I need help naming characters! (pictures included)

[Victoria]

I think I'd need to know just a little bit about their personalities before suggesting surnames, but here are some of the things that crossed my mind when naming my kids (and a few of my characters):
A long first name usually sounds best with a shorter middle name or surname.
Make sure the initials don't spell anything unfortunate (Sarah-Lee Anna Griffin for example)
Equally make sure they don't sound like something else when you say them out loud (My friend nearly called her son Mason until I reminded her her surname was Block).
To me Abel Brent suggests a very different character to Abel Lanning. Brent is laid back, works with his hands, Lanning is suited, serious, works in an office (I know it would help if I could tell you why they suggest that to me but I don't know, they just do).
They all seem like fairly unusual names to me - is that what you are going for? (Jack not so much, but I've never met a Jackson), I've never met anyone with these names, and I thought of the bible reference when I heard the name Abel.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful (they are very pretty boys though :~D~)

[Grace]

That was actually very helpful, thank you!

[Grace]

Okay, guys. I'm trying to work on my characters for my second book - I had totally forgotten how hard it is and I need some help. I'm going to post their pictures, first name, and brief personality and I need you guys to suggest last names for me!

Jack (short for Jackson). He's an artist (he paints). He's quirky and comforting, pays close attention to detail. (Also considering using this picture instead: (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)])


Abel. (Some last names I've considered are Brent and Lanning, but you can certainly suggest different ones) He plays in a band and writes the songs they play. He doesn't seek attention from people and he's understanding.


Griffin. I don't know too much about him, but he's sweet.


Kellan. Basically the bad boy. Lead singer in a band (same band as the one Abel's in). Runs track.


***Also, this is my main character, Beth. In case this helps with choosing the other guys' names:



With all of these, I'm extremely open to alternate first names also, if you don't think the one I have right now fits. Any suggestions would be helpful!

Thank you guys!

[J.R.]

If you don't have names write the story, the characters will then sort of earn their name.

sometimes names have to build with the character.

[Sophie]

Don't know why, but when I saw Abel I just thought "Colburn". Abel Colburn I like :)

Maybe also "Beth de Firo" cause she just has that sort of exotic/foreign last name look about her.

[Grace]

J.R.Barker wrote: "If you don't have names write the story, the characters will then sort of earn their name.

sometimes names have to build with the character."

Yeah, I've noticed that happen. I do need to come up with a name to use to start with, but it certainly could change as I begin to write and get feedback.

[Erika]

Here are a couple of suggestions for last names. I'd need to know more about their ancestral background/heritage to match them up with first names, but here you go:
Ferrer, Razzano, Leon, Ammar, Gold, Merizio, Amorim.

Also, what's the story about? You have two types of names thrown in there: some that are basic like Jack, and then some unique like Abel. If the story is paranormal, then you want names that are different and badass, but if it's an all human story, then names like Jack and Griffin are perfect.

:)

[Erika]

Here are a couple of suggestions for last names. I'd need to know more about their ancestral background/heritage to match them up with first names, but here you go:
Ferrer, Razzano, Leon, Ammar, Gold, Merizio, Amorim.

Also, what's the story about? You have two types of names thrown in there: some that are basic like Jack, and then some unique like Abel. If the story is paranormal, then you want names that are different and badass, but if it's an all human story, then names like Jack and Griffin are perfect.

:)

[Grace]

It's realistic fiction for young adults, so no paranormal stuff happens.

[Jennifer]

Hum I dont know why but when I read Griffin Donley came into my head.

[Jennifer]

Also would help like posted above if you know what heritage you would like for them to have. You can look up last names for them. I like genealogy and have looked up last names for a story just by using things like Irish sir names.
Kellan is Celtic or Gaelic Irish, so you could use that to search for a last name too.

[Willett]

Destiny (Elizabeth Grace) wrote: "J.R.Barker wrote: "If you don't have names write the story, the characters will then sort of earn their name.

sometimes names have to build with the character."

Yeah, I've noticed that happen. I ..."

