One simple method is to mash up two random words. Say, you pick 'cloud' and 'valley', and create 'Cloudvalley'. You can also use alliteration. For example, 'Sunny Shore' or 'Silent Stream'. Additionally, think about the mood or theme of your story. If it's a spooky story, you could come up with names like 'Shadow Grove' or 'Gloom Castle'. This way, the fake place names not only sound good but also fit the overall atmosphere of the story.
Firstly, the fake place name should be unique. Avoid using names that are too similar to real places or are common in other stories. For example, don't name your fictional town 'Springfield' if it's not a parody. Secondly, the name can be a tool for world - building. If your story has a magic system, a place like 'Mana Marsh' can help establish that magic exists in that area. Thirdly, you can use the name to foreshadow events. If a place is called 'Doom Dell', the reader might expect something bad to happen there.
You could also consider using names like Mia, Charlotte, and Amelia. These names have a certain charm and elegance that can add a touch of sophistication to the female characters in your story. For example, if your story is set in a posh society, Charlotte would be a perfect name for a refined young lady.
Some good fake country names for stories could be 'Avaloria'. It gives an impression of a magical and mysterious land. Another one is 'Zephyria', which sounds like a place full of gentle breezes and beautiful landscapes. 'Mysteria' is also great as it implies a land filled with secrets and the unknown.
Consider 'Glimmer Grove'. It sounds like a small, idyllic country full of twinkling lights and perhaps some kind of special grove that is important to the local culture. 'Frostpeak Dominion' might be a cold, mountainous country where the people have adapted to the harsh, icy climate. Their society could be based around survival in the cold and perhaps some kind of ice - related magic or resource. 'Mystic Moorlands' is also a great name. It implies a land full of fog - covered moors, with all kinds of strange and mysterious things lurking within, like ancient ruins or magical creatures.
You can choose place names for stories based on the theme. For example, if it's a fantasy story, you might pick names like 'Enchanted Grove' or 'Mystic Isle'.