Thread: Guy names - Page 2 - Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums

Modern-day real-world setting, you go for a modern-day, real-world name. I was talking about non-reality traditional fantasy, the kind of stuff I write.

I kniow, I was just trying to be silly. With as much trouble as I seem to have coming up with decent names, I don't mind using name generator/databases to help give me ideas. To me, there's a difference between using a name from somewhere else if it's completely unknown, and using a name everyone will immediately recognize as being from another work or just from general knowledge. No Frodos, Voldemorts, Tiamats, and such for me.

I read a blog post recently (sorry I can't remember which one, I follow loads) that suggested one way to come up with character names, is to read the credits at the end of movies. You find all sorts of interesting names that way, and can mix and match surnames with christian names.

Behind the Name: Random Name Generator Use that. It's a wonderful name generator. It'll also give you definitions of the names. :} Happy name-hunting!

Quote: Originally Posted by Aes I kniow, I was just trying to be silly. With as much trouble as I seem to have coming up with decent names, I don't mind using name generator/databases to help give me ideas. Me too-- I have such a difficult time coming up with names. But the names I have come up with so far, I really like (many of them are biblical-ish sounding names; if that makes sense. Some are actually from the old testament, others...

My characters usually tell me their names when they pop into my head to introduce themselves - thankfully it's one thing I never have an issue with. I'm with Teresa on this one though - baby name books are brilliant to keep around; I picked up a couple from a charity shop (thrift store to you guys over the pond) for less than 50p.

I've not got much to say on this as most of my characters tend to have normal, if slightly comedy British names or else completely daft ones (the nature goddess Gotapopiandanetl springs to mind). On the other hand: 1) Some names carry connotations, usually because someone famous used them before. For example, a character called Winston would make me wonder if he was named after Churchill, or whether the author was referencing Winston...

I had to rename a main characters sibling when I realised their names were to dissimilar. Also another story is slightly futuristic but one character is an ancient being so I had to choose a significantly ancient name. Other than that I browse through a database of names, also looking at the meaning, until I find one I think suits the character.

If your brain is just completely jammed for a male name, go to youtube and type in "Roll Fizzlebeef" and watch the first result. Mike and the robots should be able to help you come up with a name.

Not sure if this thread is talking about "real" names versus "fantasy/alien" names. Both can be challenging. With the real stuff, just look around, and you get inspired. For made up, I tend to just come up with them. But I have to tell you about a French Speaking site that's truly amazing to help build a new name. You basically just type in a name - two or three part, and it spits out a bunch of...