I agree with J.R. Sometimes characters need to earn their names. I just wrote a short story where the main character's name was Yusef, but by the time I got to the last draft, he was no longer Yusef, and became Luis. Don't let the name game keep you from going forward. Just my two cents.

[w :)]

Yeah, I wrote something and the name changed 3 times, because their role in the story changed a little. But if you are really stuck they don't need last names. I've read heaps of books when characters don't have last names.

[Dr. Andy]

For last names, start with a sound.
For example: If you want it to sound russian add -vitch to the end
Polish add -ski to the end
American: Smith or Jones would be good
Irish/Scottish: add O' to the beginning of any male name like Leary or Brian or Connor.
I just kind of just with sounds that sound good together and if you can't think of anything that doesn't sound good with in thirty seconds type a random letter and then come back to it. I wanted a long russian sounding name so I got Karomonovitch. and it has stuck. As for first names, pick a name you like and see how far it takes you. you can always a) change it later or b) develop a better sounding nickname and dont be afraid to endorse new spellings or have unique names or get names from other stories you liked. I'm using the name Ayla and Caspian from other stories I read and then the name Greg came from my personal life. I also like names that sound pretty or can flow. I developed the name Laureline for one of my characters but have now shortened it to just Laurel. naming is really about what you feel you like right now. hope this helps.

[Dr. Andy]

For Beth something like McKnight would sound appropriate. Something with like a English ring( British descent). Then Kellan and Abel definitely need some foreign sounding last names to spice up the bad boyish image. Griffin just needs like maybe a "generic" last name like maybe Peters or i dont know. but he needs like a sweet boy last name if you know what i mean which you probably dont because its in my head but whatever. And then Jack definitely needs either like an Irish name because he looks like that to me or a surfer last name. Like Walsh. Jackson Walsh sounds really good, especially if he's like artistic. I feel like Kellan sound be German/ Maybe Greek descent and that Abel sound be more Spanish/Indian ish. For Kellan you could totally do Kellan Lutz from the twilight movies. he is beautiful. it would totally work too. Lutz sounds German to me. Good luck!

[Grace]

Thank you guys! I've updated it a bit so I'll post it again:

[Grace]

Okay, guys. I'm trying to work on my characters for my second book - I had totally forgotten how hard it is and I need some help. I'm going to post their pictures, first name, and brief personality and I need you guys to suggest last names for me!

Jack (short for Jackson). He's an artist (he paints). He's quirky and comforting, pays close attention to detail. (Also considering using this picture instead: (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)])


Abel. (Some last names I've considered are Brent and Lanning, but you can certainly suggest different ones) He plays in a band and writes the songs they play. He doesn't seek attention from people and he's understanding.


Griffin. He's a sweet guy who plays guitar on street corners.


Kellan. Basically the bad boy. Lead singer in a band (same band as the one Abel's in). Runs track.


***Also, this is my main character, Beth Ollis. In case this helps with choosing the other guys' names:



With all of these, I'm extremely open to alternate first names also, if you don't think the one I have right now fits. Any suggestions would be helpful!

Thank you guys!

[[deleted user]]

My suggestion (from what I see in general in the books I read) is to go easy on unique names. One that stands out is fine. Two is okay. But more than that stretches my believability and is a pet peeve of mine. The other thing is names that sound similar. Or using the same letters of the alphabet. It's an easy trap to fall into. I don't see that here at all. But thought I'd give a warning anyway.
I love the name Kellan btw. All the names stand out but that one is my favorite. Griffin is a close second.

[Grace]

Traci L. wrote: "My suggestion (from what I see in general in the books I read) is to go easy on unique names. One that stands out is fine. Two is okay. But more than that stretches my believability and is a pet pe..."

Thanks :)

[Grace]

Ok, so I'm reposting Like The Stars because I'm getting ready to write my next book and I want critiques on this one first so I can incorporate what I learn from LTS into my next book. I want brutal honesty in all the comments. Also, it's completely unedited so don't critique line by line, please; I just want big picture critiques, like comments on what works or doesn't in a character, in a scene, in the plot, things like that. Thank you guys so much! It's much appreciated! (Comments on the story please, not here)

Link: https://www.goodreads.com/story/show/...