As Shakespeare pointed out “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” When it comes to naming characters, does it matter what you name them?
Character names can help define the character. For example, J.K. Rowling named the Herbology Professor, Pomona Sprout. Pomona is the Roman goddess of fruitful abundance. Her name is Latin for “fruit” specifically orchard fruit. The last name “Sprout” of course has a gardening meaning. Pomona Sprout is a good example of the character’s name helping to define the character, before we even meet her.
In my first book based on “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” the main characters names were chosen specifically for the roles they play. In Porridge and Prejudice, Goldie Callahan is Goldilocks. Her last name means “Bright headed child” in Gaelic. The three bears are played by Max, Armel, and Theodore Behr. These brothers’ last name, Behr, means “bear” in German. Max’s name means “greatest.” Armel is a Celtic name meaning “Bear Prince.” Theodore was named after the most famous bear of all. The entire book he is either “Teddy” or “Theo.” Read their names and imagine their personality. My goal is that you are able to tell which one is papa, mama and baby bear just by their names.
Yes I spent a lot of time choosing those names. Naming your characters is a lot like naming children. I have to admit, I do more research naming my characters than I ever did naming my children.
The characters in Falling for Macie were named much like my children. The name Macie Eldridge came to me before I started writing. Her mannerisms, her looks, everything, arrived fully formed with her name. POOF! as suddenly as magic. Her roommate, Brittany, reminded me of one of my daughter’s roommates, so I named the character after her. Poor Ben and Xavier went through many name changes as I tried to find ones that fit their looks and personality. Ben didn’t even have a last name until I wrote the last scene. *Spoiler alert*.
As you read books keep in mind that authors love to leave Easter eggs and create double meanings. Some of those may be the names of their characters.
If you notice a connection, no matter how obscure, the author probably did it on purpose. It’s just how I feel about it. What do you think?