Caelum

Meaning: ('the heavens' (from the same root as 'celestial'), and 'sculptor's chisel', or burin; an engraving tool for metals, Constellation name)

Origin: (Latin)

Pronunciation: (SEE-lum or Kay-lum, Go to this site and run your cursor over Caelum to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=caelum+&submit=Submit)

Gender: Male

This is one of the constellations in the La Caille family of thirteen constellations. I love the look and meaning. It is unique and rare.

Pyxis

Meaning: (Box, Mariner's Compass, Constellation Name)

Origin: (Greek, Latin)

Pronunciation: (Piksis, Go to this site and run your cursor over Pyxis to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=pyxis&submit=Submit)

Gender: Uni-Sex

Here is the last of the Heavenly Waters or Cosmic Waters family of constellations that I am adding. I only like a few so that is why I didn't add all nine. This name wouldn't fit every story or character but given the right story and setting and genre it could work for your character.

Vela

Meaning: (Limit, Coast, Shore, the sails of a ship, Constellation name )

Origin: (Latin, Sanskrit, Danish)

Pronunciation: (VEE-lah, Go to this site and run your cursor over Vela to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=vela+&submit=Submit )

Gender: Female

Another of the constellations in the Heavenly Waters or Cosmic Waters family of nine constellations. I think it sounds exotic and beautiful. It is lovely and unique.

Carina

Meaning: (Beloved, Dear Little One, Late 19th-century coinage. Pet form of Cara (like Carita) and partly inspired by Karin. Also considered a Latinate form of Karen. Often used in Italy in the exclamation "Che carina!" meaning, "How darling!" or "How cute!" Also the name of a constellation in the southern sky, where the name means "keel" in Latin, referring to a part of Jason's ship the Argo. Carine is French; Karita is Scandinavian.)

Origin: (Latin)

Pronunciation: (ka-REEN-ah)

Gender: Female

I was watching a show on T.V the other day and it was talking about the Heavenly Waters or Cosmic Waters which is a family of nine constellations. I loved a few of the names enough to want to post them here. Carina is a beautiful name.

Kelvin

Meaning: (Friend of Ships, Place name referring to a River, Narrow Water, From the River Clyde, Meadow Stream, From the Narrow River, A River of Scotland, Kelvin was first used as a personal name in the 1920s, perhaps in honor of Baron Kelvin (1824 - 1907), the British mathematician and physicist to whom the Kelvin scale of temperature is attributed.)

Origin: (English, Scottish, Gaelic)

Pronunciation: (KEL-vin, KEHL-vin, Go to this site and run your cursor over Kelvin to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=kelvin&submit=Submit)

Gender: Male

I wound up renaming one of my characters to Kelvin. I like the look and sound of the name. Kelvin is much more unique then Kevin or any other names Kelvin looks like. I had never seen or heard of any Kelvins in real life or in books or T.V. Then the other night I was watching an episode of Hoarders on T.V while waiting for my other show to start. Any way the hoarders husband who was an older man in his 40's probably, his name was Kelvin. I couldn't believe that was the first one I had seen with that name.

Forsythia

Meaning: (The Brilliant Yellow Shrub that is one of the first signs of Spring in a chilly climate)

Origin: (English, English Nature Name)

Pronunciation: (fawr-sith-ee-uh, Go to this site and run your cursor over Forsythia to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=forsythia+&submit=Submit) 

Gender: Female

It's a name of a bush that is rarely used as a name. It's pronunciation is interesting and the meaning as well. Forsythia's are pretty plants. I personally think it is a cool name. This name went on my list of names when I went through a nature names stage of collecting names.

Kei'lah or Keilah

Meaning: (Citadel, Lively, Slender and Fair)

Origin: (Hebrew, Biblical, Irish, Celtic)

Pronunciation: (K-IYLah, KYE-lah)

Gender: Female

This is one of the names on my favorite female names list. The pronunciation is funny some want to say it like Kayla or Key-eye-la. It's Kye like hi or eye but with a K and lah like la or luh. I have this pronunciation thing on my computer that helps me say it but I can't really help anyone on here with pronunciation sorry.

Vashta

Meaning: (Alive, Life)

Origin: (Latin)

Pronunciation: (VASH-ta)

Gender: Female

I saw Vashta Nerada this creature on an episode of Doctor Who. Most people are thinking Vashta was made up but I found on a name site that Vashta meant Alive, Life. I have used it as the name of a character that one of my character reads about in a book. I really like it.

