NINE Tips For Narrowing Down your name list to the perfect character name

 

Sometimes when you make character's their names come naturally. You could see a singer on TV who's name fits a character of yours. You could be working backwards, already having a name before there's even a character. Or you could give them a placeholder name that just seems to stick.

However often it's not that simple, and you have to do a bit of work to find the right name. It can be a daunting prospect, especially if you're not sure where to start. Everyone develops their own method eventually, and each is slightly different, but it's often a good idea to see how other people name their characters just so you have an idea where to start.

My own tried and true method is underneath, and even if you don't follow it to the letter it should still be a helpful starting off point.

1-Establish your characters ethnicity and parentage 

Ethnicity and background is very important to naming. It can also show you how creative you can get with your names. After all you have a much wider variation of options when naming a girl from a non-existent magical dimension than you do when naming a Mongolian princess

2-Make a MASSIVE List

Go to baby name sites (Behind the Name and Nameberry are by favorite) and just start writing names down. If there's a one percent chance you'll use it write it down. Ideally you want a notebook page filled with name. 

3-Cross off the names you will not use

You don't even have to get picky yet, just start crossing off names you know won't work. Maybe you realize you can't pronounce them, think they sound too old, or just think they're plain ugly. Cross them off, you won't use them.

4-Rewrite your list on a new page

Due to the fact that you have a massive list things might get crowded. After crossing off the ones you know you won't use rewrite your options on a new page or on the back. It just keeps things more orderly and makes it easier on the eyes.

5-Be a little pickier with your selection

Look over your list again, with higher standards. Even if you like a name, if you know you won't use it cross it off. There is no point keeping it on the list.

6-Look at your characters personality

This is more optional and I don't do it myself, but many people like to put a lot of emphasis on the character's personality when choosing names. I personally don't do this unless a character names themselves, as when a child is born no one knows how they will turn out. 

7-Repeat steps four and five

Keep crossing off names, then write them on a new page when you feel your current one is getting messier and messier. It's going to be harder and harder to cross of names, but stop when you get around 12 or so.

8-Play M*A*S*H

When you have the final names start playing M*A*S*H. It sounds odd, but it works, though only if you play it incorrectly. If you land on a name to cross out and start mentally making excuses as to why you can't cross it out, simply don't. Write that name somewhere until all the names are crossed off and you have a much smaller list (For me it's usually between four and five)

9-Look at your finalists and make your choice

Now you have five or four name's that have made it this far, and you need to make a choice. Try saying them out loud, look at their meanings, ponder how other people would pronounce them, compare them to names you already have and cross them off till you only have one name left.

Congrats! That's your characters name.