Choosing names for your novel characters may be even more difficult than choosing a name for your baby! Here’s some help from my writing experiences and research with ChatGPT.
Tip #1: Consider Literary Characters and Real People You Know with a Name
The first novel I ever published was titled Snowmobile Challenge. It was a finalist for the Saskatchewan Book Awards in YA literature in 2003 and was used for novel studies in many classrooms on the prairies.
However, I struggled a lot with the main female character’s name. She started out as Wendy. Nice name, right? The name was, of course, made popular in J.M. Barrie’s novel, Peter Pan, published in 1904. I’d loved the book!
My expert readers pointed out three things. Snowmobile Challenge was a gritty YA coming-of-age story, not a fantasy,which most potential readers would associate with the name. And the name, Wendy, was popular in the early to mid-20th century, so outdated with early 21st century readers. Finally, my character, Wendy, was pretty wishy-washy rather than nurturing, contributing little to supporting the main character.
Hmmm…
So, I changed her name to Norris. While it wasn’t a common name, I knew a high school girl with Norris as a given name. She was headstrong and determined, and in that set of novel revisions Wendy’s character changed into Norris’s.
My expert readers didn’t find Norris a sympathetic character. Her role in the novel was to support the growth of the main character and that wasn’t happening. She’d grown into a character with lots of problems of her own.
Sigh…
So, I tried again. Three times a charm, right? This time her name was Jodie. It was a gender-neutral name (that was good — Jodie played hockey on the local boys’ team) described as the perfect fit for any kiddo with attitude.
The final set of revisions, with a new name, helped Jodie grow into a self-confident young woman with a strong understanding of who she was. Her relationship with the main character strengthened and she didn’t back down from challenges.
My expert readers loved Jodie!
Writers and readers bring prior experiences with a name to their writing and reading experiences.
Tip #2: Consider the History of a Name
The name, Wendy, as you saw above, failed in my novel partly due to it being used in the wrong time period.
I’ve often read manuscripts from budding authors (I taught short story and book writing for the Institute of Children’s Literature for five years) that contained the same flaw when it came to character names.
Inexperienced writers often select character names from their own eras, rather than the story's era.
So, my students who were in their 50s and 60s writing books for children, gave characters names from their childhoods. That one mistake dated their stories and typically made editors give them a pass without much consideration.
Why? Because if the author is out of touch with contemporary names, the story itself may also be outdated.
However, there’s an easy way to find out if the names you choose fit the era!
- First, identify the year the character was born
- Second, identify a citizenship or heritage for the character
- Third, search the Web for a list of common names for babies born in that year and/or common names for the ethnicity of the character
For example, the Statistics Canada Baby Names Observatory gives the top 20 male and female names from 1991 to their most current year.
The U.S. Get Ready For Baby site gives various ways to select popular names from any year after 1879! This site also lets you check the popularity of a name over time — very useful for writers!
Interested in the naming trends of a specific geographic location? This New York city PDF, What Baby Names Tell Us About Ethnic and Gender Trends, is a fascinating read!
As well as searching by country, you can also search by ethnicity. So, you could search for popular Arab or Asian baby names, etc.
Names that fit the character’s heritage and story setting era make it more authentic and believable.
Tip #3: Consider the Meaning of a Name
If you’re thinking, many of us don’t even know the meaning of our own name, you’re right. However, it’s still important to consider a name’s meaning.
Why? Because names often carry symbolic weight. So, names can reinforce themes or character arcs within the story.
The start of a story is like meeting a new person. You — and the reader — draw certain first impressions. The names you give characters subtly convey things about them. Personality. Background. Memorability.
Currently, I’m working on a cozy mystery series. I’ve had a character name chosen since the old tv series, Ally McBeal (1997-2002), shot Calista Flockhart to fame. And putting the name before all else isn’t a “thing” for me ,since I’m a setting-driven author. Indeed, I’ve been looking for my Calista’s story for a couple of decades.
And here’s where ChatGPT and AI tools come into the picture.
I used the free version of ChatGPT for all of the prompt answers included in this article.
In one sentence, the series I’m planning with Calista as a main character, can be summed up as: This cozy mystery series features an amateur sleuth, Calista, who starts a Cold War museum around an abandoned bunker on a property she inherits in a Montana town.
But does the name, Calista, fit the premise?
My AI prompt: What things should I consider when naming the main character Calista in a cozy mystery with a cold war museum?