Maerwynn

Meaning: (Maer=Who Illuminates, Wynn=Friend, Fair, White)

Origin: (Old English, Welsh)

Pronunciation: (MARE-win)

Gender: Female

I found this name and it was not very common. I love it, it reminds me of a character name from Lord of the Rings or something. It's very old world and has a 1500's feel to it.

Terranova

Meaning: (New Earth, Terra': "Earth" + "Nova": "New." New Land)

Origin: (Latin, Italian)

Pronunciation: (tair-rah-noh-vah)

Gender: Female

I forget where I first saw this name but it would work cool as a first middle or last name. Also has been used in books as the name of new worlds and stuff. I think it is cool and would look amazing as a characters first name. I think it would fit more in a sci-fi or fantasy setting. I just saw an advertisement the other day about a new show called Terranova. Using this name may have it's down falls because of popular shows and books already haven used it. But I think if it fits your novels setting then use it.

Bergeron

Meaning: (Bergeron may be derived from the Old German word berg, meaning hill or mountain. It may also be derived from the old French berger, meaning shepherd. From the Fortified Hill or Castle)

Origin: (French, German)

Pronunciation: (BERGeraoN, BERG-uh-ron)

Gender: Male

It's a surname but I think it would make an amazing first name. I first heard it as a surname of a T.V character.

Lorinda

Meaning: (The Bay, Laurel Plant, Crowned With Laurels, Variant of Laura, Lori, Lora, Linda)

Origin: (Latin, English, French, Spanish)

Pronunciation: (lə-RIN-də, LOR-inda)

Gender: Female

Lorinda is my sisters name. It is a lovely unique name. My parents chose it because Linda is my moms name and Leonard is my dads name and they wanted to name my sister a name that incorporated my moms and dads names into it. So they chose Lorinda. I would like to see a Lorinda in a novel. So if this name fits one of your characters feel free to use it.

Phoenix

Meaning: (Dark or Blood Red, Crimson, A phoenix is a mythical bird with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). It has a 500 to 1,000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self. In some stories, the new phoenix embalms the ashes of its old self in an egg made of myrrh and deposits it in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis (Greek for sun-city). It is said that the bird's cry is that of a beautiful song. In very few stories they are able to change into humans. The mythical Arabian bird known as the phoenix is a symbol of immortality. After living for centuries, it dies, and rises from its own ashes. Also the name of a city in the southwestern American state of Arizona. )

Origin: (Greek, English)

Pronunciation: (FEE-nix, FEE-niks, Go to this site and run your cursor over Phoenix to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=phoenix&submit=Submit)

Gender: Uni-Sex

Uses of Phoenix in literature and video games: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - book by J. K. Rowling. Phoenix Wright, title character from the video game series "Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney". Phoenix is a defense attorney who fights for justice. I am adding another bird name *see Dove and Sparrow on the list*. I have a character in one of my novels named Phoenix. I love the look and sound of the name. It is a nice name but is a bit overused now a days but that shouldn't stop you from using it for your character.

Sutton

Meaning: (Southern Settlement, Place Name, From The South Town)

Origin: (Old English)

Pronunciation: (SUHT-ən, Go to this site and run your cursor over Sutton to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=sutton&submit=Submit)

Gender: Uni-Sex

I saw this on an advertisement for a new show on T.V. It's a popluar place name. I sort of like the name.

Surnames

Peyton

Bower

Wilde

Olivier

McKatherine

Rosencranse

Zed

Knolls

Linethrop

Wickle

Love crest

Penrose

Picard

Natham

Hamir

Oakley

Arabella & Arabelle

Meaning: (Prayerful, Answered Prayer, From "orabilis". Also possibly a variant of Anabella (see Annabel). Popular in England, where it has an upper-class aura. A ship named the Arbella brought a group of Puritan English aristocrats to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630; many socially prominent Boston families are descended from this group. Beautiful Girl, Beauty, Grace)

Origin: (Latin, Italian)

Pronunciation: (Arabella: AIR-a-bell-ah, a-rə-BEH-lə, ah-rə-BEH-lə, Arabelle: AIR-a-bell)

Gender: Female

Arabella is quite popular in literature, operas, movies, names of famous peoples kids, which might be a down fall but I found this list of the various uses. Arabella, main character in "The Female Quixote" by Charlotte Lennox. Arabella Strange (nee Woodhope) , the wife of the title wizard in "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell", by Susanna Clarke. Arabella Doreen Figg, She was the neighbour of Harry Potter and the Dursleys. She was a Squib, and a member of the Order of the Phoenix." Arabella" is a charming book by Georgette Heyer. The sisters name in the "Prince & Me" with Julia Styles was named Arabella. Arabella, a character in the novel "Jude the Obscure" by Thomas Hardy. Arabella is an opera in 3 acts by Richard Strauss and a German libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. Arabella is the sister of the title character in the novel "Clarissa" by Samuel Richardson, published in 1748. Arabella Bishop is the love interest of the main character in Rafael Sabatini's novel Captain Blood, published in 1922. There were a few film versions--the most famous one, shot in 1935, featured Errol Flynn as Captain Blood and Olivia de Havilland as Arabella. Also Ivanka Trump (Donald Trumps Daughter) named her daughter Arabella Rose.

