How to Choose a Unique Name for Your Character

Switch First and Last Names. First and last names often sound very different, so swapping them can break tradition and make your character stand out.

• For example: Anna Joey, Robert Gideon, Paul Michael.
• This is a subtle and reasonable creative approach for stories set in a context close to our modern era. Some names that can work as both first and last names include: Curtis, George, Paul, Jordan, Logan, Dylan, Wilson, Kerry, Owen, Keith, Austin, and Oliver.

Search for names from various sources. You can explore the credits of a TV show or movie; you'll encounter many rare names and unusual combinations. While walking, cycling, or driving around, pay attention to street names. You can also borrow names from foreign cities, distant nebulae, or rare plant species.

• This approach helps you filter numerous names suitable for various literary genres, as well as names for both male and female characters.

Find unique names from books. You can search for names in phone directories or baby-naming guides. Especially, baby-naming books often contain a wide variety of names and their variants.

• For example: Razilee, Kadiah, Joval, Jantanie, Keryl, or Kaline.
• If you seek inspiration for both names and characters, browse through mythology books in the library; unless you have a clear vision (e.g., a character based on Athena), avoid naming characters after Norse, Greek, or Roman gods. Also, ensure the name is pronounceable. Keryl, Razilee, and Genoviah are names that, while slightly challenging, are still pronounceable, unlike Kazlistynez, no matter how unique it may be.

Create names from vocabulary. Author J.K. Rowling is said to have named some characters in Harry Potter by writing out descriptive traits of the character and then using anagrams to form names. There are other methods to create names. For example:

• Blend common names together. Thus, Sarah and Josephine could become Josah and Saraphine; Garrett and Adrian could become Adriett and Garran; etc.
• Experiment with different name variations. For instance, Mikhail is a variant of Michael, Gaebriel is equivalent to Gabriel, etc.
• Rearrange your name (or a friend's name). If your name is Bob Smith, it could become Omi Thibbs. Your friend Eileen could become Neelie, Annabel could be Belanna, etc.
• Anagram common words. For example, “laugh” could become Gal Uh, and “jump” could be M Puj. This method can also align names with a character's personality. Thus, the anagram of “laugh” - Gal Uh suits a comedic character, while the anagram of “jump” - M Puj fits a character with high-jumping abilities.

Create a completely random name. If you want your character's name to be truly unique, avoid basing it on familiar things and instead invent something entirely new. This is especially fitting for science fiction or fantasy genres. Alternatively, you can create names for most characters but include one with a traditional name, making them stand out.

• Type a random string of characters in a text editor, then select a promising cluster and rearrange it into a name you like.
• Or, cut out letters from a magazine, toss them in the air, and pick a name based on how they land.

Name characters after those you admire. But avoid being too obvious; you shouldn't copy a character's name directly from another work.

• For example, if you want to name a character after Katniss Everdeen, don't use the exact name as it lacks creativity and may violate copyright. Instead, break it down into “Katherine” instead of “Katniss” or “Dean” instead of “Everdeen.”
• You can also mix and match names of celebrities to create something new. For example: Justin Bieber combined with Kate Alexa could become Jexa Kelbeir.

Modify or twist words. Take a word or phrase and alter its pronunciation to create a new name.

• For example, you could pronounce “like this” as lykkethez. Then, select a cluster of letters to form the final result. From “lykkethez,” you might derive Kethez, Ethe, or Ykke.
• Type song lyrics together to generate interesting combinations. For instance, 'All we are is the wind' could produce names like Llwea, Arei, Isdus, Hewin, etc.

Change the gender of a name. Transform a male name into a female version or vice versa.

• Keep in mind that not all names can be easily adapted to a different gender.

Research names. Using online name generators (often designed for parents naming babies but still useful for you), you’re likely to find several great names that fit your character.

List letters you want to include in your character’s name. If unsure, start with just one letter. For example, you might want the name to include an L or S because you like their sound or feel they match the character’s personality.

Choose an ending sound for the name. Common endings for female names include: a, bell, na, ly, ie, y, line, etc. For male names, typical endings are: ob, ab, an, ly, etc. Pick a name you like or create your own!

Think of names based on things you love or see outside your window. If what you find isn’t a great choice for a name, look for synonyms.

• For example, if you’re gazing at the moon, consider synonyms like “celestial body,” which could lead to the name “Celeste.”

Combine your favorite letters with other characters. If you like the letters “o” and “a,” you could add consonants like “n” and “h” to create “Noah.”

• If the name you create doesn’t sound right, add more characters, but don’t overdo it.

Use names that match the story’s setting. Choose a name that aligns with the world, time period, or country where your story takes place.

• This makes the story more believable if the character’s name fits the context. For example, a story set in China will have different names compared to one set in South Africa.
• Another method, used by author John Braine, is to derive names from the region or area where the story unfolds.

Choose easy-to-pronounce names. Most readers lack the patience to struggle through a character’s name every time it’s mentioned. A difficult name can disrupt the narrative flow and pull readers out of the story rather than immerse them further.

• Opt for names that are easy to read aloud and pronounce effortlessly.
• Avoid using too many unusual names for your cast, as this can create a sense of detachment.

Consider whether the meaning of the name contributes to the character’s role in the story. The meaning of a character’s name can create a connection between the name and the character’s personality. Think about how the name’s meaning can reinforce the character’s traits.

• You can also create a contrast between the character’s personality and the name’s meaning. For example, a tough girl might be named Grace (elegance, refinement), while a bookish boy could be named Brock.

• Try rearranging letters from a word that describes the character, such as turning cunning into Gin Nunc, modest into Dom Tes, or simple into Sim Lep. Then, add or remove letters to form a complete name.
• For science fiction stories, experiment with splicing. There are countless names you can combine to create a unique, futuristic name for your character.
• Names like Aristotle, Sebastien, and Bridgelle suit classical stories, while Andrew, Tom, Emma, and Sarah are basic names fitting for modern tales.
• Blend common names to create more interesting ones. For example, Chris could become Kryss, Kris, Chrys, or even Crystal.
• Use names from other countries or names with meanings that align with your character.
• Take a trait from the character’s personality and translate it into another language. You can also add or remove letters if desired.
• Research names related to the character’s powers. For example, Eina is often given to characters with ice-related abilities.
• If you particularly love a name, use it for your character if it fits their personality, time period, setting, and/or genre.
• Write down any interesting or unusual names you come across; some may be usable.
• Take a name you like and tweak it slightly. For example, if you like Ella, try Rochelle/Rachelle, Elli, or Alla. Above all, be creative!
• Look up names with meanings that match your character. For instance, if your character is linked to the moon, search for “girl names that mean moon” and you might use “Luna.” This is especially helpful for naming and makes it easier for readers to remember the character.

• Avoid naming characters after real-life individuals, especially if they appear in a published work and share similar traits. You could face legal issues. Always check if the name has been used in any publication before assigning it to your character.
• Don’t immediately use a name you’ve just come up with or discovered. Seek objective opinions from others first. A name you think is great might sound like gibberish to someone else.
• Ensure character names are reasonable, particularly in serious or tragic stories. While creativity is important, readers may struggle to take your dramatic work seriously if characters have names like "Lord Marky Mark" or “Princess Surfbort.”