ILoveBooks
asked
Sydney Witbeck:
Hi! It's me again! Sorry! But I have another question. How do you pick a name for your characters? I try to search up names with a meaning that matches my character's personality, but still have trouble choosing the right one. Thank you so much for answering my last question. Your tips have helped tremendously already!
Sydney Witbeck
This is a great question! Actually, finding names for my characters is one of my favorite parts of starting a new story…there is a kind of satisfaction in finding a name and seeing how it is just right for your character. There are really 3 places I go to find names/inspire names:
• Genealogies – especially from the Bible! (The early chapters of Genesis, Numbers, Chronicles…) Esther, Hezron, Seth, Nathan, Joram – all their names came from the Bible. But if you are interested in family history and have those genealogies, check them out!
• Baby name websites! This is a fun place to find names. What I like to do is figure out first what the culture of my story is and then look up names after. Even if your story is set in a fantasy world, pick an aspect of their culture that matches a historical culture (Arabian, Medieval England, Irish, Colonial America…etc As a side note, Irish/Celtic/Welsh names are some of my favorites! Even if your story is set somewhere else, you may find a regal sounding name there if you need one!)
• Reading! Now obviously here, you have to be careful. You probably don’t want to give your main character the last name “Pevensie.” But look at what names you like most. Short, simple names? Long names hinting at another culture? Common names? Rarer names? Reading non-fiction sources helps, too. I’m writing a story set in a Scandinavian/Nordic culture. I found a book called “The Northmen: The Viking Saga, AD 793-1241.” I haven’t read straight through it but read portions here and there and some of the names catch my attention!
Hope this helps! :)
• Genealogies – especially from the Bible! (The early chapters of Genesis, Numbers, Chronicles…) Esther, Hezron, Seth, Nathan, Joram – all their names came from the Bible. But if you are interested in family history and have those genealogies, check them out!
• Baby name websites! This is a fun place to find names. What I like to do is figure out first what the culture of my story is and then look up names after. Even if your story is set in a fantasy world, pick an aspect of their culture that matches a historical culture (Arabian, Medieval England, Irish, Colonial America…etc As a side note, Irish/Celtic/Welsh names are some of my favorites! Even if your story is set somewhere else, you may find a regal sounding name there if you need one!)
• Reading! Now obviously here, you have to be careful. You probably don’t want to give your main character the last name “Pevensie.” But look at what names you like most. Short, simple names? Long names hinting at another culture? Common names? Rarer names? Reading non-fiction sources helps, too. I’m writing a story set in a Scandinavian/Nordic culture. I found a book called “The Northmen: The Viking Saga, AD 793-1241.” I haven’t read straight through it but read portions here and there and some of the names catch my attention!
Hope this helps! :)
More Answered Questions
ILoveBooks
asked
Sydney Witbeck:
Hello! I've read your books (loved them) and I am trying to write a short story of my own. I was wondering, how did you stay committed to finishing your book? I've been having trouble finishing my book, and I wanted to hear from a young author close to my age. Thank you so much!
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Apr 20, 2024 11:13AM