How do you choose names for your characters when writing a story or novel?

Question

What is the best way?

Answer 1

The phone book method works if your book is contemporary (this day and age). If it's historical, you might want to do some research. Depending on where you live, you can walk through a cemetary and find most of your character names. Take note of when the person was born. That gives you the era that that particular name was popular. For instance, Grace was popular 100 years ago and in 1940s (due to Grace Kelley) and again in the 1990s due to Grace Under Fire.

You can also pick up vintage names by reading books written in the era you are looking at. Remember that during the Middle Ages virtually everyone was named after a saint. Even today saints' names are popular in Catholic communities.

Oh, NEVER have rhyming names in your book. Double check your names by reading them out loud and discard any that are too similar. Confuses the reader and makes it difficult if the book goes to audio.

Answer 2

One you have the personality of the character together, try to think of names that are appropriate. For instance, if you have an inner-city Puerto Rican girl with a sassy attitude, you're more likely to name her Carmen Rodriguez then Mary-Anne Smith.

If you need ideas for names, try a baby book or an online website. Just remember to keep it consistent with the character, their personality, the setting, etc.

Answer 3

i go with whatever fits the character the best. knowing your characters is the key for powerful writing. the right name will come to you. try to step away from your writing. it might come to you. these are some choices that i would use for certain ages and genders. keep in mind that i dont know your characters and these might not be quite right.

5 y o girl- megan, susan, lilly
10 y o girl- abigail, hannah, rachel
20 y o girl- brittany, brooke, alexis, louise
30 y o girl- monica, susan, jane

5 y o boy- johnnie, robbie, other names with ie on the end
10 y o boy- nico (pronouced neeco), duke, c.j.
20 y o boy- will, christoph, henry
30 y o boy- john, chris, jamal

Answer 4

When I write stories, I use the names and nicknames of the people whom the characters are based {i.e. mom, Grandmother Karen...} and if they are just made up, Google the characteristics of the character... It works...

Answer 5

sometimes if it is historical (or not) i use a grandparent or friends name. example: i wrote a story that takes place in the 1940s, used the name Meg Lund after my grandma Margaret (different last name now)

Answer 6

Search for the Latin name of the character's personality. Take it from there.

Answer 7

I go to the babynames books/web sites, use the phone book or names of people I've known in my life.

Answer 8

i usually go w/ the names i like best.

Answer 9

I like to use the death notices in the newspapers.

Answer 10

close your eyes and jab a pencil in a phone book