Character Names

I have heard that naming your characters is one of the hardest things about writing. That might be a stretch, but it is not something to take lightly.

How do you choose a name, especially for the main character(s)? I think it depends on the writer and what the writer is trying to accomplish. Is the name intended to be a pun or inside joke? Using rhyming names can be useful then (Owen Bowen, Cherry Terry, etc). Is the story supposed to be serious? If so, staying away from rhyming or silly names is a good bet.

Historical fiction writers have an added problem, they have to ensure the names they use aren't glaringly modern or it can jolt the reader out of the story.

Many writers consult baby name books or lists for ideas. Sometimes writers choose names whose meaning goes along with a character's personality or whose meaning completely contradicts the character's persona.

Personally, I have done a little of everything. There are times where a character's name just comes to me like in the case of Julia and Samuel. Others were chosen after a little more consideration of the time period (think Adam and Robert.) Lastly, I have consulted my name book and online sources to choose other names, such as Valentino and Damien, especially as I progressed in the series.

Names can be a difficult thing.