Name for abuse survivor

Writers' Corner
1

Hey all, so I’m writing a novel and the MC is a victim of domestic abuse. The whole story is focused on her overcoming it and returning to her true self after going through all those awful things, and for the life of me I cannot find a name I feel is appropriate/worthy of her. She’s tough and stubborn and even after everything her former partner put her through, after some time rebuilding herself, her friends start to see the light in her again.

The name has to have a strong meaning (preferably something with strength/resurrection) and I also kinda of want something that is short or can be shortened to a nn because it fits her personality a bit more, but I’m open to all suggestions.

It’s technically a romance novel (?) because she has a love interest, named Pete, but really hard to classify it as that. Her two best friends are also named Theo and Simon (**still debating on this one though, want something meaning listener/calm/optimistic/kind). Her former abuser is Wilson. Her two female friends are currently nameless. If possible I’d like to avoid names with the same first letters (no Pete & Persephone, or Theo & Teagan, or Selena & Simon). Not really sure why but I just think it works better, unless the name is just like terribly perfect.

What I had actually been stuck on for a few weeks and really loving was [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f], nn to [name_f]Tasia[/name_f]/Taz, until my friend reminded me that was the MC from 50 Shades… :frowning:

Thank you in advance! Can’t wait to see what you all come up with… :slight_smile:

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Here are some suggestions with powerful meanings:

[name_f]Audra[/name_f], [name_f]Audrey[/name_f]- means strong or powerful. Some nn options include [name_f]Ree[/name_f], [name_f]Rea[/name_f], or maybe even [name_u]Rae[/name_u]. [name_u]Rae[/name_u] on its own may be a contender because it has connections to light- this might fit your character’s journey to happiness and acceptance well!
My favourite combo here is [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] nn [name_u]Rae[/name_u]. You may also like [name_u]Aubrey[/name_u]. The A-beginning reminds me of [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f].

If not, how about [name_f]Briana[/name_f]/[name_f]Brianna[/name_f]/[name_f]Breanna[/name_f] and family? The name means strong and honourable. It has an “ana” sound like [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f], and can be shortened to the spunky [name_f]Bri[/name_f] or [name_f]Bria[/name_f]! [name_f]Briony[/name_f] may also fit the bill.

[name_f]Bridget[/name_f]- this is an Irish name meaning strength. It sounds strong, fierce and feisty- the kind of girl who is capable and strong-willed, like your character! You might like [name_f]Etta[/name_f] as a nn, or stretch the name to [name_f]Bria[/name_f] or [name_f]Bri[/name_f] again.

[name_f]Matilda[/name_f]- meaning mighty. This one is nn rich, with shortened versions including [name_u]Mat[/name_u], [name_u]Mattie[/name_u], [name_f]Tilda[/name_f], [name_f]Tilly[/name_f], [name_f]Millie[/name_f] (which may be another good one as it means strong) and [name_f]Maya[/name_f].

[name_f]Chiara[/name_f]- this Italian inspired name means light, something your character is striving towards. It sounds powerful, brave and determined, as well as having nickname bonuses [name_f]Cara[/name_f] or [name_f]Kiki[/name_f].

Finally, I suggest [name_f]Victoria[/name_f]. As well as having plenty of nn options ([name_u]Vic[/name_u], [name_f]Viva[/name_f], [name_f]Vivi[/name_f], [name_f]Tori[/name_f], [name_f]Tory[/name_f]) it has a brave, honourable meaning and a dignified and powerful sound. I like [name_f]Viva[/name_f] best as a nickname because it reminds me of “vivid.” Your character is strong, bright, memorable and most definitely vivid!

Good luck!

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[name_f]Adira[/name_f]
[name_f]Alcina[/name_f] nn [name_f]Alcie[/name_f] or [name_f]Cia[/name_f]
[name_f]Drusilla[/name_f] nn [name_u]Dru[/name_u]
[name_f]Valencia[/name_f] nn [name_u]Val[/name_u] or [name_f]Vali[/name_f]
[name_f]Ailana[/name_f] nn Aila
[name_f]Elaina[/name_f] nn [name_u]Laine[/name_u]
[name_f]Helena[/name_f] nn [name_f]Lena[/name_f]
[name_f]Lucia[/name_f]/[name_f]Luciana[/name_f]/[name_f]Lucille[/name_f] nn [name_f]Lucy[/name_f]
[name_f]Renata[/name_f] nn [name_u]Rene[/name_u]
[name_f]Leona[/name_f] nn [name_m]Leo[/name_m]
[name_u]Alexis[/name_u]/[name_f]Alexandra[/name_f] nn [name_u]Alex[/name_u] or [name_u]Lexie[/name_u] or [name_f]Alexa[/name_f]
[name_f]Louisa[/name_f] nn [name_u]Lou[/name_u]
[name_f]Athena[/name_f] (not sure of a nickname but it’s a good name for a fighter)

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Suggestions:

[name_f]Raine[/name_f] - In Teutonic the meaning of the name [name_f]Raine[/name_f] is: Strong.
[name_f]Nina[/name_f] - Meaning strong and powerful
Edria - Meaning mighty
[name_f]Mahalia[/name_f] - Means powerful

Names with other meanings:
[name_f]Natalie[/name_f] - Means born on [name_u]Christmas[/name_u] day
[name_f]Frances[/name_f] - Means free one
[name_f]Blythe[/name_f] - Meaning Joyous

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[name_u]Rue[/name_u]. It just popped into mind, really, but it sounds fierce in the way [name_f]Mae[/name_f] does as a first name. And the meaning will match: regret.