[name_m]Hi[/name_m], guys, I need your help naming the antagonist of my story, because great villains are awesome and need awesome names.
The [name_u]Story[/name_u]: the story is (high?) fantasy, set in other world and at what would roughly be an equivalent of our European late 17th century.
The Character: He’s the main villain of the story. He comes from a race of immortal beings and is out for revenge on the human world after a series of tragic events happen. He’s extremely powerful, imposing, ancient, and the monarch of one of the two kingdoms around which the story revolves. He likes to play games, is unpredictable, very patient and has some fine, luxurious tastes (if that’s relevant). At some point in his life he was a hero and loved very deeply, but now he doesn’t let himself care; he’s become cold and cruel. Some other characters mention that he might not be entirely sane.
Names I’ve considered: Espererr (or Essperer), Olrod, Orvar, [name_m]Alvar[/name_m] and [name_m]Valdemar[/name_m] (This last is my favorite so far because it sounds like the name of a hero from old legends, but I’m worried it sounds too much like Voldemort? Is it just me?)
What do you think of these names? Can you suggest others? I’m looking for something that sounds imposing, but that doesn’t immediately scream “villain”.
Thanks beforehand. Anything you can contribute is appreciated.
Yeah, I agree that [name_m]Valdemar[/name_m] is both the best name out of that bunch, but I definitely think it sounds a bit too Voldemort. You could change up a few of the sounds to make it more different! Valsemar, Veldemere, Saldemar…play around, maybe you’ll find something you like?
Espererr sounds real awkward. Like, I get anemone (from Finding [name_m]Nemo[/name_m] lmao) vibes. Espererererer. I don’t really have much of an opinion on the others, though I do kinda like [name_m]Alvar[/name_m].
Hmm, you mentioned he was once a hero. Maybe look for more “heroic” names. Give him something like [name_m]Hercules[/name_m] (i mean, probably not literally [name_m]Hercules[/name_m]) give him a hero’s name! Maybe you’ll find you like those better, and he makes them villainous because he is a villain. Some villains are called Cruella de [name_m]Ville[/name_m]. But some are Mrs. [name_m]Lovett[/name_m]
I like Olrod and [name_m]Alvar[/name_m].
[name_m]Valdemar[/name_m] (or [name_m]Waldemar[/name_m]) would amke a cool name but I agree that it’s pretty close to Voldemort (although they have completely different origins.) Orvar reminds me of Ovaries and Espererr doesn’t really sound like a name.
Maybe you could mix them up? Esperod would make a nice name, or Espar, Valdor, [name_f]Alver[/name_f], Alverod?
I actually am really liking Espererr, but perhaps simplify the spelling and play around with it. Esperar maybe? Esperarr? Esperian… I think you’re on the right track with all your names, they all have serious potential. Keep playing around and good luck with your story.
I do agree that [name_m]Valdemar[/name_m] sounds cool but the first thing I thought was Voldemort, so I think that name may be a little too close, though I really like the suggestion of Valsemar and also Esperian rather than Espererr which is quite a mouthful.
I’m not great at finding the perfect villain name, and don’t really have any suggestions, so I hope you find the right one!
Update: and I recently found Ragnard/Regnard, [name_m]Adalard[/name_m], Elard/[name_m]Alard[/name_m]. I like Esperod and Esperian but the second sounds like a demonym. Maybe Esperan or Esperard? I really like [name_m]Valdemar[/name_m] though. It has everything I’m looking for this character’s name, but I don’t think I’ll use it for the aforementioned reasons. Maybe Valmar? Ugh, this is so frustrating… Thanks all for your help and insight.
