What's in a name, anyway?
Names can go a long way. They can resonate with your readers. They can be catchy, sweet, harsh, memorable. Names are important.
Most memorable characters have names that you'll remember forever. Like Frodo. Or Jafar. Or Spongebob Squarepants.
....but it's pretty difficult to remember Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, a random small town in the middle of Wales. (And if you think THAT's bad, go to its Wikipedia Page and listen to the pronunciation.)
How does something like that even exist?!
Anyway, I really like to give my characters names that have meanings that reflect their personality, actions, or background. This isn't necessary, but it just helps me be more comfortable with the character. Same goes with naming geographic places, magical spells/events, and weapons as well.
Maybe that's just the historian in me nerding out over ancient and mythological names and meanings. But it's really fun! :D
I'd like to share some of the names of the characters or places within my story to give you an idea of what I'm talking about:
Characters:
- Azhar - Means "shining" or "bright in Arabic". (This actually isn't the greatest example because I also used it because I love the way it sounds. Which is important too! I didn't want a dissonant name like Tyrd or something.)
- Evandrus - Means "good man" in Greek/Roman. (I like the meaning AND the sound. :3 )
- Kav'eh - a spin off of a Persian name meaning "royal".
- K'eudas - Okay, THIS one I completely made up. There may be a similar name out there, but this just came into my head randomly. It fits his culture and mystery. It's great to make up your own names as well :)
Places:
Harr'Mattan - A very large spin off of the way "hot desert" sounds in Arabic. It isn't meant to accurately represent the language. Also, Mattan can mean "gift" in Hebrew. Interesting!
Sab'ah - Once again, a spin off of the way "seven" is pronounced in Arabic. It's the name of the kingdom that Azhar is from. I don't know why I named it seven, it's not like there are six others. You'll have to ask Azhar, I guess.
Fiorenzia - A place very obviously inspired by Firenze, or Florence. My absolute favorite place in the entire world :)
Kethyria - A name completely made up by me. I was just sitting down one day, really wanting to name a fantasy world without looking it up. And suddenly it came to me. :)
Guilds:
I came up with names to match the symbols from yesterday's post! Guild names, that is. I'm just playing around with them, so they may or may not stick.
Ameretat - Immortal.
Adrastos - Not inclined to run away.
Or'var - Arrow.
Cantarella - poison (A famous powder used during the Renaissance).
That's it for today. Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks for reading!
"There is no result in nature without a cause."
- Leonardo da Vinci
Book Working Title: Azhar, Prince of Red Fire
Day in Progress: 6
Words Achieved: 515
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