How to Name a Fictional Character

Some writers have a character picked out, all dressed up in designer dresses or buckled down in leather belts. Some writers are guessing as they go. Everything is okay, because different people approach writing in different ways. Each of them will inevitably reach a point that tends to stop a writer in his tracks: what do I name this character?
Don't write a name in an oddly unique way just to get attention. It happens in a lot of science fiction. Writers create a new world that has new languages and traits. So the names, and almost all of them, become extremely complex and different than most languages the writer has ever seen.

1. It isn't always bad to write a unique name.

In fact, writing a strangely catching name can really draw an audience into a story! Make sure that the audience, however, can follow the names throughout the story. Naming on Character Xenopheles and another Xenopheloia can become confusing and tiring for a reader. If you want to create complex names, make them stand out for the reader, especially from each other.

2. Don't stray too far from the story's home.

Generally, I recommend keeping names somewhat familiar to readers, it possible. If you are exploring a different culture, made up or real, it becomes necessary to make names unfamiliar to a particular audience. That is okay, and if you are writing about another culture, this should probably happen anyway.

How can you write a foreign name into a story, then? Be careful and do your research. It is quite possible you don't know the language of the place you are writing about. Then use the internet. Make sure your names are written in the right male/female forms, that they are first names or last names where specific and make sure you are in the right area. I can't tell you how many times I've seen stories written about Japan with Chinese names. It is a mistake you can quickly avoid with a quick search on the internet! You can choose ill-fating names for a place purposely, but do not leave it unaddressed in the story, because a clever reader will be turned away by what seems unintended and sloppy!

3. Using the name of someone you know is okay.

If you want to base a character off of someone in real life, then it is allowed to use the person's real name. I recommend asking the character's inspiration if this is okay, because if she finds the writing later it could cause trouble, but that is always the author's call. The most important thing about choosing a name is that it means something to the author, so that meaning hopefully translates to the reader. If your first love was a "Marie" (not my first love, but a name I hold dearly), do not be afraid to have your character fall in love with "Anne Marie" or just "Marie."

4. It is okay to use a name from literature or a myth that has inspired you.

I prefer this in many cases, if it can be done tastefully. Understand, if you name your character "Persephone", that comes with certain tag-alongs. Most intellectuals will quickly grab onto the meaning, and expect some relation to the original character within the meaning of your character's choices, etc. When I write, I especially try to avoid more commonly known names, just to escape that heavy-handed decision forming, but I have used light references. I once wrote a story with the character named "Deme" in relation to Demeter (to stray so far from Persephone...).

Don't steal, on the other hand. Be sure you don't take characters from other pieces entirely, or it could have dire consequences. There is plagiarism and copyright, the risk of angering a large crowd of readers and persuading a nice group of people you are a cheat. Just be careful, because when you use inspiration, it can sometimes turn into tracing paper!

5. Don't forget to give a name meaning.

That isn't to say purposely choosing a boring name isn't giving meaning. Using John Smith presents an average archetype character. Make sure the name fits the character, so the reader easily connects the two. If it is an odd name, tell why the character was named in such a way. I read a story in which the character's name was "Seven" and it worked very well, because it fit the character in being a movement towards God's perfection. If he had been named "Bill" instead, it would not have had the same sticking ability. The name is a carefully chosen component of any character.

6. Even plain names have history!

Truth be told, I tend to go for very bland names. Reading any of my stories, you might pick up on that. Marie ends up in so many, along with Timothy and Bob. These names hold meaning for me however, and I attach that to particular characters. Many writers laugh at such simple names, but even a simple name has an origin and background. Take the name "Arthur" for example. King Arthur, to list one relation. In a story I wrote in relation to "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" I gave all three characters names that meant to be bearlike (including Arthur!). Give the name a meaning, if you can. Even if you are the only one that gets it, the meaning you understand will come through your writing in some way (hopefully).

7. Don't be afraid to change a name.

In many of my stories, I start out with a name, and alter it by paragraph five. As a character builds, something else might feel more natural. Marie might become Victoria. This is okay, it just means your character is developing! Sometimes I'll start a story, and realize half-way through I've changed a character's name without realizing it (until editing, of course). Go with what feels right, because you are the creator of the character. If the character is building itself, growing, molding, forming or whatever you consider it, don't fight it too much. If you want to fight it, realize where the expectations you have are differing from the direction a story is going, and try to reconcile those before continuing on!