Places to Find Names Editor: Dawn Embers 
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Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn
Back at writing the fantasy newsletter and this time I'm talking about names. Whether trying to find a creative option or something a little more mundane, there are different ways to come up with options. |
Fantasy names can be part of the fun but they can also be a challenge. They can be unique, something different or can have a special meaning depending on the story. However, they can also be problematic. Some people claim that fantasy names can be a little too weird or difficult at times. So, there lies the challenge. We sometimes want names that feel like they belong in a fantasy or science fiction story but also don't want to put off people or make things too hard on the reader. it can also be both fun and difficult during the writing process to come up with names. I don't know about you, but I have so many stories in a variety of genres, so there are times when I struggle to come up with a new name to use in a story. It's a little helpful when I get back into fantasy to try some different names. There are a few options too, when looking for a name.
Baby Books
A little traditional but it's still an option even in speculative fiction genres. There are what some might consider "normal" or like other fiction types names used within fantasy. Humans can have names like John or David, for example. Even an elf could be named Susan or something like that if you want. Plus, let's face it, some people use weird names in our lives. Older books could have some interesting names too that may have fallen out of popularity that could be useful. Newer books will have the ones that are a little more modern and there are modern fantasy tales, so that works too.
Name Generators
This is one that I've used a few times for fun but also in search of a name to use for a story. There are a variety of them online and many focus on fantasy, science fiction and other speculative fiction specific type of names. You can even select different types of characters like fae, elves, dwarves, and such. Or you can try to find specific to a culture or look for it to mean something in particular. Like if you wanted something that meant "snow" then you could get a name like Yuki. Can get 5 names as options or 20 names, depending on the generator. Quite a few options with this one.
Making things up
You can also create names on your own. Whatever you want that fits within your world and story, that's all up to you. That names really are up to the writer, so it's a matter of picking, finding or coming up with something in order to have a name for all of the different characters that come up in the story. If you prepare before writing, this could come up in the prep stage. Pantser, well you might make up a name right in the middle of writing a scene. Good luck with that.
Place Holders
If you are not certain on a name, you could pick something as a place holder. One time, during NaNoWriMo, I needed a name for an Earl or something similar. I took the word "name" and mixed it up while adding another letter. Ended up with the name Nmael. That name will probably get changed during the rewrite to something more not just using the word within it. Though... It might stay. Never know. Place holder names can be helpful when writing a first draft because you don't want to stop mid-stride and have to be searching around for a name. That could make you lose moment and the writing won't happen again for a while. The problem with this is that sometimes, if you have been using a name for a whole novel and for a long time, it becomes difficult to change. I have a couple of elves where, while I like the name Feynethom, the other one is call Daemahrath and I was planning to change that. However, now, that is all I can think of him as for the story. It stuck.
Names can be a challenge or they can be something easy/fun to research. It's all part of the process. Something that can be done in advance using different options for coming up with a name, or it can be done during the moment of writing a story. There are options for our genre and whether it's fun or frustrating, names are helpful when telling a story. Good luck finding names for yours. |
| | | The Convergence (13+) seven stars are being manipulated to form a weapon that should not have been possible |
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How do you find your fantasy or science fiction character names?
From my July newsletter, here are some comments about sidekicks:
Comment by Os is Heartbroken  :
A great newsletter and question, and one I definitely never thought about. Could be because I don't think in terms of sidekicks but now that I am thinking of some characters who ARE such items in my stories I realised I've completely disregarded what training or background they have or might need. Aside from the physical, I suspect many need strong mental strength and adaptability to deal with their leader!
Comment by Wannabe  :
The association of a fantasy character with an animal in tow makes the story. While the character can carry the story, the animal tends to be the star. Enjoyed your newsletter, lots of good points revealed.
Comment by BIG BAD WOLF isn't Left-Handed  :
The "Dragon Jousters" series by Mercedes Lackey has a scene in "Joust" where a young dragon is in the process of being trained to be ridden. It's interesting, as it's a new strategy, compared to the more traditional methods mentioned in the series.
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Fantasy: September 02, 2026 Issue [#13927]
