Creating Character Names

Creating names for my characters is one of my favorite parts of writing cozy fiction. A name can say a lot about a person, and I want you, my readers, to feel a connection to each character right from the start.

Here’s how I come up with my character names.

1. Think About Their Personality:

I start by thinking about who my character is. Are they bubbly and cheerful or quiet and mysterious? For example, a joyful character might have a bright name like “Sunny,” while a more serious character could be named “Sandra.”

2. Use Meaningful Names:

Sometimes, I look up the meanings of names. If I want my character to be brave, I might choose a name that means “strong.” This adds a deeper layer to the story and helps readers understand the character better.

3. Get Inspired by Real Life:

I often draw inspiration from people I know or have met. A friend’s unique name or even a favorite teacher can spark an idea. I might tweak the name a little to give it a fictional twist. Every book I write has at least one first or last name from someone I’ve known.

4. Consider the Setting:

The setting of my book plays a big role in naming characters. If my story takes place in a cozy village, I might choose traditional names. For instance, “Mabel” or “Walter” could fit perfectly in a historical small town setting.

5. Say it Out Loud:

When I think of a name, I say it out loud. It’s important to me that it has a nice sound to it. A name that rolls off the tongue can make a character feel more real and relatable.

6. I trust my instincts:

I go with my gut. If a name feels right, I go with it. There’s something magical about finding the perfect name that feels like it belongs to the character and fits the story.

7. I ask for help:

I often ask my Chatting with Sharon Facebook Group to help me come up with creating names. Or, I’ll use names of their pets as a guest animal sleuth. It’s fun having others help choose names.