Unique Character Names

I just finished reading a novel with two characters named after mythological figures. OK. I have nothing against mythological figures. The author took considerable time to tell readers that these were mythological names (they weren't names you would instantly see and know that) and why their mother had chosen these rather odd names. OK. Except the fact that these were mythological names did nothing to advance the story. It didn't tell us anything important about the characters, the mother, the story. It was as if we were taking a short break from the novel for a lesson in mythology. It was a bit distracting. And you never want to distract our reader from their true agenda: reading your book and falling in love with your story and characters.

I have nothing against unique character names. I often name my characters after my children (or at least give
them the same first initial). I even named one of my characters after Helen of Troy. The difference is, that little piece of information remained my secret (yes, now you know too). But knowing that secret made me feel a little closer to Helen and helped me to develop her into the person I wanted her to be. So how can we give our characters unique names (as opposed to paging through the phone book).

Helen of Troy

• Name them after people in your life. This is fun but I recommend using middle names or variations on names (Ian instead of John) just in case your character ends up doing something their namesake won't enjoy -- like murdering someone!
• Name them after historical figures. My Helen is named after someone left behind by someone who goes to fight a war. But there are tons of possibilities. Franklin D. Roosevelt's namesake could have a bum leg (FDR was in a wheelchair after a bout with polio), Pete could be a baseball fanatic (Pete Rose was a member of the Philadelphia Phillies) or Jean could have once been an aspiring actress (after Norma Jean a.k.a. Marilyn Monroe). Just don't make it TOO obvious. You want your readers to feel they've uncovered a secret if they decipher the origins of the name.
• Name them after a place. Please, no Brooklyns or Milans (unless of course your book takes place in modern times -- but aren't there enough Brooklyns and Milans in the world today?) But so many places beg to be shortened or used as a last name.
• Foreign words. Of course the fun of using names with a foreign origin is you can choose a name that "matches" your character and use it, or a portion of it. Such as the beautiful Bonnie, coming from the Spanish bonita for beautiful.
• The Baby Names Book. You knew you were keeping that old baby names book for a reason! Now you can page through it) or one of the many wonderful online sites) and find a name that means stubborn or shifty or princess and you're in business.

But I beg you, don't explain why your characters have their names in your writing. Save that for an interview after you book is published! 

So, what are the names of your characters and where did you find their names?

7 comments Characters, fiction writing, names