I pull street names. I once used the name from an old silent film. (Film credits are a good place for names as well.) Some parents come up with “interesting” names for their children, so I’ve “borrowed” a couple of those.
But sometimes I need a name (after a while, calling a character “that girl” or “the villain” gets cumbersome). I’ve found a couple good sites where I can look at lists and find something.
- I’m not sure why, but lately my go-to for names is Victorian Era Names. While some of these are well-known, quite a few I’ve never seen before, and I like that about them.
- Of course, there’s always the Social Security website. You can find the most popular names of last year or any year you wish to check.
I totally have this same problem! I hope somebody has some good suggestions...
ReplyDeleteCharity Bradford is like a name-savant. She's who I'm going to go to when I need a really good name.
ReplyDeleteAh, true...
DeleteLOL, I pull from street names, baby name books and my favorite hangout--Seventh Sanctum. I read their suggestions and combine them (or pieces of them) to form my own.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea.
DeleteBookmarking THAT site!
DeleteI have a huge book of names that lists by country of origin and includes surnames (very helpful). I also get names from old maps sometimes.
ReplyDeleteOooh, what book? I'd love a book like that.
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