What’s in a name? Here’s how to pick names for your book’s characters

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a name for your book’s character. Regardless of what type of character names you want to use for your character, follow common sense aided by the following tips.

Names must be in line with your story’s era and the character’s age

Pick a name that is historically fit. Remember that names can go in and out of fashion over time. For example, if you’re writing a novel that is set in the 70s, Agatha may be a good choice. However, that might not be suitable for a young girl who lives in a modern time. Assuming your story is set in the United States, you can check out the Social Security Administration’s website for a long list of names by year, dating as far back as 1880.

Your characters’ names should fit their ethnic background

Take into consideration the cultural and ethnic backgrounds when naming your characters. For example, Brenda Patimkin in Philip Roth’s Goodbye, Columbus can be easily identified as a Jew. It’s easy to identify what ethnicity is associated in a given name.

Names should be easy to pronounce

The reason for this is that your book could become an audiobook someday. Therefore, you should pick a name that’s not only good on paper, but can be perfectly clear when said out loud. Xiomara? Shumara?

You can choose names that have meanings

Most names in books have meanings, although it’s not necessary to reveal them in your story. Be sure to pick a name that suits your character’s role. For example, Edmund is an Old English name for boys which means ‘prosperity or riches.’ It is taken from the name of the main character in The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

Don’t use the name of a popular real or fictional person

When you pick the name for your character, make sure it’s not from the name of a celebrity or a character from a famous book. The reason is simple: to keep your work as unique as it can be.