Avoid simply copying last names. Use other books for inspiration. For example, if you’re writing a classic children’s story, thumb through another classic tale. You might see a name like Jenny Parker. You can then compare names you’re considering. You might realize that Ignez Brumwell is too hard for children to read or pronounce.
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You can also use online name converters. These will convert a name into a foreign name or a name based on a different ethnicity. Some converters will let you select the decade your character was born and the characters sex to determine a name.
For example, if you were looking for a last name meaning “strong” and “bold” you’d find that the name Trumbull fits that meaning.
You can also find creative last names by using street or place names. Be sure to ask your friends or writer peers for feedback about the last names you’ve created.
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For example, if you have slightly obnoxious and well-off character, you might give her a fancy name. Instead of a last name of Smith or Jones, you could give her Fitzherbert or Errington.
For example, you could use Brewer, Cooper, Mason, or Cartwright to designate jobs. You could also name your character based on locations near where your book is set.
Try looking up the popularity of baby names as tracked by the Social Security Administration. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Social Security Administration Independent U. S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information Go to source For example, a male farmer from the 19th century in North America probably wouldn’t be named Ethan Forbes-Smyth. Instead, research would tell you that a common last name would be simply Smith or something like Brown or Williams.
For example, you could search for a modern Japanese journalist to see what last names come up. You’d find names like Goto, Torigoe, and Yamamoto.
It’s not as important that the name flows if the character is mainly addressed only by its first or last name. Keep in mind that a name that flows will help listeners who may be following your story as a book on tape.
To make it easier for your readers, consider only changing a few letters of a last name when creating a new name. This way your readers can probably guess that it sounds similar to how the name is currently pronounced.
For example, you don’t want the last names Buchanan, Beveridge, and Bridgewater. Not only do they all start with “B,” but they also all have three syllables. Your readers would need to pay extra attention to keep the characters straight.
