Ok, I’m about 3 chapters into my story and I’m falling out of love with the name [name_f]Alice[/name_f]. I’ve always loved [name_f]Alice[/name_f], I thought it is delicate, pretty, and classy… which I feel embodies the qualties of my MC. However, it’s just over-shadowed by [name_f]Alice[/name_f] in Wonderland, and I don’t want people thinking about a different book while reading mine.
So I was thinking of other names that fit the bill, and I thought of [name_f]Delilah[/name_f]. It’s delicatr, pretty, and timeless. Though I know this name is also over-shadowed by the Bible, BUT if I choose this name my MC will mostly go by [name_f]Lilah[/name_f]. Very rarely would [name_f]Delilah[/name_f] be used in full. I also like this this name because it sort of sounds like the word “delight” which is cute. Also [name_f]Delilah[/name_f] is becoming popular as a name choice for actual babies, so the negative imagery of the [name_f]Delilah[/name_f] in the Bible is fading.
Another option I’m not sure on is [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f], but I’m still eh about it.
What are your opinions? [name_f]Do[/name_f] you have any more suggestions? I’m looking for old fashioned names that aren’t overly used, but are delicate and girly. If it is a longer 3+ syllable name and has a cute nickname you getbonus points!
I don’t really see a problem with [name_f]Alice[/name_f]. Yes, people will think of [name_f]Alice[/name_f] in Wonderland, but that’s before they know your character. Everyone has an image attached to a name - I’m not too fond of [name_f]Victoria[/name_f] because of a crazy neighbor - but most people will stop thinking about it after reading the story. Unless the story has anything to do with Wonderland, I would still consider using it.
That being said, I do think [name_f]Lilah[/name_f] is a cute option for [name_f]Delilah[/name_f]. I also rather like the name [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f], but it doesn’t sound too delicate to me, which is what you liked about [name_f]Alice[/name_f].
Other names I would give:
[name_f]Abigail[/name_f]
[name_f]Penelope[/name_f]
[name_f]Priscilla[/name_f]
[name_f]Drusilla[/name_f]
[name_f]Beatrice[/name_f]
[name_f]Sylvia[/name_f]
[name_f]Evangeline[/name_f]
[name_f]Serafine[/name_f]
[name_f]Henrietta[/name_f]
[name_f]Dorothea[/name_f]
[name_f]Angelina[/name_f]/[name_f]Angeline[/name_f]
[name_f]Lucia[/name_f]
[name_f]Aurelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Isadora[/name_f]
Yeah I feel like [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] isn’t enough for me. I have thought about [name_f]Penelope[/name_f], but that is a bit common and I want something familar but a bit off of the beaten track. I thought about [name_f]Isadora[/name_f] as well, but I would want to shorten it into a nickname. I think [name_f]Dora[/name_f] is too much like [name_f]Dora[/name_f] the [name_u]Explorer[/name_u], but [name_u]Dory[/name_u] is cute.
Meeeeh, names for the important characters are haaaaard. I’m leaning more towards [name_f]Delilah[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Lilah[/name_f]) unless someone else has anymore delicate old-fashioned goodies for me. I was thinking [name_f]Darla[/name_f] as well, but fear it may be too plain.
[name_f]Edit[/name_f]: my story has nothing to do with Wonderland and isn’t fairytale themed at all
I love those kind of names, girly and sophisticated. [name_f]Alice[/name_f] is lovely I like it way better than [name_f]Delilah[/name_f]
What about:
[name_f]Sophie[/name_f]
[name_u]Hadley[/name_u]
Aeryn
Calea ([name_u]Cal[/name_u]-eea) or Caleia
[name_f]Elise[/name_f]
[name_f]Hope[/name_f]
[name_f]Constance[/name_f]
Clémence
[name_m]Ambrose[/name_m]
[name_f]Abigail[/name_f] (love this)
Some are long so you might want lo search for nn. I hope it helped
My philosophy in name main character is go with either a short and simple name or make sure the have a good nickname. I personally love [name_f]Alice[/name_f]. You could try using the Welsh spelling [name_f]Alys[/name_f] and see if that changes anything. I’m not gonna lie, [name_f]Delilah[/name_f] is not one of my favorite names. If you liked [name_f]Alice[/name_f] maybe you’d like [name_f]Elise[/name_f]. Its similar but doesn’t have the [name_f]Alice[/name_f] and Wonderland connection.