[name_f]Happy[/name_f] [name_m]New[/name_m] Year, everyone! I recently found an old story I started when I was a sophomore in high school and I still love the concept, even though I ultimately abandoned it after only a few months. I’m thinking about going back and tinkering with it off an on when I need a break from my main novel attempt. The only problem is that sophomore me picked some names that, while they aren’t terrible, aren’t my favorite, either.
The basic concept of the story is that seven couples are kidnapped from their homes and wake up together in a house with no windows and doors and no idea who put them there/how to get out. The fourteen people are the only characters and are all pretty much equally important, though they start disappearing from the house about halfway through, so some of them aren’t in the story as much as others.
I’m for sure keeping these names: [name_f]Shanna[/name_f], [name_f]Clara[/name_f], [name_m]Birch[/name_m], [name_f]Natalie[/name_f], [name_f]Kyla[/name_f], and [name_u]Ryan[/name_u]
I need names for these characters:
Main-ish girl character- She’s the closest thing to a main character the story has. She’s the only girl who’s not in a relationship. She works in a clothing store in a mall, she’s a bit of a hopeless romantic, and she’s really shy. She’s in her twenties and has brown hair. Originally she was named [name_f]Ella[/name_f], which I think fits her, but I used the name for the main character of another one of my stories, so now I need something new for her. I’m thinking [name_f]Nell[/name_f]? I want something short that feels “small” (I guess that’s how I’d describe it?). Something inconspicuous, because this character has spent most of her life staying on the sidelines.
Main-ish guy character- The counterpart of the main-ish girl character. He’s the only guy not in a relationship (though he doesn’t fall in love with the main girl; this isn’t really a love story, despite the prevalence of couples). He’s pretty quite and keeps to himself. He was raised by his grandparents because his parents died when he was young. He’s friendly, and will go out and get drinks with his friends (was in a fraternity in college) but his friends always get the feeling he’s not enjoying himself nearly as much as he lets on. He also prefers to stay out of the limelight, but will take charge if he thinks he needs to. Also in his twenties with dark brown almost black hair. Right now I think he works at a gym, but that’s subject to change. Originally his name was [name_m]Andrew[/name_m]. I don’t hate [name_m]Andrew[/name_m], I’m just not sure it’s right for the character. I think I want kind of an “every-man” name, so something timeless/popular?
[name_m]Guy[/name_m] 1- He’s an engineer, is super smart, but lacks common sense sometimes. He’s dating [name_f]Shanna[/name_f]. He’s got a huge heart, but doesn’t always express himself well. He’s kind of mousy looking, with glasses. He’d be described as “cute” but not “hot.” The best way I can describe him is by saying he’s kind of like [name_m]Eric[/name_m] [name_m]Beale[/name_m] on NCIS:LA or [name_m]Fitz[/name_m] on Agents of SHIELD, a stereotypical nerdy guy character. Original name for him was [name_u]Shane[/name_u] because I thought a couple named [name_u]Shane[/name_u] and [name_f]Shanna[/name_f] was really cute at the time, but in reality it’s confusing.
[name_m]Guy[/name_m] 2- This is the name I’m the most adamant about changing. Original name was [name_u]Jayden[/name_u]. I let my best friend name him because I was all out of guy’s names at the time. He’s loyal, kind, but stubborn. He and [name_f]Natalie[/name_f] are high school sweethearts. He was kind of a big shot in high school, was on the football team (but wasn’t the quarterback) and was also in a fraternity in college. I’m not sure exactly about his personality farther than this. I’d like a name that starts with a J, if at all possible.
[name_m]Guy[/name_m] 3- This guy has even less of a personality developed than [name_m]Guy[/name_m] 2. He’s dating [name_f]Kyla[/name_f]. He’d do anything for her (she’s really annoying and clingy, but it doesn’t bother [name_m]Guy[/name_m] 3 and he basically does everything for her). Currently his name is [name_m]Jonathon[/name_m]. I don’t hate it for the character, and I’ll probably keep it, but I’m open to suggestions if anyone has any.
[name_m]Guy[/name_m] 4- He’s really shy and gentlemanly. Think stereotypical southern gentleman. He always messes up when he’s trying to be romantic, but it always turns out better than he planned despite the mistakes. He’s kind of bumbly and awkward, but in a cute way. He works at a pet store (come to think of it, he’s a lot like a golden retriever). He’s dating Twin Girl 2. The name I have for him is [name_u]Michael[/name_u], and, like [name_m]Guy[/name_m] 3, I don’t hate it for the character, I’m just looking for some more options.
Twin Girl 1- Reddish-brown hair, green eyes. Basically, she’s gorgeous and she knows it. She’s dating [name_u]Ryan[/name_u]. She’s feisty and conceited, but if you can get past that, she’s really nice. She knows all the celebrity gossip and all the fashion trends. She works with Main Girl at the clothing store. The name I had for her was [name_f]AnnaLee[/name_f] (yes, with the capitalization). I like [name_f]Anna[/name_f]-something for her. Maybe [name_f]Annalee[/name_f]? Or [name_f]Annabelle[/name_f]? Maybe just [name_f]Anna[/name_f], I’m not sure. The problem is that I want it to go with her twin’s name.
Twin Girl 2- Her hair is more brown than her twin’s and wouldn’t really be called red (they’re fraternal) but she also has green eyes. She’s much more reserved than her twin, has a more conservative style, and hates the fact that she’s always told she she be more like Twin Girl 1. She’s dating [name_m]Guy[/name_m] 4. Her relationship with him has brought her out of her shell and done a lot for her self-esteem (she’s not insecure like Main Girl is, though their personalities are similar). She’s a high school English teacher. Her name was EmilyAnn (yes, again with the capitalization). I’m considering dropping the -[name_f]Ann[/name_f] and naming her [name_f]Emily[/name_f]. I feel like [name_f]Emily[/name_f] fits her, I just want it to fit with her twin’s. Any suggestions of names similar to [name_f]Emily[/name_f]? (What do you think about [name_f]Elaine[/name_f]/[name_f]Elaina[/name_f]?)
I know this is a lot to read. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Everyone on this forum is always so amazing and helpful. Thanks!