What's in a name?

Many a time I have found that when crafting a story, I get caught up in name choices.  Sometimes I’m familiar with the country and so names come easily but more often than not I choose countries I have not yet visited for settings and hence am unfamiliar with the names of that culture.

I believe names are very important, your character’s name must suit him/her otherwise it just won’t feel right.  A great deal of information is also conveyed through name choice, you can communicate religious affiliation, heritage, and sometimes a bit of personality through names.

I must share with you this wonderful tool for those who have not yet stumbled across it themselves.  There is a website; www.20000-names.com on which you can find lists of names and surnames from all over the world and from cultures past and present.  Most names come with meanings also which makes it a lot more interesting and informative.  I have made use of this website regularly and so if you’re stumped for a character’s name or you’re looking for a name for your baby take a look at this website.