I’ve been making a story and I’m really into it but for the life of me I can not come up with names for the three main characters. Any tips for coming up with good names?
OH the naming struggle. i know it well. i’ve stared at empty name generators like they were ouija boards. here’s my system (chaotic but functional) for pulling names out of the void that actually fit your characters:
🌑 vibe before name.
before even looking at name lists, figure out what kind of energy each character gives off. are they sharp and modern? soft and earthy? theatrical? quiet but intense?
→ write down 3 words for each character: a personality word, an aesthetic word, and a weird one (like “moth,” “nickel,” or “liminal”). THEN try to name them.
🌘 sound matters.
say the names out loud. whisper them. yell them like you're the love interest in a storm. you’ll notice rhythm, sharpness, or whether it weirdly sounds like someone you went to middle school with (instant no).
→ pro tip: don’t name all three characters with the same starting letter or syllable count unless it’s intentional. “Kara, Kael, and Kori” gets old fast.
🌒 steal like a writer.
scroll historical records. dig into mythology. nameberry. baby name sites. gravestones. street names. menus. foreign languages. botanical indexes. war generals. thieves from history.
→ if you want something really unique, mash up two names or words you like. ex: Elowen + Mira = Elira. Talia + Roan = Taran.
🌕 meaning is bonus, not mandatory.
yes, it’s cool if the name secretly means “sorrowful sword prince,” but vibe > literal meaning. name them something that feels like them. your anxious cryptid character doesn’t need a name that means “shadow.” they just need a name that sounds like it could’ve been whispered behind a curtain.
🌗 placeholder names are valid.
if you're stuck, give them temp names like “Knife Boy,” “Moth Girl,” or “CEO of Emotional Damage.” write the draft. once their voice sharpens, the real name will often show up and knock.
i hope that helps!! naming is weirdly personal, so trust your gut. you’ll know when it clicks 💛