Arabelle on the other hand I couldn't find too many references to it. They are both lovely and mean the same thing. I like them both a lot.

Sparrow

Meaning: (A sparrow is any of a genus (Passer of the family Passeridae) of small, chiefly brownish or grayish Old World oscine songbirds that include some which have been widely introduced; especially, house sparrow)

Origin: (English)

Pronunciation: (SPA-roh, SPAR-o)

Gender: Uni-Sex

The name Sparrow has been used often. Here are it's uses....Sparrow Madden: son of Nicole Richie and Joel Madden. Captain Jack Sparrow, central character in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Sparrow Delaney of the Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney by Suzanne Harper. Her sisters' names are Raven, Dove, Wren, Oriole, Lark, Linnet. Sparrow, protagonist of Fable 2. Sparrow is a wonderful nature name. Someone on Yahoo Answers was asking if the name Sparrow was too unique for there character. A lot of the answers were positive. They liked it as I did and they agreed it was not too unique. I also saw a movie where a character had a second secret name and it was Sparrow Hawk. I personally like Sparrow and Sparrows are my favorite bird.

Daedalus

Meaning: (Craftsman, Greek Mythology: Daedalus was a master craftsman and the designer of King Minos' labyrinth. To keep his services, Minos had him imprisoned in the labyrinth, and Daedalus made wings from wax and feathers for himself and his son Icarus to escape.)

Origin: (Greek)

Pronunciation: (DED-ə-ləs (English), Go to this site and run your cursor over Daedalus to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=daedalus&submit=Submit)

Gender: Male

I always thought Daedalus was a cool name. I liked this name even more after I watched my favorite show Stargate Atlantis and one of the ships was called Daedalus.

Minuet

Meaning: (Minuet is delicate, dancey, and lacy, with a Masterpiece Theatre feel. Is Minuet a real name? Not really, though similar-sounding French names such as Minette and Manette are.)

Origin: (French)

Pronunciation: (ˌmin-yə-ˈwet\, men-u-et, Go to this site and run your cursor over Minuet to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=minuet&submit=Submit )

Gender: Female

I heard of Minuets as in the dance when I wrote my Historical Fiction novel and further I saw a character on Star Trek: The Next Generation who was named Minuet. I like it and I envision a character who has an air of nobility about her or a character who is flipant and very much a ballarina or dancer or someone very artsy as well. It is a beautiful name.

Ember

Meaning: (Burned Coal, Spark, Burning Low, Hot Ashes, Smoldering Remains of a Fire, Little Fiery One)

Origin: (English, English Nature Name, Old English)

Pronunciation: (EHM-ber)

Gender: Female

I think Ember is a beautiful nature name. I heard of a couples story behind naming there daughter Ember and I liked it (Here is the story I found on The Baby Name Wizard, Namipedia website): We came up with the idea while watching a campfire going out. It was so beautiful, but had so much potential. It did not flaunt its strength, but it demanded respect. And no one wanted to leave before it was gone.....back to me... I also just love the look of the name. Ember almost looks like Amber but it is cooler (in my opinion). I think as a character name whether first or middle or last name it is cool and would look quite nice for a name of a character. I would personally love to see it in a novel. Uses of the name Ember: City of Ember is a 2008 movie, based on the book of the same name by Jeanne Duprau. Ember -- one of the main characters followed through the centuries in Piers Anthony's novel "Isle of Woman". Ember in Danny Phantom.

Bryce

Meaning: (Swift, Speckled, Of Britain, English name originating as a surname taken to English by the French in the Middle Ages. Might be derived from the element bri (force, strength) or brígh (valor, strength).

Origin: (Celtic, Scottish, English)

Pronunciation: (BRIYS)

Gender: Uni-Sex

I used Bryce as the baby boy of one of my characters. Bryce Dallas Howard the actress is a famous bearer of the name. I think it looks and works more for a male but it is up to the author if they use Bryce as a character name.

