
Many times a name will just pop in my head. That's how I named the sheriff, Ben Hunter in my current release, Saved by the Sheriff. Then, there are times, that I grab a phone book to look for a name. Normally, when I do this I don't use both the first and last name from the book. I will choose a first name and then look for a last name to go with it. If I can't find a name I'm happy with after looking through the phone book, I will resort to the internet. There are hundreds of web pages out there to use to name your characters. Below are a few that I like to go to when I'm stuck for a name.
Behind the Name - the etymology and history of first names.
The Random Name Generator - for first & last names.
Fake Name Generator - for male and female characters
If you find that you don't like these sites, I suggest going to Google and search for "name generators." One thing that I do not do in my books is use someone's real name, even if they're a friend or relative. I might use their first name, but never with their real last name. I just don't want to take a chance on them not liking what I have done with their namesake in my book.
Carol
A - Z Blog Challenge
Thanks for sharing this excellent idea of naming your characters :) I will try it too.
ReplyDeletehttp://sulekharawat.com/2012/04/15/milestone/