Character Name Generator | Ideas & How to Use

Choosing the right name for your character is a vital part of storytelling. Authors have used all sorts of methods to find names for their characters. If you drive through Cheshire in the UK you will find Cholmondley and Malpas within a few miles of each other, both of which are character names in Evelyn Waugh’s Decline and Fall. A couple of hours’ drive south, and you’ll see the Gloucestershire town of Dursley—a name familiar to Harry Potter fans.

Other authors might make up names to reflect the characteristics of the person being named. Perhaps the best-known author for this was Charles Dickens. In his novel Hard Times, not much imagination is needed to perceive the characteristics of the schoolmaster Mr. Gradgrind, the mean, selfish Mrs. Sparsit, or the school inspector Mr. M’Choakumchild!

A good name not only helps readers remember the character but also conveys personality, cultural background, or even hints at the role they play in the plot.

There’s no one correct method for naming characters, but there are some tried-and-true approaches that can spark inspiration. One option is to use an AI name generator like QuillBot’s AI character name generator.

How to come up with character name ideas

You might want to scroll through a directory to find names at random (always mix first and last names though!), or you might want to invent names that reflect something of the character’s traits.

Whatever you do, here are some simple steps to follow:

1. Match the name to the setting

It might seem obvious, but make sure your names reflect the geographical setting of your novel. And do some research about what names were used in a historical setting if need be.

2. Use meaning and symbolism

Whether it’s the cute-sounding Dumbledore in the Harry Potter books or Charles Dickens’ Magwitch in Great Expectations, the character names can suggest something about how we should view them.

Although some of Waugh’s names came from places, the rather eccentric, slightly silly architect in Decline and Fall is the aptly named Professor Silenus.

3. Test variations

Write your character’s name in dialogue or imagine it on a book cover. If it feels awkward or out of place, it might not be the right fit. Ask family and friends what they think, too.

Using an AI character name generator

If you’re struggling to find the perfect name, a tool like QuillBot’s AI Character Name Generator can give you a quick boost of creativity. Simply add a few details about your character (such as gender, role, or genre), and the generator will create a list of name ideas.

An AI generator is especially helpful when you:

• Need authentic names that match a specific culture or era.
• Want fantasy or sci-fi names that sound original but believable.
• Are looking for multiple options to help narrow down your choice.

Instead of staring at a blank page, you can instantly explore dozens of suggestions, then adapt or refine them to suit your story.

Frequently asked questions about character name generators

What is a fantasy character name generator?

A fantasy character name generator is an AI tool that helps you create names for your fantasy characters in your novel, graphic novel, or game.

QuillBot’s AI character name generator can help you quickly draw up a list of as many character names as you need—just provide some details about your characters and receive a list of ideas. And it’s free to use!

What are some character name ideas?

Here are some character name ideas generated by AI for a crime thriller. They are a great starting point, and you can refine them as you need.

• Detective Mara Voss—a no-nonsense investigator with a clipped, serious-sounding surname.
• Elias Kincaid—a polished but possibly untrustworthy lawyer or crime boss.
• Janelle Cross—a sharp-minded journalist whose name suggests persistence and grit.
• Damien Holt—a cool, menacing antagonist with a surname that hints at strength.
• Cole Mercer—a tough, street-smart detective or ex-cop with a sense of edge.

QuillBot’s AI character name generator is a great way of quickly generating names for your characters.