4 Unique Ways to Name the Characters in Your Next Best-Seller

So, you’ve got the story of a lifetime and you’re ready to write your next best-selling novel. You’ve established a setting, storyline, and killer finale. But what you don’t have yet are the perfect character names.

Naming your characters is arguably one of the most important parts of the writing process. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to make up fake names that will fit your story in a way your readers will find believable.

That’s why today we’re here to give you some of the most unique ways to develop character names so you can finish what may become your life’s work.

1. Use a Name Generator

You may not realize this, but there are online name generators designed to help you make up fake names for a wide range of reasons. For example, come up with a unique baby name, create a fake name for filling out contest entries, and of course, generate names for your fictional story.

One of the best name generators on the internet today is Random Name Generator (https://www.random-name-generator.com/). It comes with an easy to use interface and has the following features:

• Huge database of both male and female names
• Company, country and phone numbers
• Dozens of countries supported
• The ability to create entire profiles, not just names

This online tool is so good that validators will think you’re real when you use your fake name. And if it’s good enough to do that, you can bet it’s good enough to create character names for your book.

2. Borrow From Friends and Family

There’s no harm in using your friends and family for inspiration when it comes to naming your book’s characters. Of course, take care not to accidentally let their true-life character traits bleed into your book (unless you want them to). And always ask permission before using someone else’s name.

3. Mix and Match

One of the most unique ways to come up with a believable character name is to mix and match your pet’s name (for the first name) and your street’s name (for the last name). For example, Bailey Nightfall could end up being the lead role in your best-seller or make for a steamy sidekick byline.

Want another cool way to mix and match strong names and make them your own? Take your favorite authors and create a few mashups to see what sticks. Stephen Rice, Jack Hemingway, or even Agatha Steele are good choices. In any event, performing this exercise is fun!

4. Translate a Name

Maybe you have a name in mind, but aren’t quite sure it’s right. If this is the case, try throwing your idea(s) into a name translator. You can translate names into nearly any language you want and discover new, related names that are more powerful than your original idea.

For example, the name ‘John’ turns up translations such as:

• Evan
• Deshawn
• Gianis
• Jannik

The options are endless and you’re sure to find something that you love.

And there you have it! 4 unique ways to name the characters in your next best-selling novel should you ever find yourself stumped. Just be prepared for the onslaught of popularity when people fall in love with the characters you develop and the storyline you share.