ChatGPT response: When naming your cozy mystery protagonist Calista, especially within the unique setting of a Cold War museum, consider the following elements to create a compelling and resonant character.
🕵️♀️ Character Name: Calista
Meaning & Connotation: The name Calista has Greek origins, meaning “most beautiful.” While not directly tied to espionage or mystery, its elegance can contrast intriguingly with the clandestine world of Cold War intrigue.
Nickname Potential: Consider if Calista goes by a nickname, such as “Callie,” which can add a layer of familiarity and approachability. This duality can reflect her ability to navigate both the public-facing aspects of the museum and the hidden secrets she uncovers.
🏛️ Cold War Museum Setting
Historical Depth: A Cold War museum offers a rich backdrop filled with espionage artifacts, declassified documents, and relics from a time of global tension. Calista’s role—be it curator, historian, or archivist—can position her as someone deeply connected to uncovering truths from the past.
Thematic Resonance: The Cold War era was marked by suspicion, double lives, and hidden agendas. Calista’s investigations can mirror these themes, delving into mysteries that blur the lines between past and present.
🧩 Integrating Name and Setting
Symbolic Alignment: Calista’s name, meaning “most beautiful,” can symbolize the allure of uncovering hidden truths and the beauty of history revealed. This aligns with the museum’s mission to shed light on a shadowy period.
Contrasting Elements: The elegance of her name juxtaposed with the gritty realities of Cold War espionage can create an engaging dynamic, highlighting her as a bridge between the refined world of academia and the murky depths of historical intrigue.
📚 Additional Considerations
Character Relatability: Ensure Calista possesses traits that resonate with readers—curiosity, determination, and perhaps a touch of vulnerability. These qualities make her journey through mysteries both believable and engaging.
Supporting Cast: Develop a diverse cast of supporting characters—colleagues, historians, former spies—each with their own secrets and connections to the Cold War era. Their interactions with Calista can enrich the narrative and provide various avenues for plot development.
By thoughtfully aligning Calista’s name with her role and the Cold War museum setting, you can craft a protagonist who embodies the intrigue and complexity of the era she explores.
I was thrilled with ChatGPT’s response. The cozy mystery genre definitely felt like a good fit for my character looking for a book. When it came to the nickname potential, I had indeed been thinking of Calista becoming “Callie” as part of her character growth from aloof to small-town friendly through the series.
A character name should reflect and embody the essential elements of the story.
Tip #4: Choose a Surname That Fits With the Given Name
So, let’s run back through what we’ve identified as key points so far:
- Consider both the reader’s and writer’s experience with a name
- Choose a name that fits the character’s heritage and story setting
- Choose a character name that embodies the story’s main elements
Now, it’s time to choose a surname. Not only do these three points apply, but the surname must sound well with the given name. And, if the full name is memorable in some way, that’s a big plus!
When it comes to Calista, I’d named her Calista Thorne years before I actually came up with her story. By then, I’d missed the boat. Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Fall of Ruin and Wrath was out — Calista and Prince Thorne were the main characters. And it turned out that Armentrout’s Calista was very different from my Calista.
Names aren't protected by copyright, however, it's never a good idea to reuse someone else's well-known character name.
So, I went off exploring and thinking…for days. Finally, I came back to ChatGPT to ask for help.
My AI prompt: What about a surname that uses the “i” in calista and uses assonance?
[Calista Thorne is the name of a popular character in fiction who self-describes as a whore – have to change it, lol.]
ChatGPT response: If you want a surname that plays off the “i” sound in Calista using assonance, here are some great options:
Surnames with “i” Assonance:
Calista Millen – Has a rhythmic, classic sound while reinforcing the “i.”
Calista Finch – The short “i” sound repeats, making it crisp and memorable.
Calista Vinn – The double “i” sound gives it a smooth yet sharp feel.
Calista Quinn – The repeating “i” makes it energetic and catchy.
Calista Riddle – Has a bit of mystery while emphasizing the “i” sound.
Calista Bishop – The soft “i” repetition makes it sophisticated and strong.
Calista Sinclair – A refined, literary feel with repeated “i” sounds.
Calista Whitman – Gentle but distinctive with the “i” echoing.
Calista Briggs – A bold and confident name with a sharp “i” sound.
Calista Pierce – Smooth and stylish with the repeated “i” sound.
Initially, I selected Finch and the not-listed Flynn and Finn to look into in more depth. Then I thought of Finch and Fitch. I was getting dizzy!
