How to Write Stories People Will Love

Question 78: Character names

CarolinaJessamine asks: What is too long of a name? I have the basic ideas for my characters and the plot, but I can't seem to name them. I don't want people associating other characters with my work to the point that they can only think of them that way, but I also don't want a name that isn't common and would make the reader think, "Why would you name your child that?" Can you please give me an idea where the happy middle ground is?

I once received that exact comment from a reader: "Who would name their child that?" But it was a fantasy world with made-up fantasy names. It was up to ME what passed for normal in that world. Not everyone is going to like the names we choose, but here are some tips for choosing character names.

Make it Pronounceable

Above all else, make sure people can pronounce the name if you're going to make one up. When I was very young, I wanted to write a story about a character named Fire, but it was a nickname because his real name was so long. I came up with Ptolefireweego in an effort to come up with a convoluted name that had the word fire in it. I know, you can say it. That looks stupid.

A lot of readers, myself included, hear words in their heads when they read. Getting hung up on unpronounceable names is undesirable because it takes away from the story. When you invent a name, say it aloud and spell it how it sounds. If it's more than four syllables, it might be too long.

Google the Name

If you've read my book, Nirrin, I have a character in there named Majon. When I began writing the story, his name was actually Maxon. Then I searched the web for the name, just in case, and I'm so glad I did. I found out he was a vital character in The Selection series! Whoops. If he was just a delivery guy in chapter 12 that might have been okay, but he wasn't, so I changed the name in my story.

If the name is unusual, always search for it online before using it! You wouldn't want to get attached to your werewolf named Katniss, only to have all your readers making comments about volunteering for tribute.

Common Names

If the name is common, then you have less to worry about. I see Luke in so many traditionally published stories, but I never get the characters mixed up, nor do I compare them. It's okay to use common names, especially in non-fantasy stories. Making up original names for contemporary stories would actually seem a little strange if all the characters had them.

Some parents do go out of their way to name their kids Fantasia or Moonbeam. If your story has such a name, then make sure it gets pointed out that the parents were unusual, like hippies or pop stars or whatever. The rest of the story characters should probably have conventional names like Janet or Michael (or whatever is conventional in your country). Writers aren't expected to come up with original names all the time. Real life is full of common names.

Ethnic Names

For the longest time, it seemed like about 70% of the housekeepers in movies were named Maria. It's like script-writers couldn't think of any other Hispanic names to use. There are tons of names available. There's no need to pick the only one you know about. The Internet is vast. Use it.

Name Generators

If you need help coming up with fictitious names, there are tons of name generators out there, for various categories. Elf names, dragon names, and others I don't recall. I actually made one myself! My Random Fantasy Name Generator is on my website: http://zoeblessing.com/random-fantasy-name-generator/ - I've created an external link for easier access for those using a browser. You can select two, three, or four syllables for your generated name, depending on how much of a mouthful you want. Have fun with it!