Character Names

A collection of names I've used in short stories, novels, screenplays, plays...whatever. Some are crazy, some are not. Each is meaningful in some way.
  1. Ajamu
    • Origin:

      Nigerian, Yoruban
    • Meaning:

      "he fights for his desires"
    • Description:

      Rhythmic name sometimes associated with calypso singer King Ajamu.
  2. Aloysia
    • Astrea
      • Aurelia
        • Origin:

          Latin
        • Meaning:

          "the golden one"
        • Description:

          Aurelia is an ancient Roman name that's become a surprise hit in the contemporary world. A top favorite on Nameberry, it reentered the US Top 1000 in 2014 after a 70-year absence and continues to climb.
      • Briony
        • Origin:

          Spelling variation of Bryony
        • Meaning:

          "to sprout"
        • Description:

          Briony may be the variation and Bryony the original, but many parents will see this as the more authentic-feeling version of this attractive botanical name. Still unusual in the U.S., Briony is in the British Top 100 and may appeal to parents as a fresh spin on Briana or Brittany or an honorific for a Brian, though it bears no relationship to the male name.
      • Calista
        • Origin:

          Greek
        • Meaning:

          "most beautiful"
        • Description:

          Spelled with either one 'l' or two, Calista came to the fore in 1997 when Calista Flockhart hit it big as Ally McBeal. Flockhart, who bears her mother's middle name, didn't just introduce a name, she introduced a whole sensibility. Pretty and delicate, Calista is definitely worthy of consideration, especially for parents with Greek roots.
      • Contenza
        • Damien
          • Origin:

            French from Greek
          • Meaning:

            "to tame, subdue"
          • Description:

            Converting Damian to Damien – or Julian to Julien or Lucian to Lucien – adds a certain je ne sais quoi to names. But most people in English speaking areas will still pronounce this the same as the -an ending form. The French pronunciation is more like "dah-mee-u(n)".
        • Elani
          • Esteban
            • Origin:

              Spanish variation of Stephen, Greek
            • Meaning:

              "garland, crown"
            • Description:

              One of several Latino favorites on U. S. popularity list, Esteban sounds solid and strong. Esteban has ranked among the US Top 500 names for boys for half a century now, making it a familiar name that successfully crosses cultures.
          • Flavian
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "yellow hair"
            • Description:

              A Latin clan name that may rise again along with other things Roman.
          • Fletcher
            • Origin:

              English occupational name
            • Meaning:

              "arrow-maker"
            • Description:

              Fletcher is a common surname with a touch of quirkiness; it definitely fits into the So Far Out It's In category--and moving further in all the time along with other occupational names from Parker to Forester.
          • Francisca
            • Origin:

              Spanish, Portuguese
            • Meaning:

              "free man"
            • Description:

              Spanish and Portuguese form of Frances or Francesca
          • Gabriel
            • Origin:

              Hebrew
            • Meaning:

              "God is my strength"
            • Description:

              Gabriel has become a biblical favorite, an angelic choice that's lighter and less patriarchal than some of his Old Testament brethren. Derived from the Hebrew name Gavri’el, Gabriel is taken from the elements gever, meaning "strong," and ’el, in reference to God.
          • Gail
            • Origin:

              Hebrew, short form of Abigail
            • Meaning:

              "my father rejoices"
            • Description:

              Gail was a mid-twentieth century favorite, which has been far surpassed by its original form, Abigail and nickname Abby. Spelling variations include Gale and Gayle, the latter represented by TV journalist and Oprah bestie Gayle King. Gail was most popular in the 1950s, when it was in the Top 40, and could rise again, possibly as a middle.
          • Garrett
            • Origin:

              Irish variation of Gerard
            • Meaning:

              "spear strength"
            • Description:

              Garrett, also spelled with one 't', is an Irish-inflected name that was in the Top 100 in the nineties, but has now slipped in popularity.
          • Haemon
            • Halyn
              • Ignatius
                • Origin:

                  Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "fiery"
                • Description:

                  The striking Ignatius is making a truly surprising comeback, sparked by its selection by not one but two celebrities — Cate Blanchett and Julianne Nicholson. With its fiery qualities and magical feel, Ignatius might just fit in with Blaze, Griffin, Ember, or Atticus.
              • Iniko
                • Origin:

                  Nigerian, Igbo
                • Meaning:

                  "born in a time of trouble"
                • Description:

                  This West African name has an upbeat, energetic sound, yet it is traditionally used for a son who was born during troubled times.