You’ve got your story. The plot is developing nicely. Perhaps you even have an idea of how it’s all going to end. But your characters? They’re still sporting placeholder names like Hero1 and VillainX. Sound familiar? Naming fictional characters may seem like a small detail, but the right name can shape how audiences view them before they even say a word. A good name sets the tone, fits the genre, and sticks in your reader’s mind long after the final page. A bad one? It can feel cheesy, forced, or suck readers right out of the story. So, how do you come up with characters that feel authentic and original, without sounding cringey or over-the-top? Today at What We Writing, we’re exploring practical tips on how to name fictional characters, common traps to avoid, and how to ensure your names actually work.
Why Character Names Matter
Ever wondered why some characters linger with you long after you’ve closed a book? Often, it starts with their name.
A well-chosen name does more than identify a character – it sets the tone, suggests personality, and even hints at the world they live in. A name such as Atticus Finch evokes quiet strength and dignity, while Bellatrix Lestrange instantly feels chaotic and dark. Whether you’re writing fantasy, historical fiction, or contemporary romance, names can signal genre and theme within a single word.
On the flip side, a poorly chosen or cheesy name can break immersion fast. If a villain’s name is too obvious or a love interest’s name feels too cliche, it runs the risk of pulling readers out of a story. At worst, it can make characters feel more like parodies than real people.
In short, character names matter – and getting them right can elevate your whole story.
Common Mistakes That Lead To Cheesy Character Names
Even veteran authors can fall into the trap of cheesy character names. If you’ve ever cringed at something you’ve named on a first draft, you’re far from alone. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when it comes to naming your fictional characters.
1. Overusing Apostrophes or Made-Up Letters
This one crops up a lot in fantasy and sci-fi. Names like X’Tharqz or Ka’lendra can look cool at first glance, but too many apostrophes or invented letter combos can confuse readers and disrupt the flow. Unique doesn’t have to mean unreadable – if your reader can’t pronounce it in their head, it may be time to simplify.
2. Too On-the-Nose
Christening your charming heartthrob Chad McDreamy or your villain Sinister Black may seem clever, but it often feels lazy or cliche. Avoid character names that spell out their entire personality or role too directly – readers appreciate subtlety and depth. Let the characters show who they are.
3. Overly Complex or Hard-to-Pronounce Names
If your character’s name requires a pronunciation guide or multiple re-reads, it might be working against you. This doesn’t mean all names have to be simple – just readable and memorable. Try saying your names out loud. If you trip over them, it might be a sign that they are too complicated.
4. Repetition of Popular Tropes
Using names that echo well-known characters (Arya, Luna, Jace, Damon) can make your story feel unoriginal, especially if you’re writing in the same genre. Unless you’re subverting a trope on purpose, try to avoid names that are overused in YA, fantasy, or romance fiction.
Avoiding these pitfalls can help you steer clear of cliche character names and ensure your cast stands out for all the right reasons.
How To Come Up With Character Names That Actually Work
Naming your characters doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. These practical tips will help you choose names that suit your story, resonate with readers, and avoid sounding cheesy.
1. Think About Genre Expectations
Different genres carry different naming conventions. A character named Zephyrion Darkflame might fly in high fantasy, but in a contemporary romance novel, it’s going to look strange. In historical fiction, names should be era-appropriate, while sci-fi allows for a little more invention, just not at the cost of clarity. Know your genre, and it guides your decisions.
2. Use Baby Name Sites… Creatively
Baby name websites are a goldmine for writers. You can filter by origin, meaning, popularity by decade, and even mood. Try searching for names by theme or symbolism (e.g. names that mean “rebirth” or “storm”) to add a subtle layer of meaning to your character’s identity.
3. Match the Name to Personality – Subtly
Instead of giving your brooding villain a name like Doom Blackthorn, think more about the subtle cues you can sprinkle in. A calm, grounded character might have a solid, timeless name such as Eleanor, while a rebellious teenager might suit something punchier like Roxy. Just don’t over-explain here. Allow the character’s behaviour to reveal who they are.
