coming up with character names fiction

You can start by looking at the character's personality. For example, if the character is brave, you could use names that have strong meanings like 'Valiant' or 'Braxton'. Another way is to consider the setting of the story. If it's a medieval fantasy, names like 'Aric' or 'Ella' might fit well. Also, you can mix and match different syllables that sound good together, such as 'Zoe' and 'ryn' to make 'Zoryn'.

Use strong and evocative words. Words like 'shadow', 'whisper', 'ember' can add mystery and allure to the name. For a horror story, 'The Whispering Shadows' would be a great name. You can also play with alliteration, like 'Peter's Perilous Path' or 'Sally's Secret Search'. It makes the name catchy. Additionally, think about the mood of the story. A sad story could have a name like 'The Weeping Willow's Tale' which gives a sense of melancholy right from the start.

One way is to use name generators online. There are many free ones that can give you a wide variety of names based on different cultures, time periods, and genders. Another option is to look at baby name books or websites. They often have meanings associated with the names which can be useful if you want the name to convey a certain trait. For example, if your character is strong, you might choose a name like Ethan which means 'strong' or 'firm'.

One way is to think about the mood or atmosphere you want to create. For example, if it's a spooky story, you could use names like 'Shadow Vale' or 'Gloomwood'. Another tip is to consider the geographical features. If there's a big mountain in the setting, you could name it 'Misty Peak'. Also, using local languages or made - up words can add uniqueness. For instance, 'Zephyria' which gives a sense of a breezy, otherworldly place.

Look at different cultures for inspiration. For example, in Norse mythology, there are many interesting names and concepts. You could use something like 'Ragnarok's Reverberations' if your story has elements of epic battles or end - of - the - world scenarios. Another idea is to use onomatopoeia. If your story has a lot of rushing water, 'The Gushing Rapids Adventure' could be a name.

You can start by looking at real - life people for inspiration. Notice their unique traits, names, and personalities. Also, consider different cultures and their naming traditions. For example, Irish names often have a lyrical quality. Another way is to combine words that have interesting meanings. For instance, 'Star' and 'Gazer' could make an interesting name for a dreamy character in a science - fiction story.

Mix up letters that don't usually go together in English, such as 'Mzpht'. This gives an instant sense of the name being from an alien culture. Also, use numbers in a creative way, like '7 - Vex' or 'Z3rox'. But make sure it still looks and sounds like a name.

Think about the character's personality, background, or the theme of your story. For example, if the character is brave, a name like 'Valor' could work. Or if the story is set in a fantasy world, names like 'Aurora' or 'Lumina' might fit. Sometimes, playing with syllables and sounds can lead to unique names too.

Base the name on the intended effect or side - effect of the drug. If the drug in your story causes hallucinations, you could name it 'Phantomix'. If it's supposed to boost energy, 'Energiact' could be a good name. You can also use names of mythological creatures or elements. 'Phoenixerol' if you want to imply that the drug has a regenerative effect like the phoenix.

Think about the character's backstory. If they were abandoned as a baby, you could give them a name that reflects that, like 'Orphan' but with a more fictional - sounding spin like 'Orphiana'. You can also combine elements from different languages. Say, take the French word for 'star' which is 'étoile' and combine it with an English suffix like 'étoileson' to create a truly one - of - a - kind name.