One of the often misunderstood aspects of writing is the process of naming characters. Just like in real life, a character's name carries meaning and significance. It reflects their age, birth location, and the person responsible for naming them. Ethnicity, immigration history, and subcultures also influence the naming process. In this article, we will explore the art of naming characters in fiction writing, understanding the importance of reader comfort, avoiding trends and unusual spellings, and considering the cultural and historical context of names. Let's dive in!
The Significance of Character Names: A character's name should be chosen carefully, as it plays a crucial role in shaping their identity. Similar to how parents choose names for their children, a character's name should align with their age, birth location, and offer insights into the person who named them. Ethnicity, recent immigration, and subcultures add layers of complexity to the naming process. Consulting resources such as the US Census Bureau's database can provide insights into popular names by year and state, helping writers find suitable names for their characters.
Reader Comfort: While unique and exotic names may seem appealing, it's important to ensure that readers can easily pronounce and connect with the character's name. If a name is overly complicated or unfamiliar, it may create a barrier for readers, potentially deterring them from engaging with the story. Striking a balance between originality and reader comfort is key.
Beware of Trends and Unusual Spellings: Trendy names and unconventional spellings can quickly date a character or make them seem out of place. It's crucial to consider the age group and time period in which your story is set. For example, names like Jordyn and Mikayla may be popular among certain age groups today but would not be common among older or younger generations. Similarly, names like Agnes, Hortense, and Gertrude may have been prevalent in the past but are rarely used for contemporary characters. Avoiding trendy names and opting for timeless choices can help ensure the longevity and relatability of your characters.
Surnames and Cultural Considerations: Surnames, also known as last names, are equally important in character naming. They provide insights into the character's location, ethnic heritage, and immigration history, especially if their family passed through Ellis Island during US immigration. Online databases and search engines can assist in researching origins, pronunciation, and additional information related to specific surnames. However, it's important to note that some surnames may have been altered or anglicized during the immigration process, adding further complexity to the naming landscape.
Keep It Simple or Research Locally: If you find yourself unsure about choosing names, simplicity can be the key. If you have never encountered someone named "Moe" in real life, it might be best to avoid using that name for your character. On the other hand, if you know numerous individuals with names like Erin or Aaron, using those names can provide authenticity and relatability. Similarly, consulting local phone books or conducting Google searches specific to your area can yield common names that are familiar to your target audience.
Naming characters in fiction writing is both an art and a science. By considering the character's age, birth location, and the person responsible for naming them, writers can create authentic and meaningful names that resonate with readers. Balancing reader comfort, avoiding trends and unusual spellings, and researching cultural and historical context are essential elements of the naming process. Whether you opt for simplicity or delve into thorough research, the ultimate goal is to create names that enhance your characters' identities and captivate your readers. Happy naming and happy writing!