Help With a Character Name!

Writers' Corner
1

So, I’m writing a story in which flowers play a key part. There are three main characters, [name_u]Michael[/name_u], [name_f]Rosalind[/name_f], and a girl a haven’t got a name for yet. I really want [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], because that’s her grandmother’s name. Grandma [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] plays a key part in the story and was the main character in the short prequel, No More Are They. So I’d really like [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] because Unnamed Main Character’s father, [name_u]Jesse[/name_u], really loved his mother. I also mentioned how flowers play a key part in the story, and on another website I heard the nickname [name_f]Lily[/name_f] for [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] and I sort of freaked out.

My only concern would be that it would sound like I’m trying too hard. Alternative nicknames for [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] are welcome, but they must sound good with [name_u]Michael[/name_u] and [name_f]Rosalind[/name_f]. I’d also like your thoughts on [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] “[name_f]Lily[/name_f]” [name_m]Gilead[/name_m]-[name_m]Eryx[/name_m].

Thanks!

2

[name_m]Hi[/name_m]!

I like that you’re thinking so hard about your characters’ names. Sometimes people act like I’m crazy when I go back and forth between names for hours, days, and weeks, but names are important!

I do have one question: are the other main characters going by any nicknames? Because, just as an example, “[name_m]Mikey[/name_m], [name_f]Rosa[/name_f], and [name_f]Beth[/name_f]” might sound good together, but “[name_u]Michael[/name_u], [name_f]Rosalind[/name_f], and [name_f]Lizzy[/name_f]” might sound like two “grown-up” names and a “childish” one. (On the other hand, “[name_m]Mikey[/name_m], [name_f]Rosie[/name_f], and [name_f]Betty[/name_f]” would sound too similar, most likely.)
Also, would she always go by the nickname, or would she be “[name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f]” to strangers and “[nickname]” to family and close friends?

Here are some possible nicknames for [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] that I can think of:
[name_f]Liz[/name_f] (I know, the “obvious” choice)
[name_f]Lizzy[/name_f], or [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f]
[name_f]Eliza[/name_f] (if you wanted to further emphasize the grandmotherly connection)
[name_f]Liza[/name_f] (an homage that is more understated)
[name_f]Betty[/name_f]
[name_f]Betsy[/name_f]
[name_f]Beth[/name_f] (short, sweet, and simple)
[name_f]Bessie[/name_f]
[name_f]Bess[/name_f] (if “[name_f]Bessie[/name_f]” is a bit much)
[name_f]Bizzy[/name_f] (if it’s not too “busy” for your taste)
[name_f]Ellie[/name_f]
[name_f]El[/name_f]
[name_f]Elle[/name_f]
[name_f]Ella[/name_f]
[name_f]Elsie[/name_f]
[name_f]Elsa[/name_f]
[name_u]Lisa[/name_u]
[name_f]Libby[/name_f]
[name_f]Tibby[/name_f], Tib (I read a book when I was little called “[name_f]Betsy[/name_f] and [name_f]Tacy[/name_f] and Tib”)
Liddy

Also, if you wanted to give a bit more “naming backstory” (though that might still sound like you’re “trying too hard” like you said), here are a few more “[name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f]” variations:

[name_f]Lilibet[/name_f], or [name_f]Lilabet[/name_f], is a variation of [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f]. And “[name_f]Lily[/name_f]” (or [name_f]Lila[/name_f]) seems a logical nickname. Similar variant: [name_f]Lilibeth[/name_f].
If the character’s mother or father has roots in another country, then perhaps an international variation could be used?
International variations of [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] include [name_f]Elspeth[/name_f], [name_f]Elisabeth[/name_f], [name_f]Elisabetta[/name_f], [name_f]Babette[/name_f], and many more. I would try Behind the Name’s website for that. ( Names Related to the name Elizabeth - Behind the Name )

Also, the name “[name_f]Lillian[/name_f]” is commonly believed to have originated as a diminutive form of [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f].
[name_f]Isabella[/name_f]/[name_f]Isabelle[/name_f] (and all its spelling variations) is related as well.

Well, I can tell I’ve rambled too long by now. Good luck picking a nickname! And feel free to let us know when you do; I’m really curious. :slight_smile: