Does this ever happen to you?

Writers' Corner
1

It’s not that I can’t find a name for my character- I’ve found too many! I want to call her everything!

Her name keeps changing. Why not take a poll? Well, I don’t want to look like I’ve settled on a name only to rethink it again! Especially when I like all my options equally, or a new possibility occurs.

I’m not asking for specific help, just a general question, has anyone experienced this?

For the longest time I was certain character in question’s name. But then I realized her name didnt really fit the setting.

Now that I’ve gotten everyone used to her new name, I still keep thinking of possibilities! It’s like part of me doesn’t want to accept that she’s named, that it’s a done deal and I don’t really need to keep looking.

I can’t use the names for others because they’re just so… her and not so much like the other characters.

Sorry if I’m rambling! This has just been on my mind a lot.

2

Usually I go through and try to find a ton of names that would suit my character, and I usually find the one that fits. Though some times I can be torn between two different names, I often find that it’s a lot like naming a baby; once I find the one that’s it. I usually keep the other names I threw away to maybe use on other characters, but I never wanted to name a character ALL THE THINGS.

3

Yeah, I’ve experienced it a few times, but eventually one does stick out as the one.

4

I have a bad habit of changing names, like you mentioned. Like I pick out a name before the character is well established, and then something just doesn’t seem right, like it doesn’t fit the character completely, or it just doesn’t fit in the setting as well as I initially thought. My most recent character went through three name changes, because the initial name I chose for her just didn’t fit her that well, the second one didn’t fit that well either, and now I’ve found the third name and I love it.

It’s a real problem for newer characters, but once the character has been fully established in my head, I can usually commit to a name then.

5

I found the perfect name for my MC but the biggest problem would be whether my readers would like it. So far, Berries don’t seem to love it as much as I do :3

6

I always find my female characters the hardest to name. I can find male names in a heartbeat but when it comes to my leading ladies, I can’t choose one name.