Chalice

Meaning: (Cup, Goblet, Holy Grail, Combination between Charlotte and Alice)

Origin: (Latin, Old French)

Pronunciation: (CHAL-is, CHA-liss)

Gender: Female

I used Chalice as a middle name of one of my characters. I liked that one website said it was a combination name between Charlotte and Alice. It is a beautiful name rarely used.

Carmen

Meaning: (Song, Garden, Orchard, God's Vineyard, Tune, Poem, Also the name of the tragic romantic heroine of Bizet's opera "Carmen" (1875). )

Origin: (Latin, Spanish, Hebrew, Italian)

Pronunciation: (KAR-men, KAHR-men (Spanish), KAHR-mən (English)

Gender: Uni-Sex

Carmen was the name of one of the girls in the novels Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I have used the name Carmen as the name of one of my characters. I think Carmen is a lovely Latin name. The meaning is beautiful. Only down fall is Carmen is used quite a bit frequently in literature. But if you love the name use it.

Sapphire

Meaning: (Jewel name and the birthstone for September. The Hebrew names Sapir and Saphira, like the English word and name Sapphire, are derived from the Hebrew term for the gem. Sapir is very rarely used, probably because the biblical Sapphira was a woman who was executed by God for lying. Safira (sa-FEER-ah) (Spanish) is based on Ceferino, from Zephyr, the name of a third-century pope.)

Origin: (English)

Pronunciation: (SAFF-ire, SAF-ier)

Gender: Female


Sapphire is one of my favorite gem names. It is beautiful and very rarely used in novels as character names. It is a name that could work in different genres and eras. I haven't used it as a character name but I think it is lovely and unique and should be used as a character name.

Lilac

Meaning: (Lilac Flower, Pale Purple Color, From the familiar flower; heard occasionally in Victorian times. The word "lilac" comes from the Arabic word "laylak" or the Persian word "nylac", both which mean "blue". Bluish Purple, Lilac is an Old French word for the lilac plant and the pale purple colour known as lilac. Lilac itself comes from the Persian nilak meaning Indigo which in turn comes from nila, a Sanskrit word meaning light blue. Lilac was popular as a given name for girls in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. )

Origin: (Hebrew, English, Latin, French)

Pronunciation: (LIY-lak, LYE-lak)

Gender: Female

I personally think Lilac is a cute name. I think this is one of those not over done flower names. We all see Rose's and Lily's (not that there is anything wrong with Rose and Lily) every where but very few Lilac's. The name is feminine and beautiful. Could fit pretty much anyone and in any genre.

Esmeralda

Meaning: (Emerald, Variant of Emerald, the prized green gemstone. This jewel name was first used in the 1880s. This name was used by Victor Hugo in his novel 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' (1831), in which Esmeralda is the Gypsy girl who is loved by Quasimodo. It has occasionally been used in the English-speaking world since that time.)

Origin: (Spanish)

Pronunciation: (ez-mer-AHL-dah, ez-mə-RAHL-də (English), es-me-RAHL-dah (Spanish)

Gender: Female

I have loved this name since I read the book and saw the movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I think it is a beautiful name. I have chose this name as a secondary characters name in one of my novels. I just love this name.

Thurayya

Meaning: (Star, Refers to the Pleiades, The Pleiades are a group of seven stars in the constellation Taurus.)

Origin: (Arabic)

Pronunciation: (thur-AY-ah, th(u)-rayya)

Gender: Female

Again I can't remember where I first saw or heard this name. I think it would fit lovely in a sci-fi novel maybe set among the stars in the future. Or in a fantasy or mythological novel. I love the look of the name but it might not be a name a lot of people would like.

Lynx

Meaning: (Keepers of the secrets of the forests, Slinky, Wild Cat)

Origin: (Mythology, Australian)

Pronunciation: (LINGKS, Links, Go to this site and run your cursor over Lynx to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=lynx&submit=Submit)

Gender: Uni-Sex

I have decided to use this name in a novel I intend to write. I love the meaning because it is said in mythology that Lynx's are said to be ''Keepers of the Secrets of the Forests". I also read a novel with Lynx in the title and I really liked the look of Lynx and the sound. The name abounds in mystery to me. As a given name use cautiously if you intend to name a character this. Make sure it is the right era and genre for this name.

Clytie/ Klytie

Meaning: (Lovely One, Mythology: a nymph in love with Helios, god of the sun. Clytie was changed into a sunflower, which always turns its face toward the sun. The Splendid One, Famous, In Greek mythology, Clytie was a nymph who loved the sun god Helios. She would watch him cross the sky day by day, and was finally turned into a heliotrope flower (some say a sunflower), which always turns its face toward the sun. The Bright, Magnificent One)

Origin: (Greek)

Pronunciation: (KLY-tee, KLI tee eh)

Gender: Female

I love the meaning and the Mythological story about the one named Clytie. I saw this name on Behind the Name site I think. I love the look of the name. It would again work in a mythological novel or fantasy maybe not in modern day.

