the name and see if I like it. Let me explain: If I think of a name like Alexandria, I think '4 syllables'. And what if that character was being yelled at in the plot, to get out of the way of a bus, or something? Isn't 'Alexandria' just extremely long?

Basically, I think in terms of syllables. I think 1 syllable names are fun, 2 syllable names are cute, and 3 syllable names are strong. Now always, but this is my general rule of thumb.

I use a baby book & yA! as guides.

After syllables, I go by names that aren't common. Names of people I know are hard to write about. I generally like uncommon/rare names because it gives that extra once to your character that makes them unique. But I don't go having names like Leonidus or Braylee. I happen to love the names Bethany and Liam - names that are characters in my writing.

Once I narrow it down, I pick based on sound. What sounds sweeter, what sounds stronger, ect. It really depends on the personality of the character.

I actually never base my choice off the meanings of the names. If it happens to match the character though, it's icing on the cake.

Lastly, I just think different names look like different people. When I hear the name Sarah, I think of an average looking person because it's such an average name. The name Jacqueline reminds me of a girl with long dark hair and round cheeks. The name Elliot reminds me of a smart & adventurous boy. Finley reminds me of a relaxed guy.

I think people are impacted by names based by people they know & characters in movies/books with the name.

For example, I thought the name Olivia was horrible until I met a girl with the name. Now I think a girl named Olivia should be kind.

Character #1: Skyler Character #2: Scarlett, Character #3: Colette. Character #4: Sam Character #5: Nathan (Nate) Character #6: Mollyy. Character #7: Jackson Character #8: Joseph Character #9:Chase

Hey

I used to keep changing them a lot, now I have a list of about thirty for both genders and pick from there - not much fuss. Sometimes I might look up Baby Names (the website) for something more particular, like a foreign character, or an ironic name.

Try writing a bit with each name, when you read it which do you think fits best? Does it suit the character?

~ JLT

Looking at baby names is pretty much the way to go. For the last book I was writing, I wanted a unisex name for my character and I wanted the name to be in the title.. I settled on Robin and that was pretty easy to put into the title without it being obvious that I was talking about a person.

You just need to decide what you want for the character. Is the name suppose to be long and elegant or short and plain? Does the name fall in the theme like mine did (sounds a little cliche, I know)?

If it comes down to it, decide which one flows best in the story. If your eye has to stop to read and mentally pronounce the name, it's probably not the best choice.

Best of luck.

Sometimes a character pops into my head fully formed complete with a name. Other times it's personality only and I look up names by meaning. Other times I just like the sound of a first and last name together.

Mostly, though, I go by the meaning of the name. There is something about that method that appeals to me.

Normally I go with whatever comes to me first. I often try to find names that 'fit' the story, often going through dialogue already written to see which name would suit it. Or I will use a name generator and keep using that until I find the one that fits. Any names I like but don't fit I keep written down, in case they could be used in another story. For example, one character in a book I'm writing has been a possible name in about two other stories but this one is perfect for her!

Good luck and I hope you find the best name that fits!

When I need names I usually look up on a website baby names and look at the meanings of it and if the meaning is like the character then I choose it. Here's a website for baby names

http://www.babynames.com/

Find out what the name means and then choose which best fits your girl's personality. If not, do what another person said. Imagine her walking down a street and try to see her and her aura, and guess what the name is.

If you could give us the names and the personality of the person, we would be able to help you a lot more, so if you need it, just contact me at bfriendlytobs@hotmail(dot)com and give me a nice description of your person! I would love to read your story by the way!

-Layla

Honestly, I just pick names that I like the sound of. In my dozens of story ideas and rough draft novels I'm writing, only one character has a name that has any specific meaning or importance to the story.

So unless the name has specific meaning in relation to the story, it doesn't matter. You characters are people. The extremely overwhelming majority of people are given their names at birth and stick with them, regardless of what greatness (or not) they go on to in life.

Try writing a few paragraphs with each of the names and see which one flows the best. Write some dialogue too. Even if it's the same character they will act differently every time you change the name.