TnT: Naming Characters

[pipisafoat]

I'm the kind of person who has to name the things around me, the things I use a lot. I also tend to use names that, um, aren't exactly normal. For example, my old computer was named Kaidon. I have various externals & the like named things like Jzaenya, Kalenye, and Evyenic (though this one is, apparently, spelled with Greek letters. Did I mention I don't speak Greek?). However, most of the time when I'm writing original characters, I give them pretty run-of-the-mill names. Sammy, Jessica, Jake, Brian....

How do you name your characters? Strange or common names, after someone you know, research into the meaning behind the names?

(Also, don't forget about submissions for the current challenge contest.)

Comments

[so_wordy]

The names I choose aren't usually too uncommon, but I don't like them to be run of the mill either. Most importantly, they have to "feel right" for the character.

After I name a character, I'll research it over at here. It's scary how much the planned character's personality matches the description sometimes.

Some examples of character names are: Dee, Maiya, Hailey, Roman, Marguerite, Alphonse. But, if the character has history (like in a Malakhim/angel story I have going on), there has to be a meaning behind the name. (i.e., Eluzai = warrior of God & Lysanias = that drives away sorrow).

Research is always a good thing. :)