Jarrah

Meaning: (God Gives Sweetness, Honey, Vessel)

Origin: (Hebrew, Arabic)

Pronunciation: (G-air-uh, JAR-ah or JAR-uh, Go to this site and run your cursor over Jarrah to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=jarrah)

Gender: Male


This is one of my favorite middle names on my favorite male names list. I think I again like the meaning more than anything else. This is a name that could fit well for a more exotic male or one who is foreign.

Praxis

Meaning: (Practical, Another name for the goddess Aphrodite.)

Origin: (Ancient Greek, Greek Mythology)

Pronunciation: (PRAX-sis, Go to this site and run your cursor over Praxis to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=praxis&submit=Submit)

Gender: Uni-sex

I saw this on the T.V Series Sanctuary it was the name of the City in Hollow Earth. The name grew on me but now I love it. I am considering making this part of my Pen Name. Most people think of the Praxis Exams, the exams people take to be certified a teacher. It would work as a character name in maybe a modern mythology novel or in a fantasy/sci-fi novel as well.

Kendrick

Meaning: (Greatest Champion, From Cynwrig which can also mean "high hill". Also possibly from the Gaelic name Mac Eanraig meaning "son of Henry", or the Old English names Ceneric meaning "bold power", and Cyneric meaning "royal power". Surname used as a given name in the 19th century.)

Origin: (Welsh)

Pronunciation: (KEN-drik, KEHN-drik)

Gender: Male

I am not sure where I found this name but I love the meaning. The name is unique but somehow makes me think of a knight in the middle ages, LOL.

Pallas

Meaning: (Maiden, Youth, Wise, Wisdom or Goddess of Wisdom, In Greek mythology this was the name of a friend of the goddess Athena. Athena accidentally killed her, and subsequently took the name Pallas in honour of her friend. This was also the name of a Titan and several other masculine mythological characters. In these cases the name may be derived from Greek παλλω (pallo) "to brandish". Full Wisdom and understanding.)

Origin: (Greek, Latin)

Pronunciation: (Pal-ass, Go to this site and run your cursor over Pallas to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=pallas&submit=Submit)

Gender: Uni-Sex

I saw this name on a blog and I really liked it once I looked up the meaning. I like Mythological names. This is a nice name with an interesting look. It could work in maybe a fantasy novel or sci-fi but might look odd in modern day unless explained why the character was named Pallas.

Aberdeen

Meaning: (Amiable, Scottish Place Name, Confluence of Waters, River Mouth, the "embouchure" of a river where it falls into a larger river or the sea. It can also be used as a metaphor for a harbour. )

Origin: (Scottish)

Pronunciaion: ("Aber-" is pronounced locally as [ebər]. Go to this site and run your cutsor over Aberdeen to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=aberdeen&submit=Submit)

Gender: Male

I used this as the middle name of one of my characters. I first saw it in a magazine talking about Aberdeen Scotland. I loved the look and sound of the name. I just love it.

Dasha

Meaning: (Gift of God, Maintain Well, Possess and Good)

Origin: (Greek, Russian, Persian)

Pronunciation: (DAH sha)

Gender: Female

I heard this name years ago when I watched the movie Zenon: Z3 it was the main character Zenon's adopted cousin. The name Dasha sort of grew on me and when I saw the meaning I liked it even more. I think most might not want to use this name because they think it is odd or something but I think it is fun and unique and beautiful. I don't think people should be afraid to use a name because they fear what the reader will think. Go with your instinct on any name. It's your story.

Larissa

Meaning: (Cheerful, Lighthearted, Sweet, Pleasant, Cheerful One, Cheerful Maiden, Lovely)

Origin: (Latin, Russian, Greek)

Pronunciation: (la-RISS-ah)

Gender: Female

I actually really like Larissa with maybe the nickname Rissa. The meaning is Beautiful. The look and sound of the name is lovely. I love everything about this name.

Adele

Meaning: (Noble, Noble Kind, Soft, Tender)

Origin: (Old German, French)

Pronunciation: (ah-DEHL, ah-DELL)

Gender: Female

I think the little girl Jane Eyre came to be Governess to in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre was named Adele. I like the name it is strong and feminine and beautiful. One site said that Adele often seems to be the name of a minor character in movies and books. I haven't read about too many Adele's so I am unsure if this is true or not. In French spelt with a grave accent: 'Adèle'.

