I Feel Like I'm Overthinking or Second Guessing Myself? Naming Characters?

Writers' Corner
1

I feel like I’m overthinking it or second guessing myself when naming my characters. [name_f]My[/name_f] protagonist was born in the 1990’s. I love old-fashioned, traditional names like [name_u]Ruby[/name_u] [name_u]Jo[/name_u] for example. [name_u]Or[/name_u] should I choose a name that was popular in that time period like [name_f]Sarah[/name_f], [name_f]Amanda[/name_f], [name_f]Jessica[/name_f], etc? I want a name that is meaningful and fits my character. I don’t want to confuse my readers when they read my novel

2

If [name_u]Ruby[/name_u] [name_u]Jo[/name_u] feels right and that’s what clicks as her name, then I think it would be fine to use it. If you’re worried about readers getting confused as to when the book takes place, just make sure to state the date several times throughout (example: the date could be seen on tv, in a journal, perhaps the character checks her calendar, etc.). I don’t think readers will be confused.

Also, I’ve got to say, I love [name_u]Ruby[/name_u] [name_u]Jo[/name_u]. It feels like it could fit in any time period to me🙂.

1 Like
3

I agree, I think [name_u]Ruby[/name_u] [name_u]Jo[/name_u] is very vintage classic and could definitely work in the 90s!

1 Like
4

I like [name_u]Ruby[/name_u] [name_u]Jo[/name_u], but the name is your choice. You should use whatever name best suits you. You have to write and rewrite and edit and write more for this story, there is no use picking a name you don’t like.

For name meanings, you can just search ‘name that means…’.

1 Like