Hi ,

I'm hosting a writing challenge and a participant posted a comment about struggling with character names. Sometimes they come easily, and other times it's impossible to find the right name. 

Have you ever wondered how authors choose names for their characters? While I can't speak for all authors, I can share a few of my strategies.

Meaning & Symbolism
Authors often choose names that carry special meanings. For example, a heroine named “Hope” might signify resilience, while a hero named “Victor” could foreshadow his triumph over obstacles.

Historical & Cultural Fit
A character’s name can be influenced by their background. Names rooted in a character's heritage help set the scene and make the character feel authentic. This is why an author might spend hours researching names that were popular during certain periods or places!

Since my books take place in the south, often with Northern characters added in, I look for names that represent those areas or cultures. To me, Sydney Preston sounds like old money from New York, but still a competent woman. Mitch McKenna sounds like a name perfect for a southern rural detective. (Meant to Be)

I've been sitting on the name Sebastian Dare forever, waiting for the perfect story to use it in. In this case, he's from the Outer Banks, a place seeped in pirate folklore and history, as well as the birthplace of the first English-born child, Virginia Dare. Sebastian makes me think pirate and, of course Dare, is a reference to the Outer Banks but also the meaning suggests a swashbuckling man. 

Sebastian is in my current romantic adventure...stay tuned for more about him. 

Personality & Vibe
Names can also hint at a character’s personality. A sweet, gentle character might have a soft-sounding name like “Lila,” while a fierce, no-nonsense heroine might be called “Raven.” Sometimes, it’s all about the feel of the name and what it evokes in readers.

When I first started writing Deadly Valentine, Tess' name was Kate, later changed to Alexis "Alex". My goal was to find a name that was strong yet feminine. But as I wrote, neither Kate nor Alexis felt right. It wasn't until I tried Tess, that I felt I'd found her name. 

Of course, Valentine, as a last name, plays to the romance of the books, as well as being a wink to Hart to Hart, which also is a nod to the romance between the couple. 

Cool Names
I keep a list of names that I think are cool or ideal for a book. Sebastian Dare was one. Sophie Parker was another. 

I don't always have both the first and last name figured out. My lists are mostly one or the other. 

Names I have now include Ava, Harlow, Minna (I got this from Bad Sisters TV show), Gianna, Gavin, Dante, and Lucian. 

Trends

When a name catches on with, it can spark a trend! (Looking at you, Jaxon and Bella!) I keep an ear out for names that readers love and might incorporate those into future characters.

BTW...for a time, Jack Valentine was Jaxon "Jack" for short, but ultimately he became just Jack. 👉Ten points if you can tell me his birth name. Hint "Jack" is a part of his surname from his birth mother. 

Challenges with Names

Sometimes I have to consider how readers will understand a name. I love the name Saoirse (pronounced Sersha), but I'm not sure everyone knows that. 

I also like the sound of Sorcha (said as an American would pronounce it), but that spelling is actually pronounced SUH-ruh-khuh. 

As a result, I won't likely use these names. 

Another challenge is finding a first and last name that goes together. Sometimes I love a last name, but can't find a first name to go with it, or vice versa. 

Sometimes I like full names, but not so much the nickname that often goes with them. I like Nathan and Nate, but I like Matthew more than Matt. Christopher more than Chris. Alexander more than Alex. It's why Daniel in the Valentine mysteries is always Daniel and not Dan, except when Jack is annoyed at him. 

Please note that I'm not saying I don't like Matt, Chris, Alex, or Dan. They are fine names. But when I'm writing a book and want Alexander, I'll probably stick with the full name.

Other times, I really want to reuse a name. Like Sophie...but maybe Sofie or Sofia instead. I want to use Oliver again as well. I love the name Jack for a male hero. I'd name all my heroes that if I could...except Sebastian. I love Sebastian's name name too. But I won't...unless I decide to add a pen name. 

👉Do you have a favorite character name from a book? What makes it memorable to you? Let me know!