Why did you name him that?

Ever wonder "why did the author choose that name?" Reading my books, you probably ask that question a lot. Yes, I like unusual names, made up or obscure. My children have my husband to thank that they were given classic names like Jonathan, Katelyn, and Daniel (he vetoed anything too unusual). However, I did get a Theodore in the middle name slot.

Having just read a
The Mercenary's Marriage

Darius - Darius the Great was a Persian king mentioned in the Biblical book of Daniel. I have always liked his name. So, when a fierce, decisive, surprisingly gentle mercenary with a noble heart popped into my head and demanded I tell his story, I named him Darius. Also, my character is Ratharian, a society similar in some ways to Persia, so it seemed to be a good name for that reason as well.

Brice - I chose Brice's name solely on the sound. I had never met anyone by that name before. It was only after I began writing about her that I discovered it is primarily a male name. However, many of my naming sources list it as unisex. The meaning, "son of a nobleman," doesn't really fit her, but the sound seemed to fit her. She is strong and feminine, but in a quiet, understated way.

Ewian - This time I was just playing with sounds. The poor guy got a bit of a raw deal. Sorry, Ewian.

Karyn - I pulled the name out of the air as I wrote and dropped it into the story before the character had even entered the scene. I have an Aunt Karen who bears little resemblance to Karyn except for sharing her strength and generous heart.

Kurt - Well, I needed a healer who could stand up to a bunch of brawny mercenaries and not be intimidated by the rigors of war and travel. The blunt sound of the name and the meaning (bold, wise councilor) seemed to fit.

The Crown of Anavrea 

Labren/Tranhern - Labren's birth name in its entirety is Trahern Marcus Theodoric. This is significant because of the name meanings: Trahern means "strength of iron" and Marcus means "warlike." It is a name a king might name his first born son, which is Trahern's past. Labren, which means "brown one," is also significant. He chooses this name for himself to conceal his identity, but it also indicates his heart. Labren, in his heart, wishes for obscurity. Theodoric means "people's ruler." An appropriate name for a ruling family, wouldn't you agree.


Eve Ethan - Eve means "life." She symbolizes exactly that for Labren. He has given up, chosen to let his father kill him vicariously, until she intervenes. Her last name means "firm or strong" and also demonstrates an aspect of her and her brother's characters, displayed differently in each sibling.


Ruarc Ethan - A reader chose this character's first name. She named him well. Ruarc can mean champion, rain, or famous ruler. My character tends toward the champion aspect of his name. After all, he earns his sister's freedom price and then tracks her down when she isn't where he left her. He fights for her safety and well-being. A true brotherly champion, if only he were not so stubborn and hard of hearing. ;)


Han/Atluer - I don't recall why I chose to name him Han, but the name fit in my head. A diminutive of John (God is gracious), it defined him much more clearly than I thought at the time. His chosen name, Atluer, is an entirely made up creation from my head. I liked the sound. :)


Professor Olof - Olof was complete fancy on my part. He needed to sound eccentric.


How do decide the names of your characters (or children)? Did you consider the meaning of the names for any of them?

- Rachel Rossano (meaning "lamb from the peninsula")