What’s in a Name?

A famous line from William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet goes as follows: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” The implication is that the name does not matter.

But I’ll tell you a little secret.

In the book-writing world, names do matter a great deal. Most authors I know spend an excessive amount of time fretting over the names of characters and places. Don’t even get me going about how much effort goes into the title of books.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some names arrive gift-wrapped and ready to go without much thought. And I’m sure certain authors don’t even pause in their writing when deciding on a new moniker for someone or something in their plot.

But I, for one, give it a lot of consideration. In a fantasy-created world, names are essential to setting the mood for a place, a race of people, or names of individuals. A balance must be struck between unique names and familiar ones.

Consider a few of my names for individuals: Damek, Quintia, and Bevon of the Astari; Queen A’Lenora, Fendor’il, and Ja’LKrill of the Valnorians; Tess, Rae, and Bryson of the human village of Haven; and my main characters, which include Philip Matherson and Cassie McKenzie.

Otherworldly names of places are especially significant. Consider The Raised Isles of Loralee, home of the Astari race; Dal Tan, home of the Stonewraith race; and Haven, home of the humans.

I write about The Lost Race of the Draas. Allerholm is the original dwelling place of the Nizaem race. And I call a fascinating character The Oakenrill.

And, of course, the title of the series: The Story of Elthea’s Realm.

I could continue (I have many other unique names), but you get the point. Names of people or places evoke a certain feel. An author can say a lot with a vivid or unique name.

I’m currently trying to come up with new and interesting names to use in book 5 of the series. You’ll have to wait until that’s published to see what I dreamed up. Meanwhile, if you have distinctive names for otherworldly people or places, please send them along.

Until next time, have a great day.

John