Labels: character names
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Colleen Coble writes romantic suspense with a strong atmospheric element. A lovable animal of some kind--usually a dog--always populates her novels. She can be bribed with DeBrand mocha truffles.
Denise Hunter writes women's fiction and love stories with a strong emotional element. Her husband says he provides her with all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too.
Diann Hunt writes romantic comedy and humorous women's fiction. She has been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, chocolate, her dog, and well, chocolate.
Cheryl Hodde writes romantic medical suspense under the pen name of Hannah Alexander, using all the input she can get from her husband, Mel, for the medical expertise. For fun she hikes and reads. Out of guilt, she rescues discarded cats. She and Mel are presently taking orders from four pampered strays.
52 Comments:
To me, Sam says down to earth, regular guy. When I hear the name Henry, I may think Harrison Ford in Regarding Henry.
I like Adam, Clayton if you call him Clay, Nicholas shortened to Nick, Harrison, and Jesse.
You could call him Samuel if you're set on that name, but since my ex was named Sam, I'm not on fire for the name. Won't stop me from reading the book, though.
To me the name Sam denotes a ordinary guy, not a hero-type. It's kind of a "plain-Jane" name.
How about Edward, Edwin, or Andrew? The first two really seem to go with Olivia. They also give me the impression of royalty, or at least an elegant, dashing man. (I don't know the plot of your story so I have no clue if you are looking for a "dashing" name.) As I think about it, I think I like Edwin the best, followed by Edward and then Andrew. (Of course, my grandson's name is Andrew so that may color my opinion more than a little! LOL)
what about Tristan
I see your dilemma. I did a name search for the period and the selection is a bit dull, in my opinion.
I like Benjamin or Ben but your description of the guy, whatever name you use, will make the difference.
Maybe his parents were recent immigrants and he's named after a grandfather from the "old country." You could liven up his name by using something popular in Germany or Sweden or wherever his family is from????
Francis? Ben?
I like Gage, it is strong and somewhat mysterious
William is a strong name that transcends period. Coupled with a good middle name like Charles, you get a hero with a flash of regal appeal. To bring it down to earth a bit, Mom and sis call him Billy while Dad calls him Son.
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I like Sam - if he was a farmer. :) A pilot implies daring, adventure, flirtation (maybe he's not flirtatious but every pilot i've met is!) :) Is he Japanese? The Japanese name "Sho" means "to take flight". Lol I'm not helping am I?
I like Edward - shortened to Eddie. It sounds playful, adventuresome and yet when used as "Edward" it sounds sophisticated. "Daniel" is also a strong name ... but I'm partial to that cause it's my DH's middle name and means "God is my Judge" which to me is heroic in and of itself.
Ok. I'm done now.
I also like Noah and Everett. Both names sound strong and compassionate.
I'm so glad I asked you all! It's clear you don't think Sam works either. And since Denise is offering names and she's the only one so far who has read it, I'm guessing she doesn't think Sam fits either. LOL
I really like Edward but John's little boy from The Lightkeeper's Daughter is named Edward. I'm still chewing on the other suggestions. Keep them coming!
I like Harry. I really do, C. One, Prince Harry has given that name a new value.
More and more celebs are using those old fashioned named.
Sam seems everyday, ordinary to me. Clark doesn't feel early 20th Century. Not sure why.
But when I read Harry, something felt right. LOL. I know it's your character, but I'd love a hero named Harry.
Rachel
Hmm, you might be right, Rach. Harry. What do you all think of Harry?
I like Harry!!! I think it's fabulous!! ... and it's not Japanese so that's probably a better fit. I fully agree with Rachel's assessment too.
I like Henry, for one I think Henry and Olivia sound good together and if you look up the original seaplane it was first invented by a man name Henri Fabre. So I like Henry. :) And it doesn't sound plain.
I don't really care for Harry. Doesn't sound like too much of a risk taker. Sounds safe. I still like Noah, Everett, and Gage. Stong, handsome, and playfull names.
Everett was my grandpa. I can't name him Everett without seeing Gramps's face. LOL And Gramps was NOT a risk taker. :-)
I don't like Harry. Henry is good, but what would you call him for short--Hen? Peter--and Pete for short? John-Mark? I like Zeke, short for Ezekiel. Daniel's nice, too. I like Daniel the best.
I don't shorten names in a book. It's too confusing to the readers. :-( Just so you know, a nickname really is a non issue for me.
What about Nicholas and call him Cole? Hey, he could be ahead of his times! Sam is not my favorite name. It's just so bland.
Not a fan of Sam as your hero's name. Clark is alright.
I like Henry better than Harry. Other old-fashioned names I like would be Arthur, Owen, and Wesley.
And I love the name Olivia! Makes me think of the old Road to Avonlea series. There was an aunt Olivia in that show.
Let us know what you finally decide!
No, no, no! Not HARRY!!! I like Pam's suggestion for him, Daniel. Or Jesse or Harrison or Gage. Just not Harry!
You all are mentioning some great names but some I've already used. in the first two books. :-( Or in other books. I've had a Nick, Ben, Edward, William.
I go with Denise and say "Gage" . I am not sure why I mentioned it. I don't know anyone with that name, I guess just reading about him made me think of it. It's gonna be a great book, no matter what you chose!!!
