I love finding just the write names for my characters, and if I need unusual names, myths can offer a gold mine of potential. Below are list of more obscure names from several different mythologies.
But keep in mind the cardinal rule of character names: Names Must Be Pronounceable. If a name is too difficult to sound out, readers will substitute something familiar or simply bleep over it. I like the name “Koschei”, a villain in a Slavic myth, but have no idea how to pronounce it correctly. If I used it, I would have to adapt it for English readers. Maybe “Koschay”?
Greek and Roman Names
- Atalanta
- Meander
- Dido
- Alecto
- Evander
- Nisus
- Marsyas
- Thetis
- Arion
- Leander
- Cadmus
- Maia
- Nysa
Norse Names
- Sif
- Idun
- Galar
- Brokk
- Alvis
- Gerd
- Thiazi
- Skadi
Celtic Names
- Balor
- Bran
- Branwen
- Bres
- Dagda
- Morrigan
- Caradoc
- Finntan
- Korrigan
- Mael Duin
- Nemed
- Nuada
- Veleda
Central and Eastern Europe
- Sadko
- Morevna
- Perun
- Mati Syra
- Kurent
If you need to create original names for characters, where do you find inspiration?
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