Dove

Meaning: (Bird name. The dove represents peace, God's covenant with Noah, and the Holy Spirit. Bird of Peace, Dark, Black)

Origin: (American, English, Gaelic, Scottish)

Pronunciation: (DUHV, Go to this site and run your cursor over Dove to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=dove&submit=Submit )

Gender: Female

I used Dove as the middle name of my character I am currently writing about. I think Dove is a cute name as Dove the birds are cute. I can see a real flighty character or a real sweet small character named Dove. You can go in so many directions with this name.

Mariposa

Meaning: (Butterfly)

Origin: (Spanish)

Pronunciation: (Mary-posa, Mara-posa, Go to this site and run your cursor over Mariposa to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=mariposa&submit=Submit )

Gender: Female

I love this name and the meaning. I was suggested this name on Yahoo Answers. I think this would be a good name in many different settings and eras and genres. It is a beautiful Spanish word/name.

Lazarus

Meaning: (Probably the Gr. form of the Heb. name Eleazar, meaning “God Has Helped”, Biblical name: Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. )

Origin: (Hebrew, Biblical)

Pronunciation: (Laz′a·rus, LAZ-ər-əs, Go to this site and run your cursor over Lazarus to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=lazarus&submit=Submit )

Gender: Male

I am adding another biblical name. I like this one but as a character name in a novel I think it could be done if you had the right setting.

Rowan

Meaning: (Little Red One, Rowan Tree, Little Red Head, A Euro-Asian tree with orange berry-like fruits.)

Origin: (Gaelic, Norse, English)

Pronunciation : (ROH-an, RO-an, RO-wan, Go to this site and run your cursor over Rowan to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=rowan&submit=Submit )

Gender: Uni-Sex

This is the name of my sister's good friend's daughter. I have seen this a lot lately on T.V and in books. I think it is a cute name and I like it but I don't know if I will use it in any novels I write but time will tell. It is a nice nature related name.

Della

Meaning: (Noble, Of the Nobility, Bright, Short form of Adela, Adeline, and Adelaide. Used as an independent name since the 1870s. Modern coinage used as a feminine form of Dell, which is derived from the Old English del (a dell, a small valley or glen). Alternatively, Della is used as a short form of Adela (nobility). )

Origin: (German, English)

Pronunciation: (DEL-ah, DEHL-ə)

Gender: Female

I heard this name on T.V the other night and I kind of like it. It isn't a name I would use for any of my characters but I started this blog to help others. So perhaps this is a name an Author might want for there character. It is a really cute girly name but still strong.

Sweetly

Meaning: (In a Sweet Manner, in an affectionate or loving manner (`sweet'' is sometimes a poetic or informal variant of `sweetly''); "Susan Hayward plays the wife sharply and sweetly"; "how sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank"- Shakespeare; "talking sweet to each other". Kind, thoughtful, or generous, dear, respected, or beloved, a pleasant thing or experience.)

Origin: (English, American)

Pronunciation: (SWEET-lee, Go to this site and run your cursor over Sweetly to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=sweetly&submit=Submit )

Gender: Female

I thought of this word last night and thought wouldn't it be a cute name for a character. If used in the right setting and used appropriately this could be a name. I would love to see this used as a character name.

Jericho

Meaning: (Moon City, City of the Moon)

Origin: (Arabic, Hebrew, Biblical)

Pronunciation: (JARE-a-koh)

Gender: Male

I used Jericho as a character name before and I actually got to really loving the name. I like the meaning as well. It is intersting to me to use a city name as the first name for a character.

Sherwood

Meaning: (Luminous Wood, From the Bright Forest, Bright, Wooded Glen, Place name: Sherwood forest that was home to the legendary hero Robin Hood and his men. )

Origin: (Old English)

Pronunciation: (SHER-wood)

Gender: Male


Sherwood isn't biblical like the rest of the names I posted today but I wanted to add this one. I like this name and I am thinking of using it as the name of a characcter in a novel I am going to write soon. I think it would be cool to see novels with a character with the first name Sherwood. I also love Robin Hood stories and there is a Sherwood Forest in England where the legendary character was said to reside. I am even called the Female Robin Hood by my family because I do Archery. I do Archery so it can help me be better at writing about it as many of my characters use bows and arrows.

Shepherd

Meaning: (Shepherd, Herdsmen, One who Guards Sheep's, Mostly 19th-century use. "Pooh" illustrator Ernest Shepard. Shepherd has 6 variant forms: Shep, Shepard, Shephard, Shepp, Sheppard and Shepperd.)

