Ways to design names for characters and how do I do it.
Good day, everyone!
This one will be a bit different content than I usually do. I'd like to pour my experience in making games (and other things) so I will start with the easiest one for me, making names.
I did blog posts about names before, although a bit specific which was the thought process of making names for Song of the Bereaved (which you can read them here). So, this one will be a bit broader and with examples from my other games.
My usual way of making a name starts with identifying the character's characteristic then search a name from there. Greatest example of this is the authorities of Netherworld from Lastone Behind the Choice:
For some people, these names might be familiar. They have been used many times in several well-known creative works, such as Helltaker, Guilty Gear, and The Sandman.
Using folklore names or other famous names can be great for several reasons:
The names are there already, you can just choose which name has a background that fit your character's
If you need more characters that related to the one that's already established, you can check other related names and mold the new characters to them.
It helps people know the character better, so it'll be easier to explain the parts you want to emphasize.
Now, does it mean Lastone's Lucifer, Faust, and Hal have connections with their names? They could be! At least that is what I have planned for future iterations of Lastone: Behind the Choice.
The other way we usually name our characters is by searching names that has meaning, just like how parents name their child. Examples of this are Shio Amane, the main character of Three Mazeketeers,
and Chloe and Azure, the main characters of Arcana Maiden (which is still in designing phase)
Making names this way can be great for several reasons:
Searching for fitting names and learning can be fun.
Learning the meaning of names from several languages can also be fun!
You'll feel more connected with the characters you named this way (at least for me).
There are a lot of names you can find this way.
I use this method when the characters need to have more personality. Might just use this one in the next game, who knows.
There are a lot of ways you can find a name for your characters, these are just some ways I use myself. How do you usually name yours?