To me, Sam is kind of plain. I'd like Samuel better, I think. But my favorites would be...
Edward
Andrew
Caleb
William
Thomas
David
Nathan
:)
I'm in agreement with most, not a fan of Sam or Hary. Daniel would be good. Joseph was also a popular one that may work well.
For a little fun, I searched people that were married to Olivia's during that time period knowing how you love romances...
Olivia to Richard, Jr. Wally 2 Sep 1879 (MS)
Olivia to Alexis Adams 8 Aug 1852 (MA)
Olivia to Joseph Medford 11 Jan 1881 (NC)
And the famous Samuel Clemens married Olivia in 1870 made me wonder if that's where you came up with Sam ; )
Anyway... there' a few, maybe that could help narrow your search, try looking up marriage records?
My nephew's name is Samuel and he goes by Sammy (and he's 33 years old). Sam to me is sounds more modern whereas Samuel takes you back in time.
The first name that popped into my head is William. Then I went to the website you listed (thank you by the way...awesome sight) and William was the #2 name.
Blessings,
Cindy W.
How about Matthew? Matthew and Olivia has a nice ring to it.
I like Henry and Owen. They both make me think of someone who is a dreamer, inventor, and both pair well with Olivia.
I like Henry or Owen. Both names strike me as a man who is a dreamer, an inventor, and definitely a risk taker! Also, I think they both pair well with Olivia.
Well, Charles Lindbergh was a famous pilot...
When I think of Harry, I think of Harry Potter! (LOL)
How about WARREN? Good, tough name. (my maiden name)
So my suggestions:
1. Warren
2. Charles
3. Mack
4. Guy
5. Joseph
6. Hugh (Hugh Jackman!)
I love the Poppy and Punky picture (and it's so alliterate, too. LOL.)
Please! NOT Harry! It's my DH's name and I really love him but not his name! Besides, modern TV commercials that have a dunce for the husband/leading man usually use the name Harry. So it gives the connotation of someone who is really stupid.
If you don't like Edward since you've used him before, how about EDWIN? Still, that may be too close. Ok. I'll settle for Henry, but I like Andrew or Gage better.
I'm thinking about Harrison. What do you think?
Edward is a character in this series, not just one I've used before. So is John, Andrew, Philip, William, Henry and Charles. Probably some others I'm forgetting right this minute. This is the 3rd book set in the early 1900s and I have a lot of characters in the first 2 books that reappear in this book.
Harrison is O.K. Just makes me think of Harrison Ford. Makes me think of someone older (probably becouse I can't get Mr. Ford out of my head now)LOL. I still think Gage is my favorite.
I like Gage too but it wasn't used back then. You have to be true to the time period. :-(
Ok...if you're not going to use Daniel, then I like Harrison. :)LOL. Harrison has a nice feel to it.
Sam reminds me of my Italian immigrant grandfather who although I only knew as kind, loud and funny was rather a tyrant in his younger days and someone who couldn't (wouldn't) keep a job.
How about Eli? Or Jonah? The Bible is great to pull names from because most of them never go out of style. Except for Mephibosheth. And a few others :)
what's wrong with the name "Tristan"?
just watch a movie name
(Tristan & Isolde) they were before "Romoeo & Juliet" :)
Tristan just sounds a little feminine or something. It's probably just me. :-)
See how hard this is, friends!? Everyone likes different names and has a different view of what is manly and what is not so manly. Sigh.
Thanks for much for all of your suggestions! Please don't be upset if I don't pick your name. I have to run it past all the characteristics I know about my hero and see if it fits. But you all ROCK for your help!!!
I see nothing wrong with Harrison. I like it!
May I just say one more thing: You could name him Tom, Dick, OR Harry and I'd still buy the books :) :)
(how's that for smoozing?) :)
aw thanks, Jaime! :-)
Figured out why Tristan sounded feminine to me. Kristin has a sister in law named Tristan. LOL
When I hear "Sam" it makes me think of "Samson" from the bible, or the movie (don't think it was a huge hit) from the 80's called "Sam's Son", written & directed by Michael Landon. Sam can be a "regular" name, but I think it's how his character is defined that will make him either a hero or a prop. As Hannah said above, whatever you decide to name him, it won't stop me from reading the book.
When I hear the name Sam I think of Samual Adams, John Adams, and all the founders of our country. I love the John Adams book by David McCullough. The names at the time of John Adams are so similar to the 1800's popular names. Must have been a cycle. Now there are some strong and fiesty characters for you. Watch the DVD's and see if Samual speaks to you differently.
lots of people like henry, or a version of that. what about hank?
I actually like the name Sam. It isn't one you see used very often in books! I'm really starting to like the name actually. I can picture him :) other than that I LOVE the name Jesse :)
I had so much fun reading through all the back and forth in the comments! I agree that Sam doesn't fit. I do like Harrison.
And I love the picture!
Blessings
Michelle V
I was gonna say Samuel, but I see someone already suggested that.
I make primitive dolls and name almost every one, so I know what you're going through. Usually, I look at them for awhile and the name just pops into my head! Thanks God, I can always use Your help!
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