How To Create Iconic Character Names
From Atticus Finch to Katniss Everdeen, iconic names stand out because they reflect personality, background, and sometimes even the plot itself. More than any other element, characters are what readers connect with the most, which is why they stay in their mind long after finishing a novel!
But creating an iconic name that sticks with your readers isn’t always straightforward! So in this blog, we’ll go through what makes a great character name and how you can create your own.
Why Are Character Names So Important?
A name is one of the first things readers learn about your character, and it can say a lot about who they are. It can even hint at a character’s personality, background, or role in the story. It’s a subtle tool that helps immerse readers in your world. For example, Darth Vader’s name evokes power and darkness, while Frodo Baggins feels humble and relatable.
To really understand the power of a character’s name, look no further than Sherlock Holmes or Elizabeth Bennet – names so memorable they’ve become part of pop culture!
Top Tips For Naming Your Characters
1. Make Them Memorable
A good character name should be easy to remember. Say it out loud, write it down, and see how it feels after some time. Is it distinct enough to stand out? Does it suit your character and story?
There are lots of great resources online that generate unique names that stand out. Some are long lists of first and last name ideas and others give you names in Old English!
Another trick is to imagine how the name would look on a book cover or in a review. If it feels iconic, you’re on the right track. If not, tweak it until it feels just right.
2. Match the Tone of Your Story
Your character’s name should align with the tone and setting of your story. A sci-fi epic might call for futuristic or unique names like Ender Wiggin (Ender’s Game), while historical fiction will require names that feel classical or medieval. You just don’t want to use a mismatched name, for example, the name Sabrina, in a novel about the Edwardians, because it will jar with your narrative.
If your story has a humorous tone, playful names can work wonders (like Ford Prefect in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy). For darker tales, learn toward names with a weightier, more serious feel. Or if the genre is fantasy, you could pick names that feel otherworldly like Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings or Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones.
3. Consider the Character’s Background
Where is your character from? What culture, time period, or environment shaped them? A character’s name should reflect their heritage or upbringing. Research names common to their culture or time period to add authenticity to your story.
For instance, in The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby’s original name, James Gatz, reflects his humble beginnings, while his adopted name embodies the polished persona he creates for himself. Small details like this can give your names added depth.
3. Play With Sound and Meaning
Names are often memorable because of how they sound. Alliteration, rhythm, or even the number of syllables can make a name stand out. Consider Severus Snape from Harry Potter – the repeated “s” sounds evoke a sense of secrecy and sharpness, perfectly matching his personality.
You can also experiment with names that have hidden meanings. For example, Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) derives from a plant that is often called arrowhead, referencing her skill as an archer. A name that ties to a character’s traits or journey can add an extra layer of significance.
4. Reflect the Character’s Personality
A name can hint at a character’s personality or role. Is your character bold and daring? Their name could have strong consonants or a sharp edge. Are they gentle and kind? Softer, lyrical names might suit them better.
Take Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The whimsical, breezy feel of her name reflects her carefree and unpredictable nature. Similarly, Ebenezer Scrooge from A Christmas Carol has a harsh, old-fashioned sound that mirrors his miserly personality.
Or perhaps your character has a nickname like ‘Scout’ in To Kill a Mockingbird, which captures her adventurous, tomboyish spirit and sets her apart from the more formal Jean Louise, her given name.
5. Avoid Overloading Readers
I’ve come across books where three characters had almost identical names – and let me tell you, it was nearly impossible to keep track of who was who!
In stories with large casts, avoid confusing readers with too many similar-sounding names. For example, having characters named Anna, Anne, and Annie in the same story, let alone the same chapter, will create unnecessary confusion.
Bonus! Don’t Give Your Character A Name …
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for a character is to leave them nameless. In Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, the protagonist’s name is never revealed. By withholding her name, du Maurier creates an air of mystery and highlights the shadow the late Rebecca casts over every aspect of the protagonist’s life (which de Maurier double downs on by naming the novel ‘Rebecca’). Being nameless enhances the character’s anonymity and insecurity, making her feel even more overshadowed by Rebecca’s lingering presence.
This technique, used sparingly and deliberately, can make a character unforgettable precisely because of what’s left unsaid. Sometimes, what’s missing is just as impactful as what’s included.
Choose Names That Last Beyond Your Story
The power of a word can be rarely be better exemplified than an iconic name. Names like Dumbledore, Legolas, Jane Eyre not only enhance their character’s identity but have stuck with readers long after they close the book – even readers who haven’t read their story know them!
By considering tone, background, sound, and meaning, you can choose names that feel unique and purposeful. And remember – sometimes the simplest names are the most memorable. So take your time, experiment and let your characters’ names be as memorable as the stories they inhabit, if not more!
