User blog:DragonBladeJutsu/DragonBladeJutsu'sBlog: Making a Believable Character: The Name Game

So here's a topic you don't see in a guide everyday and a topic many people don't really think is important, names. Some people just slap down the first name that comes into their head and call it a day, but in reality names matter.

Finding Names
Where do you find good names? Baby name books are a great place to start. If you're writing for fan fiction, like the Naruto fan fictions you will find here, try looking for a baby name book with names listed under sections for certain countries.

Since Naruto is Japanese based good websites would be behindthename.com and parentsconnect.com. Just make sure you click the Japanese names.

Meanings
Now for the fun stuff! A good name should have a meaning that matches its character. This can be something that they resemble or represent. So some examples would be my character Hotaru. Hotaru's name means firefly which is a creature she loves. She can speak to them and ask them to do favors. Also her bubbly personality and twinkly eyes sort of replicate fireflies in a way.

Another example would be my twins, Kurai and Mitsumi. Kurai, meaning shadow, is very twisted and sick minded. He is moody and psychotic and can only be described as darkness. Mitsumi's name means beautiful light, and to her friends she is indeed a light. She is the exact opposite of Kurai. She may not be bubbly or bright but she is indeed a light.

A Naruto example would be Sakura. Sakura's name means cherry blossom. A cherry blossom just sits on a tree doing nothing. Sakura does the same thing in various places.

Finding a fit
Names are like shoes. Not the girl sense that you can never have to many, but in the way they have to be tried and tested. Write a short paragraph about the character doing something that fits their personality. Maybe training or painting, something that describes your characters. I often use a painstaking choice or scene that really reveals a person's character. Now create a list of names you liked. Now use each name in the paragraph until you find one that fits. Take your time so you find the right one. You'll know it when you see it.

Sounding it out
Another factor is the sound and feel of the name on the tongue. I am going to refer back to my character Hotaru. Hotaru's name feels good on the tongue, natural, smooth. Sound names out to make sure they sound okay. Names that are brash like ones with harsh sounds should not be used for someone who is gentle and vice versa.

Getting Desperate?
Go to chat and get some opinions on a few names! The chat is full of wonderful people* who are happy to help out.

Peace! DragonBladeJutsu (talk)
 * With some exceptions…