4. Check Cultural and Linguistic Roots
Be mindful of where characters come from, especially if you’re pulling inspiration from real-world cultures. A name should feel authentic, not appropriated or mismatched. It’s worth double-checking meanings, spellings, and how names are typically used within a specific culture or language.
5. Say It Out Loud (Seriously)
You’ll be writing this name hundreds of times – your reader will be reading it just as often. Say it out loud. Does it sound smooth? Clunky? Embarrassing? Sometimes what looks good on paper doesn’t roll off the tongue. Bonus: Hearing it aloud helps catch unintentional rhymes or awkward rhythms.
6. Avoid Unintentional References
Always Google the name you’re thinking of. You don’t want to accidentally name your noble hero after a controversial public figure – or your gentle romantic MC after a character in a slasher movie. It happens more often than you think. A quick search can save you a lot of awkwardness later on.
7. Create Meaning Through Symbolism (If It Fits)
You don’t have to go full allegory (Faith, Hope, Charity), but choosing a name with a meaningful origin can add quiet depth. A name that ties to your character’s arc, background, or future can be a satisfying detail, especially if readers pick up on it over time.
Character Name Generators: Yes Or No?
When you’re stuck staring at a blinking cursor and every name sounds wrong, a character name generator can feel like a lifesaver. But, are they actually useful for writers, or just random noise?
The pros:
Character name generators can spark inspiration, break creative blocks, and help you explore names outside your usual go-to style. They’re especially helpful when you need a placeholder fast or want names that match a specific culture, genre or vibe.
The cons:
They also have a tendency to churn out names that feel flat, too generic, or entirely disconnected from your story world. Relying too heavily on them may lead to characters that feel artificial or inconsistent with your tone.
Our take:
Use generators as a jumping-off point – not the final answer. Even if you don’t keep the suggested name, they may just trigger the right idea.
3 Useful Character Name Generators For Writers
- Fantasy Name Generators – Covers everything from elves to detectives to dystopian rebels. Great for genre writers.
- Reedsy Name Generator – Filter by genre, nationality, and archetype. Very user-friendly and practical.
- Behind the Name Generator – Offers real-world name origins and meanings, ideal for grounded or historical fiction.
Using a character name generator for writers doesn’t mean giving up control – it’s just another tool in your creative arsenal.
Final Tips: How To Name Your Fictional Characters Without The Cringe
Before you commit your character names to the final draft, run through this quick list of do’s and don’ts to make sure they’re working for – not against – your story.
Do:
- Say the name out loud to check flow and rhythm.
- Consider genre conventions.
- Use name meanings or symbolism to deepen character arcs.
- Research cultural accuracy and origin.
- Make sure names are easy to remember and spell correctly.
- Test the name in dialogue to see if it feels natural.
- Google the name to avoid unintentional associations.
Don’t:
- Overuse apostrophes, symbols, or unreadable fantasy spellings.
- Pick names that are too on-the-nose (e.g. “Grim Dark” the villain).
- Rely entirely on character name generators without tweaking.
- Recycle trending names unless you’re subverting them.
- Choose names that rhyme or sound too similar within your cast.
- Let placeholders like “Girl1” stick around too long – name = identity.
Strong character names make your story more immersive, more memorable, and more you. Use this list as a final check before you lock them in.
Wrap Up
Naming your characters doesn’t have to feel impossible – or embarrassing. From understanding why names matter to avoiding common pitfalls and using the right tools, you now have a solid foundation for how to name fictional characters without sounding cheesy.
Whether you’re writing fantasy epics, gritty thrillers, or heartfelt romances, the right name can help bring your characters to life and shape how readers connect with them. Trust your instincts, test your choices, and don’t be afraid to rename your characters during revision – it’s all a part of the process.
Now it’s your turn: What’s the best (or worst!) fictional name you’ve created? Share it with us in the comments, or ask for feedback on a name you’re stuck on!
