The Best Tool For Character Names

 If you've ever had to name a fictional character you're probably familiar with the concept of 'name generators,' or you've at least heard the term thrown around.

If you're not familiar with them, then here's a simple explanation; A name generator is a program with a database of names. Sometimes they are sorted by gender, ethnicity, rarity or other factors that the user can customize. Other times they are not. The basic premise it the user customizes their preference's, then they hit a button, and names that fit their criteria are randomly chosen from the database. Sometimes they're only given one name, but most commonly the user receives 5 to 10 random names.

Personally I use them to generate more name ideas for my characters, and they are an invaluable tool. Though some are more useful than others. The most useful one I've found is the Fantasy name generators by Emily.

Now admittedly her site can be a little overwhelming to navigate, but that's only because there are so many options. There are over 1400 different generators, all made by one person. (Good job Emily! Seriously, that's impressive)  

She has a wide variety of selections in real names, for example, Babylonian names, Irish (Gaeilge) names, and Japanese names are all included with a wide variety of names each.

(I remember when I was having a nightmarish time naming a Mongolian princess and this sight came into clutch with Mongolian names generator)

However she also has an absurd amount of fictional name generators, including God & Goddess names, Hunger Games names, and Mongolian death worm names.

(What's a Mongolian Death Worm? Admittedly I have no idea, but I'm sure this will be useful to someone)

Emily has also included fun world-building generators on her site that have nothing to do with names. My favorites are her Idioms generator and her (Story) concept ideas generator.

Emily's site has something for any author or artist, and I suggest you check it out!