I usually have no problem naming characters. I love picking first names, finding the names that fit the personalities and the vibes of the character; give them nicknames, create a set of names that even go together and have the perfect meanings…
HOWEVER, when it comes to surnames, I feel like I can never find the right one. One that is distinct enough, that has the right meaning or feels that fits in… [name_f]Do[/name_f] you know what I mean?
I have a few families I’m haunting surnames for. All powerful families with old lineages from around the world. I have specific visual associations for each but I can’t seem to find the right surname, so I thought maybe you could help me with your expertise.
Family #1: American family. [name_u]Southern[/name_u]. Maybe [name_f]Georgia[/name_f], [name_u]Tennessee[/name_u] or [name_u]Texas[/name_u] based. Horses. [name_m]Gold[/name_m]. First names are a mix or old classics (Ellen, Joseph) and gender neutrals and surnames (Blake). I was thinking a “C” surname? [name_m]Long[/name_m] surname?
Family #2: American family. [name_u]New[/name_u] [name_u]York[/name_u] based. Large family. Think Succession’s [name_u]Roy[/name_u] but messier. Bunch of cousins. Elegant. First names are simple classics that could be used by royalty (Think [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f], [name_f]Laura[/name_f], [name_u]James[/name_u], Max). Double word surname. The letters VK come to mind, but any good sounding combination would work.
Family #3: Italian family. Think rich old money south of [name_f]Italy[/name_f] family for first names (Francesco, [name_m]Edoardo[/name_m], [name_f]Vittoria[/name_f], [name_f]Alice[/name_f], Matilde). Think of a Italian luxurious villa. Olives and big dinner spreads in the garden. [name_u]Green[/name_u] and earthy tones. That’s kind of the vibe. Kind of want an Italian surname that is not too on the nose.
Family #4: [name_m]Swede[/name_m] family. Moved to [name_u]London[/name_u], UK. Think a bunch of blonde, blue eyed people with short names (Axel, [name_u]Liam[/name_u], [name_f]Astrid[/name_f], [name_m]Soren[/name_m], [name_m]Magnus[/name_m], Greta). Again, kinda want a Swedish surname that is not too on the nose, and that would sound good in [name_f]English[/name_f]. Some “L” last name? Snow-y vibes? Not sure.