Which name do you like better?
This is for a fictional character: 23 y|o female, extremely intelligent (has a masters degree in counseling, is in a Ph.D program). Very loving, compassionate, and genuine. Has a significant trauma history. Can be irritable and moody due to this. Very beautiful, though seems to not be aware. Is an odd mix of happy go lucky and a need for control. [name_f]Barely[/name_f] has an identity outside of being a student and counselor.
[name_f]Catriona[/name_f] ([name_f]Katrina[/name_f]) “[name_f]Cat[/name_f]”, “[name_f]Trina[/name_f]”
[name_f]Zoey[/name_f] “[name_m]Zo[/name_m]”, “Z”
[name_f]Sadie[/name_f] “[name_f]Sade[/name_f]”
[name_f]Jordana[/name_f] “Jord”, “[name_m]Jordy[/name_m]”, “[name_u]Jay[/name_u]”
[name_f]Adrienne[/name_f] “Adri”, “Aid”
[name_f]Kylie[/name_f] “[name_m]Ky[/name_m]”, “Kyles”
[name_f]October[/name_f] “[name_u]Toby[/name_u]”
[name_f]TIA[/name_f]!!
I think [name_f]Catrina[/name_f] fits well with the description.
I think [name_f]Sadie[/name_f] fits the best.
I think the [name_f]Catriona[/name_f] spelling is beautiful, but I would only use it if the character has an Irish or Scottish background. I think I prefer the [name_f]Katrina[/name_f] spelling by a smidge anyway.
[name_f]Adrienne[/name_f] is my second pick.
Maybe this is just my experience, but I’ve had a few conversations with women in academia (one of my internships shares an office space with several Ph.D. students/candidates) and there are still an a lot of unspoken expectations for women. I wouldn’t be surprised if women with unusual ([name_f]October[/name_f]) or “little girly” ([name_f]Sadie[/name_f], [name_f]Kylie[/name_f], arguably [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]/[name_f]Zoey[/name_f]) names or quirky nicknames face additional bias, aren’t taken seriously, etc. I’m not saying don’t use those names, but it might be worth considering how those names/nicknames impact her professionally!
I know this isn’t an option, but how about [name_m]Troy[/name_m]? I agree with the pp about how ‘girly’ names can impact women in the academic field, and I think that’s an interesting point to address. I recently met a professor named [name_m]Troy[/name_m], and seeing her name on paper, I automatically assumed she was a man. I’m not sure if she picked a masculine nickname for that reason. I have to admit she’s very intimidating and intense, but it’s also a good thing - she doesn’t take shit from anyone. She’s incredibly intelligent, and is in the psychology field as well, so I automatically thought of her.