Earl or Merle

[name_m]Earl[/name_m] or [name_u]Merle[/name_u] for a male character?
He’s the main character and is quite the pessimist but obviously undergoes character development to become more confident.

He’s also got a sister who’s older more stern. She’s a self-made woman and is his main carer since their parents aren’t around.
Any suggestions on her name would be appreciated.

[name_m]Don[/name_m]'t do merle.

I’m an Australian [name_m]Shepherd[/name_m] owner and all I think of is the coat pattern lol.

[name_u]Merle[/name_u] is an old lady name where I’m from. So I’d default to [name_m]Earl[/name_m] .

I may be the odd one out here but for this character I’d go with [name_u]Merle[/name_u].

[name_u]Merle[/name_u] makes me think of [name_m]Merlin[/name_m]–very magical and wizardy.

I prefer [name_m]Earl[/name_m]! A sister to [name_m]Earl[/name_m]…[name_f]Daphne[/name_f], [name_f]Bronwyn[/name_f], [name_f]Winifred[/name_f], [name_f]Iris[/name_f], [name_f]Greta[/name_f].