Naming one character, need opinions on a second one

Writers' Corner
1

Hey everyone! I’m pretty sure I’ve got the names covered for the other important characters in this story, but there’s one whose name is eluding me and one who I’ve named but would like opinions on. You don’t have to comment on both- I’ll be grateful for any suggestions/opinions!

The genre is fantasy, but it hasn’t really affected the names a ton. Basically, whatever you think fits the character best is what I’d love suggestions for, as the environment isn’t all that important when it comes to naming.

Character 1- currently nameless (about 7 years old)

Here’s what makes naming him so tricky- I have a personality in mind, but appearance will probably be based on my perception of the name I end up choosing.

He lives in his world’s equivalent of an orphanage, and I don’t plan for anything about his parents to be relevant to the story, so I’m equally useless at providing guidelines for naming him in that respect.
He’s a serious, quiet child, and doesn’t really have any sense of humor when he’s first introduced. Low key anxious in most situations. He’s very loyal to the other main characters, and in my writer’s mind I envision this to be a lifelong trait, not just a child sticking close to the people he knows. He’ll prove to be surprisingly clear-headed in a crisis and will discover not long after he’s introduced that he has an astonishing capacity for creating illusions.

Ugh, sorry for the lack of helpful info there, but for me so much of a character is in their name!

Character 2- [name_f]Mirabel[/name_f] (17 years old)

Her parents own a small shop which she supervises most of the time. She’s a carefree sort, with a lazy speech pattern. She tends to use a rather limited vocabulary. She’s not unkind, but she doesn’t have great sensitivity as to the best time to bring certain subjects up. I don’t use the term shapeshifter in the story, but that’s what she is. She’s street smart but not so book smart. She doesn’t deliberately disobey her parents, but often completely forgets about the rules or assumes they don’t apply to a situation and ends up getting in minor trouble or upsetting someone.

What do you think of [name_f]Mirabel[/name_f] for this character? I think it fits pretty well but am open to more suggestions.

Sorry if this was too much info, and if it wasn’t enough feel free to ask for more. Thanks!

2

I prefer the [name_f]Mirabelle[/name_f] spelling but it’s up to you. For the boy here are my ideas.

[name_u]August[/name_u]- You might think it’s too bubbly so [name_u]Gus[/name_u] is a more serious nn.
[name_m]Callum[/name_m]- I don’t know why I like it, I just do. NN [name_u]Cal[/name_u] is cool too.
[name_u]Roy[/name_u]
[name_m]Rupert[/name_m]
[name_m]Ron[/name_m]
[name_m]Harry[/name_m]

[name_m]Callum[/name_m] is my favorite! If you wouldn’t mind could you give me advice on my thread about a superhero name? Thank you!

3

Thanks! I like the options of [name_m]Callum[/name_m] and [name_m]Rupert[/name_m]. I’m not fantastic with superhero names but I’ll check out your thread.

4

[name_m]Lucian[/name_m] came to mind first, but I also feel like [name_m]Archibald[/name_m], [name_u]Tiernan[/name_u], [name_m]Bertram[/name_m] or [name_m]Percival[/name_m] might be a good fit.

By the sounds of it [name_f]Mirabel[/name_f] suits your character well but I do have the suggestion of [name_f]Sybil[/name_f]!

5

Thank you! I really like the suggestions of [name_m]Lucian[/name_m] and [name_u]Tiernan[/name_u].

And I’m glad you think [name_f]Mirabel[/name_f] fits! I could totally picture her as a [name_f]Sybil[/name_f], too.

6

Thank you both so much for your help! With your suggestions in mind I’ve compiled a list of considerations. I may start a poll later. Please let me know what you think!

[name_m]Rupert[/name_m]
[name_m]Lucian[/name_m]
[name_m]Rufus[/name_m]
[name_m]Ezra[/name_m]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u]
[name_m]Hugo[/name_m]
[name_m]Simeon[/name_m]

7

I love [name_m]Lucian[/name_m] and [name_m]Ezra[/name_m]!

8

I love [name_m]Hugo[/name_m]!! That was one name that came to mind when I read your description of him. I also have a big soft spot for [name_m]Rupert[/name_m], as one of my characters has that name as well. You may also want to consider NN Roo if you do go the [name_m]Rupert[/name_m] direction. It may not have the right feel you want for your character, but I think it’s so cute! Good luck on the naming journey :slight_smile:

9

Thanks @thenovelist123 and @mckennafussell!

I think I have it narrowed down to those four now: [name_m]Ezra[/name_m], [name_m]Hugo[/name_m], [name_m]Lucian[/name_m], and [name_m]Rupert[/name_m]. I’ll try them out individually in a few scenes and see which one clicks.

Thank you again!