When a Name Becomes Cliche

Thanks for clicking on my little thread.

I was working on a novel, but I started hating it. I decided to completely rewrite it. So, I've taken a break from it for several months. Now I'm ready to return to it.

But one of the things I disliked about my story were the names of several characters. They were extremely cliche. My characters are supposed to be werewolves (yes, roll your eyes, but you'll find mine are quite different than Twilight's). They're names are so silly, they might as well walk around with signs that say "I AM A WEREWOLF -- RUN!"

Naturally, being a werewolf in this world isn't the greatest thing. In fact, it can get you killed. Going around with names like "Fang" or something just doesn't seem realistic. So said characters need a name change. Fast.

But this is an idea that has been floating in my head for several years -- I feel like I know these characters, and I can't imagine naming them something else. If you wrote a story about Stephen for years and years, you couldn't imagine calling him Evan, could you? It wouldn't even feel like the same character.

So, I guess what I'm asking is...
should I change my names?
should they stay as is?
any name suggestions?

Keep in mind this is a sort-of medieval, feudal fantasy world. So Emily or the like aren't the greatest suggestions.

Did that make any sense at all?

--Antigone

Did that make any sense at all?

It really does make sense! I absolutely know what you're talking about. I don't know, though. At first, I thought the answer to this was simple, but that was before you brought up the point about being used to the character's name. I suppose you have to ask yourself which is stronger: your pride/narcissism about making your characters' names not sound cliche and have some judgemental people rolling their eyes OR your attachment to the characters and their original names. If you really can't decide, why not try to consider multiple names in your head. As in, their names in the book might change, but you'll have a little nickname for them that makes sense with what you have now? Or try to expand their names from their current name into something that doesn't sound so obvious.

I haven't ever really run into this problem myself, so I suppose this is all I can offer, but GOOD LUCK! <3

-Hannah-

one possibility could be giving them a more proper name, but having all their werewolf buddies refer to them with the names you already have for them.

Say that their original names will be some sort of werewolf brotherhood name, but anyone else who is oblivious to the fact that they are werewolfs will call them by their proper name.

This way, you can keep them with the names you are attatched to, and now your characters can be attatched to their names too. The names would mean more than just a "hey, i'm a werewolf" sign.

Just a suggestion

-Lauren

This is kind of pragmatic, but if you really want to change the names but just can't write with the new names, you could write the stories with the original names, then Find/Replace new ones in. There probably wouldn't be too many practical challenges in that, if you're planning to have it published, that way readers would see the "improved" names but you could still think of them by the original names.

That stinks when that happens. I have a character called the Raven and I'd really love to be able to change it but I can't because she's been called that for years.

Unless you really grit your teeth and change it, I don't see how you can. *not helpful*

I agree with Lauren on that front. You can still call him his original name in the prose, but to everybody he talks to he's somebody else. Almost like a split-personality thing. Or, when he's human, you call him one name, and when he's a werewolf, you call him another.

~Rosey

I like that idea, Lauren and Rosey!
Anyother suggestions?

Thanks to all who have helped!

--Antigone

Things to remember while picking names...

SETTING
You should probably research the setting they're in.

If they're Native American (like Quil or Embry from the 'Twilight' series) or Russian or Icelandic, you need to have a basis for your names. And the heritage of the characters is a good place to start. If they're in American and they're all American faceless boys/girls, throw in the smoking Russian-cursing grandmother or the shaman from the Cherokee tribe, so that you can at least get a sense of identity and basis on a character's names.

One example of names not being researched thoroughly is Isabella Swan in 'Twilight' (I'm using 'Twilight' 'cause it's good for DO NOT DO examples. ) Isabella Swan seems very Euro, doesn't it? If it isn't Italian, it's at least "regal British". And it would've made the character interesting...or maybe not. Depends on your presentation.

This may not have been necessary for the female person, since Meyer fixated so completely on Edward Cullen (although now, I do wonder how the HECK the name was came up with...basis, my dear!)


PARENTS

Shia LaBeouf is not a very original name, is it? The actor said himself that the father "was a wild cat" and that his mom was a hippie. The parents themselves can influence the naming of the baby (erm, I mean, the character. Heh...) when it's in delveopment.

Some examples:
-Wednesday Addams from "The Addams Family" (Very wild, black-humor family)
-Chris from "Family Guy" (All-American)
-Echo from "Dollhouse" (Sci-fi)
-Grissom from "CSI: Las Vegas" (An interesting name, in general)


PERSONALITY

If the character is gay, try a slightly androgyous name like Chris(tina) or Dan(ielle)

You get the idea. *stops rambling*

I think if you do not want to steer completely away from the name, but want to change it from it being too obvious, you should do research and look for names that may mean the word "Fang," or something dark sounding. My name is Kiara, which means "Small and dark," so that would fit well for a short, pessimistic or girl, right?