Origin: (Old English, Hebrew, Biblical)

Pronunciation: (SHEP-urd)

Gender: Male

Not a very common first name but I think it would be cool to see a character in a novel named Shepherd and maybe nicknamed Shep. I like what a Shepherd stands for and what they did in biblical times.

Jordan

Meaning: (Flowing Down, Down Flowing, Name of the major river in Palestine, used as a given name since the Crusades. The short form Jordi is also a Catalan variant of George. Jourdaine and Jourdan are French forms. From the name of the river which flows between the countries of Jordan and Israel. Adopted as a personal name in Europe after crusaders brought back water from the river to baptize their children. There may have been some influence from the Germanic name JORDANES, notably borne by a 6th-century Gothic historian.
This name died out after the Middle Ages, but was revived in the 19th century. In America and other countries it became fairly popular in the second half of the 20th century)

Origin: (Hebrew, English, Serbian, Bulgarian)

Pronunciation: (JOR-dan, JAWR-dən, Go to this site and run your cursor over Jordan to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=jordan&submit=Submit )

Gender: Uni-Sex

Jordan is one of my favorite middle names on my favorite male names list. I like it a lot and the good thing for writers for there characters names is it is a Uni-Sex name.

Aenon

Meaning: (A Cloud, Fountain, His Eye, Place of Springs, A place having “a great quantity of water” available, where John the Baptizer performed immersions after the Passover of 30 C.E. (John 3:23) It was near the apparently better known place named Salim. The exact locations of these places are uncertain; however, Eusebius, bishop of Caesarea in the third and fourth centuries C.E., indicates a location in the Jordan Valley about 8 Roman miles (12 km; 7.5 mi) S of Beth-shean. In this area is Tell Ridgha (Tel Shalem), tentatively identified with Salim. Nearby are several springs that might fit Eusebius’ description of the place called Aenon. )

Origin: (Biblical, Greek, Hebrew)

Pronunciation: (Ae′non, ee-non, NOTE: the A is Silent, it is said like enon)

Gender: Male

This is my third favorite name on my list of favorite male names. It could be mispronounced quite often because people will not know the A is silent when pronouncing it. But I just love the name and the meaning. It is another favorite biblical name. In a novel I would say use this name caustiously as the look and constant mispronouncing of the name by the reader will likely infuriate the reader and they will stop reading. Perhaps give the character a nickname and Aenon be there full name or put in a glossary and tell the reader how it is said.

Naomi

Meaning: (My Pleasantness, Pleasant, Beautiful, Delightful, Beautiful Honesty)

Origin: (Hebrew, Biblical, Japanese)

Pronunciation: (nay-OH-mee, nay-O-mee)

Gender: Female


I have actually used Naomi before as the name of the deceased mother of one of my characters. I like the name and the meaning a lot.

Ruth

Meaning: (Friend, Companion, Biblical: Ruth was the young Moabite widow who said to her Hebrew mother-in-law Naomi, "Where you go, there I shall go also; your people will be my people, your God, my God". Her sentiments appealed to Victorian poets, and the name has been popular since the 17th century.)

Origin: (Hebrew, Biblical)

Pronunciation: (rooth)

Gender: Female


Ruth is another name I never really thought to use in any novels of mine. Over the weekend I came to like the name. It has a lovely meaning.

Joseph

Meaning: (Shortened form of Josiphiah meaning “May Jah Add (Increase); Jah Has Added (Increased)”, Jehovah Increases)

Origin: (Hebrew, Biblical)

Pronunciation: (JOH-sef, JO-səf)

Gender: Male

I just returned from a Religious Convention so my posts are going to be biblical. I already love biblical name but now I am going to add a few more to my blog.

Joseph is a strong name. I was never much for this name but it is a nice name. I like more what the biblical Joseph went through (Being sold into slavery by his brothers, being faulsly accused and sent to jail for attempted sexual assult) but never swerved from serving Jehovah God even through all the things he went through. He learned from the experiences and gained much in the end. Also another Joseph in the bible was Jesus father on Earth.

Aidan

Meaning: (Fire, Little Fire, Anglicized form of the ancient Gaelic name Aedan, a pet form of Aed. Name of a bishop of Ferns (seventh century) who was noted for his kindness and generosity. Saint Aidan (Ireland, seventh century) established the monastery of Lindisfarne, one of the great centers of learning of its time. Aiden is a popular modern form of the name.)

