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Looking for Help Naming Main Character in Next Novel
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Ooooh...I can't resist. Here are a few from various languages that stem from words meaning, protector, strong, peace, etc. (not sure what nationality your character is).Amos Bleeker
Alex Wymond
Marcus Ward
Hector Osman
Axel Garvey
Eamon Branko
But hey, you have to live with the guy, hopefully for a long time. Good luck!
Honestly, some of my character names just come to me. Other times I have used baby name books to figure out names by meaning, time period, or nationality (Or a combination of all of the three.)I am not good with last names since I don't always use them in vampire novels, but if they are necessary, I try to match them up by nationality and how they sound with a first name.
I will list a few first names that mean guardian, protector, etc. for you:
Alec
Max
Aaron
Eddie
RAMÓN
Alistar
Richard
Warren
William (Will,Bill)
Wish I was better at last names.
Sometimes I start on names by way of syllables and emphasis instead of specific name searches. For example, you reference Lucas Davenport. If you like the sound of that name, you might try names with the same cadence as LUcas DA ven port (i.e., A-lex PENNington) Sometimes names are nouns chosen for their allusion ( Bulldog Drummond, Mike Hammer, Peter Gunn.)
Of course, when you're struggling, it helps to remember that Dr. Watson was originally called "Ormond Sacker."
Since Detectives/Police Officers usually go by their last name (like in the military), I think a good strong, but simple last name is very important. D. Anthony REEVES
Daniel CRUISE
Vince CANNON
Jackson HUGHES
Gibson WEBB
I know several detectives, and most call each other by their last name, even in social settings. If your character has a military background, they will definitely revert to addressing everyone by their last name, especially in uniform.
I hope this helps you in finding a good name. It's not unusual for me to change my character's name one-third of the way through my book. Find and Replace is not always fun, though.
I think it world be cool to play of the names of known "superheros" who don't have real super powers, like Batman or iron Man. Maybe Anthony Wayne, or Bruce Stark or something to that effect. Or maybe think about what the character typically wears or drives and play into it. If he always wears the same green jacket, make his last name Banner or his first name Lou. Or you could always give him a like Samson, giving people the impression of super strength.
I have blogged extensively on this subject.My advice to you is, whatever name you pick, shove it through Google. If a person of that exact same name has committed an axe murder in southern Italy, you would like to know.
Theresa wrote: "Of course, when you're struggling, it helps to remember that Dr. Watson was originally called "Ormond Sacker." Wow, that was a great change then!!!
Tammy wrote: "Or you could always give him a like Samson, giving people the impression of super strength."YES! Samson. I have also always like how comics use the same letters for first and last names (Peter Parker, Bruce Banner), so how about Steve Samson...
The deal is good - if you would like a free copy of my Stephen King Dollar Baby book let me know how you want to receive it (eBook or physical copy - I have extra copies around the house if you want a trade paperback).
Justin reevesBrik Stone
Alexander Hope
Stone Chisholm
Hope this helps!
I choose my names by what was appropriate in their time period. For instance, two of my heroines in my Series set during the 1880's were named Edith and Agnes because those names were appropriate and popular. It is important to choose names that are time period appropriate, time period popular, and spelled correctly!
Detective Jamison DiamondDetective Donavan Diamond
Detective James Monroe
Detective Alex Monroe
Not sure what you think, but some ideas! thanks :)
Take a leaf out of Lee Child's Jack Reacher books. Apparently Lee likes to shove in a few characters named after real-life professional soccer players at his favourite football club, Aston Villa!http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport...
Google search tge complete list of west indian test cricketers. Take a first name at random, and a second name at random. Job done. Thank me later.
If I choose to use the name that someone else comes up with, I will send that person a free trade paperback copy of my non-fiction book DOLLAR DEAL: THE STORY OF THE STEPHEN KING DOLLAR BABY FILMMAKERS, give credit in the first book of the new fiction series and send a free trade paperback copy of that first book as well.
Here is the world that the new series will take place in: Superheroes are real and my hero is a police detective who works to solve murders that are often overlooked in a world where super villains are more dangerous, but the little people need protected too. The superheroes are really just background color for the series, although they will play into story lines in smaller, amusing ways. A good description would be Lucas Davenport in the world of the Dresden Files (but with super humans instead of mystical characters). I also want to keep the murders based in the human world, so this is not going to go in the direction of Powers, where the police are investigating superhuman crimes. I am looking for the a character name for my main detective, the lead character, and I would like his name to kind of hint to the superhero world in which he lives, but not too cheesy.
Anyone want to play?
On a side note, even if you are not interested in the contest, I would like to know how you guys choose names for your most important characters.