What’s in a Name? Seven Tips for Crafting Unforgettable Character Names

Few things are more important than giving your characters memorable names.

A great name can evoke emotions, suggest a character’s personality, hint at their background, or reflect the world they inhabit. It’s what makes “Daenerys Targaryen” sound every bit as fierce (and fantastical) as her dragons.

Some names, like Romeo, Sherlock, and Peter Pan have become so iconic that they’ve entered everyday vocabulary and become synonymous with romance, intelligence, or adventure.

Put simply: unforgettable names bring your characters to life.

So, get ready. Whether you’re writing a novel, a short story, or a screenplay—here’s how to create character names that will live forever in readers’ minds.

Tip #1: Understand Your Genre

The first thing to consider when naming your character is your story’s genre. A name that works perfectly in a fantasy setting might feel out of place in a contemporary romance or a gritty thriller.

For example, in fantasy, you might lean into unique, whimsical names like “Aragorn” or “Eowyn.” But what if you’re writing a thriller set in New York City? It’s 2 a.m. on the subway and—suddenly—Aragorn seems out of place.

In historical fiction, a name like “Elizabeth Bennet” (from Pride and Prejudice) fits seamlessly into the drawing rooms of the Regency period, while “Gandalf” (from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings) might raise a few eyebrows.

Always keep your genre in mind when naming characters because the name should complement the world you’re building.

Tip #2: Consider the Character’s Background

Another big factor is your character’s cultural or geographical background. Where are they from? What language do they speak?

Names are often tied to culture, so if your character is from a specific region or ethnic group, their name should reflect that.

For example, “Blanche DuBois” fits perfectly into the Southern Gothic setting of A Streetcar Named Desire, reflecting both the French cultural influence in the American South and the fragile, fading aristocracy that defines her character. Similarly, the name “Antoinette Cosway” (from Wide Sargasso Sea) reflects the mixed heritage of the protagonist and hints at her displacement between cultures, which is central to the novel’s overarching themes.

So if you’re writing a story set in medieval Japan, perhaps it makes sense to use traditional Japanese names like “Hiroshi” or “Aiko.”

On the flip side, if your story takes place in a futuristic sci-fi world, you might invent new names that reflect that world’s unique culture. Think of names like “Leia” or “Neo,” which feel perfectly suited to their respective universes.

Tip #3: Keep It Simple (Sometimes)

While unique names can be fun, there’s also something to be said for simplicity. A short, punchy name can be just as effective as a complex, multi-syllable one—sometimes even more so.

Consider names like “Katniss Everdeen” or “Harry Potter.” Simple, right? But still powerful and unforgettable. Or “Holden Caulfield” (from The Catcher in the Rye). This is a simple but distinctive name, allowing it to be memorable without being too ostentatious for the protagonist of a gritty coming-of-age story.

So, don’t feel like every character name needs to be overly complicated. Sometimes, less is more.

Tip #4: Pay Attention to Sound and Rhythm

The sound of a name can evoke a certain feeling or tone, and this can subtly influence how readers perceive your character. Names with hard consonants like “K” or “T” can sound strong or harsh, while names with soft vowels or consonants like “L” or “M” tend to feel gentle or melodic.

For instance, “Luna Lovegood” sounds whimsical and light, fitting her character perfectly, whereas “Victor Frankenstein” has a heavier, more intense vibe that suits his brooding nature.

One example from classic literature is “Scarlett O’Hara” (from Gone with the Wind), whose name has a dramatic flair that matches her fiery personality.

Make sure you think about how your characters’ names roll off the tongue. If it feels awkward to say, it might feel awkward for readers too.

Tip #5: Use Meaning—But Don’t Overdo It

Names that carry meaning can add depth to your story, but be careful not to make it too obvious or heavy-handed. For example, naming your villain “Darklord Evilstein” is probably too on the nose.

However, subtlety can go a long way. In The Great Gatsby, the name “Daisy Buchanan” subtly evokes the character’s outward charm and superficial nature. Similarly, in the Harry Potter series, “Hermione” is derived from Greek mythology, connecting Hermione Granger’s name subtly to wisdom and learning while reflecting the character’s bookish, intellectual nature.

A name that quietly hints at a character’s traits can make for a richer, more engaging story.

Tip #6: Mix Familiar With Unfamiliar

One great way to strike a balance is by mixing familiar and unfamiliar elements. This approach gives the name a sense of originality while keeping it grounded in something recognizable.

For example, take a common first name and pair it with an unusual or invented last name. Think of “Luke Skywalker” or “James T. Kirk.” Or the name “Paul Atreides” (from Dune), which combines a common first name with an unfamiliar, aristocratic-sounding surname.

The combination of a familiar first name with a unique last name can make the character’s name feel fresh without alienating readers.

Tip #7: Test for Longevity

Will this name still sound good after you’ve written it 100 times—or are you going to get sick of it? Some names that seem great at first might not have staying power as your story progresses.

If you’re unsure, try saying the name out loud several times, or write it into different sentences. This will help you gauge whether the name has the lasting impact you’re aiming for.

You might also want to try the name out in dialogue. If it feels forced after a short conversation between your characters, you can expect it to grate on your readers after 50,000 words.

Steve, Steve, wherefore art thou… Steve?

Naming your characters is one of the most important (and enjoyable) parts of the writing process. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a name that resonates with you and feels right for your story.

Whether you go for something simple and meaningful or create a name that’s totally unique, the perfect name will bring your characters to life—and make them unforgettable for readers.