Help naming characters

[Voboy]

I always enjoy the naming process when doing historical stuff; some of my favorite writing experiences have involved poring through Domesday and picking Anglo-Saxon or Norman names. Wikipedia has lists of such things, but I like getting them from Domesday because I feel a sense of connection to the historical people who actually used those names: they have a location, a livelihood, and a sense of reality that inspire me.

Bearing in mind, of course, that everyone listed in Domesday was the 1% of both English and Norman society. But that's just one of the caveats that makes it fun.

So, primary sources are also good places to find contemporary names.

 

[Cali_Love]

I read the credits at the end of movies.

“Did you see that name?!”

Add it to the list.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

I think this is one of many areas where writers way over think things in relation to how the readers respond.

If you are writing a story about a 21 year old woman it's likely going to make zero difference to a reader if you name her Emily, Emma, Olivia, Madison or Hannah. (Top 5 names from 2004) unless that's the name of his sister, ex-gf or some other coincidence beyond your control.

I'll either look at a list of baby names from the year my character would have been born or pick a random new story and use one of the names from that.
I rarely use last names, when I do I use common generic ones. Cooper, Jones, Williams... there are lot of them out there.

 

[iwatchus]

I use lists of common names when I am choosing a character from a national/ethnic background that I am not as involved in. I needed several greek characters for a story that has a major part on a greek island. Those were all common current greek names that I mixed until I found ones that I liked the sound of. Although I tend to choose name for hispanic males from baseball players.

 

[kellyt1994]

Not sure if it's completely on point with the topic but Roman/Latin names carry a huge BDSM connection in my mind. Lucius, Cassius, Gaius, even Marcus - mmmm.

Weird side point to that - I actually have a cat named Scipio. I guess he's dominant in his cat way but he hardly ever ties me up.

 

[Writer61]

Not sure if it's completely on point with the topic but Roman/Latin names carry a huge BDSM connection in my mind. Lucius, Cassius, Gaius, even Marcus - mmmm.

Lucius Knotus was less successful at bondage.

 

[MelissaBaby]

Not sure if it's completely on point with the topic but Roman/Latin names carry a huge BDSM connection in my mind. Lucius, Cassius, Gaius, even Marcus - mmmm.

Weird side point to that - I actually have a cat named Scipio. I guess he's dominant in his cat way but he hardly ever ties me up.

Do you find it risible when I say the name Biggus Dickus?

 

[Writer61]

Do you find it risible when I say the name Biggus Dickus?

I've had enough of this wowdy webel sniggewing behavior.

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

Buggerus Dickinson?

 

[BarryCaide]

I can wholeheartedly recommend https://www.behindthename.com/
Especially the randomizer is fantastic. https://www.behindthename.com/random/

 

[SkyBubble]

Pick names that sound cool to you or something that sounds right for the character. Don’t be afraid to draw from real life acquaintances if you want- I know you write celebrity fan fiction too.

You'd be amazed how many of the MFCs in my stories share a first name (which is all I usually use) with women I've known.