What's a good name for a book character?

Question

I'm writing a new book in which the main character goes through many modern day obstacles to discover the truth to a conspiracy. There is a girl with whom he works and eventually falls in love (at the end) but I can't figure out a fitting name for her. She's independent and can easily defend herself. She's the type who feels life is sometimes better without the burdens of love, until she meets the main character. She's of good height (5' 10" or so), brunette, and in-shape. She's very intelligent and level-headed. But I need a name that is both "sexy" or "feminine," but also dignified--for a girl anyway. The main character's name is Patrick, so a name that goes well with his would be good as well. I was hoping to make her of western European decent, probably either French or Italian. But anything else is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for the help.

Answer 1

Hey madmaxi_0...,

'Katrina', not for the hurricane, but it is my daughters middle name. Also, I like the name 'Cheyenne' (nick name CHY - sounds like shy).

Answer 2

Does she happen to have a troubling relationship with her father?How about Vittoria Vetra, or Sophie Neveu. I hate to say it but this character you are describing sounds a lot like Dan Brown's female characters from his 'Angels and Demons' (Italian female charcter) and Da Vinci Code' (French) books. And we all know how original his books seem to be. Same plot, same type of characters, same twist, same betrayal by an old male character with boundless knowledge of the subject (big surprise), just a different world changing conspiracy to solve. I haven't read 'Digital Fortress' or 'Deception Point' but I hear they are very much the same as well. Don't follow in his shoes.

First try and make this character a little different from what we all have seen in other books. You don't have to change her too much but maybe give her a querk, a severe medical problem that requires medication far too often, terrets, an eating disorder, not so independent, a limp, what ever you come up with is fine.
This cookie cutter character may be the cause of not being able to find a suitable name for her. We have all seen her before. Inject something new to her and her name will come.

Answer 3

Madleine Charpentre

Answer 4

What I've found helpful is to pick up a cheap book of baby names, or a book about the meaning of various names, at the bookstore.

I have a copy that I got as a kid-- it's by no means complete or particularly informative about the meanings and origins of names. However, it's one of my favorite references for coming up with names for my characters. I've gone through with a highlighter and found all my favorite names. When I have a character and just can't come up with a name for him and her, I flip through the book and one always manages to show itself!

Answer 5

Stormy Winters

Answer 6

How about Joanna. It sounded like from your description that she likes taking care of herself, and the name is feminine, but not overly feminine. It doesn't sound so bad with Patrick, but I don't know about the western European decent.

Answer 7

Adriana
Marietta
Rosa
Alessandra
Lucia

I love Italian names.

Answer 8

Elena

Answer 9

Emily

This name is of Latin descent and is found in European countries in various forms.

Emilie - France
Emilia - Italy and Spain

Tell what you choose!

Though it is super popular with parents today, it was much rarer when your character was born.

Answer 10

Teresa or Rebecca Barnes

Answer 11

Personally I like Sophia