Choosing names for your characters is an important, and sometimes challenging, process. There are many different ways that writers have of choosing character names. Sometimes an author has a favorite naming method, and sometimes the story itself determines the types of names (and ways of choosing them). Here are a few suggestions for picking the perfect character names for your next story: 

Meaning 

Many authors like to choose character names that mean something—whether that meaning is addressed in the story or not. Many baby name websites have name meanings, but one of the most comprehensive name meaning sites is Behind the Name. 

Popularity 

There are hundreds of baby name websites out there, and most have features that list current most popular names. You can also, therefore, find unpopular names, too, if that’s what you’re looking for. 

The Social Security website has a baby names page where you can search for popular names by year or decade. This can be great for historical fiction. 

Walk through a Cemetery 

Another great way to find historical names is walking through a cemetery. Depending on where you live and how old some historic churches or graveyards are, you can find a wealth of unique names from decades or even centuries ago. 

Cemetery-scouting is also great for both first and last names. Another great way to find surnames in addition to first names is to surf your Facebook friends list. Or even your friends’ friends. No, not in a creepy stalking way—just scrolling through making note of interesting first or last names that grab your attention. You can also do this with any sort of name directory (like a phone book, if you have one of those antiques lying around). 

Pick a First Letter (or Sound) 

This is usually my go-to. I often have a letter (or letter sound) in my head when I picture my character. I will then go through a list of names that begin with that letter and find one that sounds good or that I like. 

The only problem is that, in some stories, I’ve gotten a name letter in my head, and suddenly I have four characters with names that all begin the same. This is generally a no-no (see next point), because it can be confusing for the reader. 

Try Not to Have Too Many Names that Look or Sound Similar 

While it’s true that Samantha and Sydney don’t really have anything in common besides the first letter, many readers skim through familiar words and they might start to get the two “S” names mixed up. In an audio book it probably wouldn’t be as confusing, because the names sound very different. But still—unless it’s important that characters have similar-looking (or sounding) names, try to avoid great similarities, just for simplicity’s sake. 

What’s your favorite method for picking character names? 

Like what you’re reading? Buy me a lemonade!