You have to consider your character profile when selecting a name.
My AI prompt: Would Calista Finch or Calista Fitch be a better name for the main character of a cozy mystery?
ChatGPT response: Both names are charming and would work well for a cozy mystery sleuth, but let’s break down the vibe of each:
🔎 Calista Finch
- Associations: Evokes Harper Lee’s Atticus Finch → literary, thoughtful, maybe slightly nostalgic.
- Sound: Soft, graceful, classic.
- Vibe: Smart, observant, maybe a librarian, writer, or someone with a quiet but strong presence.
- Bonus: Finch is a bird—great symbolism if your character is curious, watchful, or light on her feet.
📝 Great for:
A thoughtful amateur sleuth who solves mysteries with wit and emotional depth. Possibly has a connection to books, history, or teaching.
🔎 Calista Fitch
- Associations: Edgier, modern, snappier.
- Sound: Has a sharpness to it—”Fitch” ends with a punch.
- Vibe: A bit sassier, quick-talking, maybe sarcastic. Could run a café, diner, bookstore, or podcast.
- Bonus: Less commonly used in fiction, so a bit more distinct.
📝 Great for:
A spunky, fast-talking sleuth who’s always getting into trouble but too clever to stay there. Could work well in a humorous or slightly irreverent cozy.
So, for the next few weeks my main character was Calista Finch. But somehow, that still didn’t feel quite right.
I went back through the list of surnames and stopped at Quinn. I’d picked Quinn out as a potential baby name for my third son, but nobody else thought it was a good choice.
Maybe now was the time for “Quinn” to be born.
My AI prompt: How does the name calista finch compare to calista quinn for the main character in a cozy mystery set around a cold war bunker museum?
ChatGPT response: When choosing between Calista Finch and Calista Quinn for your cozy mystery protagonist set in a Cold War bunker museum, both names offer distinct connotations that can enrich your character’s identity and the story’s atmosphere.
🎯 Comparative Summary
| Aspect | Calista Finch | Calista Quinn |
|---|---|---|
| Surname Meaning | Songbird; lively, cheerful person | Descendant of Conn; chief, wisdom |
| Connotations | Lightness, curiosity, freedom | Authority, intelligence, mystery |
| Tone | Whimsical, approachable | Strong, sophisticated |
| Alignment with Setting | Contrasts with the bunker’s severity, adding intrigue | Complements espionage themes, enhancing credibility |
📝 Final Consideration
- Calista Finch: Ideal if you envision your protagonist as an inquisitive, perhaps underestimated character whose light-hearted demeanor masks a sharp intellect. The name adds a touch of whimsy and can create a compelling contrast with the austere setting of a Cold War bunker.
- Calista Quinn: Suitable if your character is poised, analytical, and perhaps has a background in intelligence or academia. The name exudes strength and aligns seamlessly with themes of secrecy and espionage.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the personality traits you wish to emphasize in your protagonist and how you want her to interact with the story’s setting and themes.
My last step was to do a Google search to see if there were real well known people or literary characters named Calista Quinn — there was, but she was a young singer. And I could get around having the name be exactly the same by using the alternative spelling of “Callista.”
One last question for ChatGPT.
My AI prompt: Is calista or callista the more common spelling?
ChatGPT response: Between the two spellings, Calista is generally more common than Callista, especially in the United States.
✍️ Considerations for Your Character
- Calista: This spelling is more familiar to readers, potentially making the character more approachable. Its association with a well-known actress might lend a contemporary feel.
- Callista: This variant offers a classical touch, possibly aligning well with themes of history or tradition. Its uniqueness could make the character stand out.
Ultimately, the choice between Calista and Callista depends on the character’s background, personality, and the tone you wish to convey in your cozy mystery set around a Cold War bunker museum.
So, I liked the idea of Callista standing out better and being more of a traditional name, as that fit the character coming to life in my imagination. Also, since she’d be Callie a good portion of the time, having the double “l” worked well.
A character's full name should support the character profile and be memorable.
Callista Quinn it was!
If you’d like to learn more about AI tools that can help with your writing, check out my online course Write Effective Web Content. If your public library offers online Gale courses as part of its programming, you may be able to enroll for free. If not, the course is also offered through community colleges and online.
Acknowledgement
See the Open AI Terms of Service for information providing the legal reuse of content generated by ChatGPT. Note that Open Ai created and owns ChatGPT.
Linda Aksomitis 
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