Back in May of 2022, I posted a discussion about naming characters. In that, I mentioned an idea I'd learned about. The idea was to limit a character name to 2-3 syllables long and no longer than 4. Many of mine fit that criteria; some didn't. I also discussed how the names for my characters just came to me. In the case of my first protagonist, Garrett Dane of The Consequential Love Series, his first name was inspired by a road sign (see the picture). The name for my protagonist in Restoration, Seth Tobias, was the name I came up with should I ever have a son. Since I never had one, I gave it to one of my characters.
Today, I'm looking at another suggestion: checking the meaning of the name. Does it match your character's identity? Before I delve into my thoughts on this, I have a question for those with children. Did you peruse books of baby names or conduct internet searches on names? I know many children are named after family members, but did you also look up the meaning of the name?
I have never done such a search for what my characters' names meant, so today is the day! Here we go!
I'm using https://www.meaningofthename.com/names for my searches. It's an interesting exercise. This site identifies multiple explanations for each name.
The Consequential Love Series:
- Garrett: brave and strong as spear
- Leigh: a person with the power to heal others
- Jonas: gracious, merciful, kindhearted (Boy! Did I get this one wrong!!)
- Edna: to delight
- Frank: Truthful
- Lois: battle maiden
Accidental Attraction:
- Zach: remembered by God
- Emily: hardworking, diligent and industrious
- Ben: favorite
- Julie: youthful
Restoration:
- Seth: appointed one
- Alexandra/Alex: helper and defender
- Michelle: who is like God (not this character, so I got this wrong!)
Sparks Fly:
- Caleb: faithful
- Ivy: climbing vine plant (very literal)
- Avis: like a bird
- Rachel: innocent lamb (got this one wrong, too!)
- Josh: God is salvation
Playground Antics:
- Jace: healer
- Beth: one who provides satisfaction and fullness
- Paul: humble (nope, got this one wrong, too!)
- Chuck: strong
- Allyson: noble, exalted, Little Alice (this one is hilarious based on the story IYKYK!!)
- Jaxon: son of Jack
Green Eyes & Dimples:
- Matt: God's gift
- Tracie: warlike
- Nicky: conqueror of the nation
- Lucy: light
- Jack: one who thinks that God is gracious
- Connie: constant, steadfast, permanent
Bourbon Neat
- Connor: Strong-willed, wise
- Maggie: pure as a pearl, child of light
It appears I do a better job at naming heroes and heroines versus villains and nasty characters if you judge by the meaning of the names. After running through this exercise, I'll stick to whatever inspires me for a name and then consider the number of syllables.
Keep on reading. I'll do the same, as well as writing!