Come Up With a Good Name for Your Book Character

Trying to come up with a cute, clever, or exotic name for your book or story character? Fumbling to name your OC? It's hard, and you don't want their names to sound stupid. But these tips should help you come up with a special and unique name that won't be Jane Doe.

Steps

  1. Think about who your character is. Is he or she a tomboy or an artistic soul? (Ex:Bailey or Autumn.) Is he or she the hero of the story or the "bad guy or girl"? (Ex:Horatio or Stefano.) What's his or her personality? Is he or she happy-go-lucky, or a sarcastic pessimist? (Ex: Becca or Toby.)
    • Is your character from a different land or culture? If he or she is from Japan, try giving him or her a Japanese name, like Miyu for a girl, or Haruki for a boy.
    • If your character is from a different time period, try giving him or her a name that was popular back then. You could name a boy from the early 1900s James or William. Maybe he or she lives in the future. Try altering a common name so it sounds futuristic, like this: Amy could be changed to Ami. Or Ignacio could turn into just Iggy.
  2. Look up meanings for names. Searching the internet for names that fit a meaning can help you find a fitting name for that character. Are they a quiet type? Find names that mean "silent" or "strong"!
  3. For a last name, try browsing a phone book. You'll find plenty of options. If you want to honor a person you admire or treat a good friend, try using his or her last name. Make sure it's okay with your friend first.
  4. Once you come up with a name you like, test it out. One method is to hold your nose and say "(your character's name here) please report to the office, (your character's name) office please", just as if you were speaking over the intercom. If it sounds unrealistic or awkward, try again.

Tips

  • If you can't find a baby name book, look up names on the internet. There are very many baby name websites you can look at.
  • If you can't think of any names that you think are cool, try reading through a baby name book. Be prepared for some odd looks from other people if reading the book in public.
  • If you're naming it after a person you admire, do not use names like Jolie or Pitt. They are just too well known. If your friend's name is something like Cumberbatch or Hiddleston, which are odd names, you might also want to reconsider.
  • Try throwing random first and last (and middle?) names together to get a good name.
  • Mix your two favorite names together, like Mary-Anne.
  • Alter your name to be a character name.

Warnings

  • Do not name your character after another, like Harry Potter or Anakin Skywalker. It may really annoy some people, and it's illegal. However, don't be afraid to call someone "Harry Williams," etc. Harry isn't that uncommon a name.

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