Character Development: Names

So, you've got a character, but no name. Nothing sounds right. There are too many Tiffany's, Claire's, Thomas', etc, yet finding a random name on the baby websites just doesn't seem fitting after you've put so much work into developing these characters. What I like to do when chosing a name for my character is to pick one of their most important characteristics, whether its their strength or their evilness.

Once you've done that, search for names with that meaning. For example, in a novel I am writing, the main character is a young woman who is not well versed in relationships or life. After breaking up with her fiancee, she finds herself in the middle of the Bering Sea, battling herself and learning how to become the person she wants to be. When trying to name her, I felt that her greatest strength was her inner battle in order to become a better person.

After some research, I discovered that the surname Blair means "battlefield", which I thought was more than fitting. Therefore, my young woman who is struggling with herself is now named Blair.

If you are naming a lesser or support character, obviously you don't have to pay this much attention in naming them, but it is important to stray away from certain names.

For instance, if you are writing in a semiautobiographal nature, steer away from using your friend or family's real names. Not only could it upset them, but if you have something minutely negative to say about them, they may not appreciate their name being put on blast.

Finally, don't be afraid of being creative. A name doesn't need to have a specific meaning and if you plan on naming a vampire or a fairy, generic names may not apply.