Origin: (Gaelic)

Pronunciation: (AY-den)

Gender: Male

I just chose this as the middle name of one of my main characters. I was on the fence with this name but I actually really like it now. I have heard and seen the name a few times and I think it is a strong masculine name.

Felicity

Meaning: (Happy, From the English word felicity meaning "happiness", which ultimately derives from Latin felicitas "good luck". This was one of the virtue names adopted by the Puritans around the 17th century. It can sometimes be used as an English form of the Latin name FELICITAS. This name was revived in the late 1990s after the appearance of the television series 'Felicity'.)

Origin: (Latin)

Pronunciation: (fa-LISS-a- tee, fi-LIS-i-tee, Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Felicity to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=felicity&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I actually didn't care much for this name but it is growing on me a bit. When I was little there were these American Girls Dolls and one of them was called Felicity and most remember the T.V series Felicity starring Keri Russel. I think it would fit nice in a Historical Fiction novel as its a virtue name and used by the puritans. It would also fit in modern times. It's a nice name but I am still not sure if I really like it all that much.

Surnames

Edwards

Pickett

Weston

O' Malley

Myers

Macalister

Macadam

La Vanne

Burns

Heights

Kayne

Meranne

Redick or Reddick

Lost

La Rou

Beatrice

Meaning: (Voyager, Voyager through Life, Blessed, Bringer of Joy, Italian and French form of Beatrix, from Viatrix, the original form in Latin and feminine form of Viator. Beatrix was a saint martyred in Rome, together with Saints Faustinus and Simplicius, in the early fourth century. Beatrice was occasionally used in England in the Middle Ages, and revived in the 19th century. Queen Victoria named one of her daughters Beatrice. Literary: beloved heroine of Dante's "Divine Comedy" (1321) and of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" (1599). Beatriz is a Spanish form.)

Origin: (Latin, French)

Pronunciation: (BEE-a-triss, Go to this site and run your cursor over the name Beatrice to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=beatrice&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

Most recently people recognize the name Beatrice with Princess Beatrice, Prince Williams Cousin. Some think of William Shakespeare Play 'Much Ado About Nothing'. This name has a lovely meaning and I love the look of it. I have used this as the name of one of my antagonist characters names. I wanted a name that was lovely and beautiful because she was that before she turned bad. When I see Beatrix I think of Beatrix Potter the author of The Tales of Peter Rabbit.

Justice

Meaning: (Just or Fair Judge, Office of Justice, A Virtue Name. )

Origin: (Middle English)

Pronunciation: (JUSS-tus, JUS-tis, Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Justice to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=justice&submit=Submit )

Gender: Uni-Sex

I used the name Justice in my novel as the name of a character from another world. I love the name and it fit nicely in my novel. I could fit many different genres and eras.

Prudence

Meaning: (Caution, Discretion, Cautious, Intelligent, Virtue name most common in the 16th, 17th, and 19th centuries. Mostly British use now. Medieval form of Prudentia, a feminine form of PRUDENTIUS. In England it was used during the Middle Ages and it was revived in the 17th century by the Puritans, in part from the English word prudence, ultimately of the same source.)

Origin: (Latin, English)

Pronunciation: (PROO-dens, PROO-dənts,Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Prudence to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=prudence )

Gender: Female

I used Prudence mainly called Prue as the name of the friend of one of my characters. My character winds up marrying Prudence's Brother. I used this name in a Historical Fiction novel. It fit quite appropriately. It isn't used very much especially in the modern day but I think it is nice. It took a while for the name to grow on me but I like it now.

Dynasty

Meaning: (a succession of rulers from the same family, a prominent and powerful family or group of people whose members retain their power and influence through several generations, Family Reign)

Origin: (English)

Pronunciation: (Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Dynasty to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=dynasty+&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

Here is another word I think would be interesting to see used as a Character name. If you don't want the name to be constantly used during the book you can give the character the nickname Dyna which is similar to Dina.

Legacy

Meaning: (Inheritance, Birthright, Bequest, Heritage)

Origin: (English)

Pronunciation: (\ˈle-gə-sē\, Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Legacy to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=legacy&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I actually would like to see the word Legacy used as a character name. I think it would be unique and interesting to see where an Author would take it and how the name would effect the character. Maybe the name could be part of the inheritance. You literally inherited the name among other things *just a thought*.

Honor

Meaning: (Woman of Honor, Honour, Esteem, Integrity, Dignity, One of the virtue names adopted by the Puritans in the 17th century.)

Origin: (Latin, Spanish, Irish)

Pronunciation: (AHN-er, ON-or, AW-ner, Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Honor to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=honor&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I have a story I have wanted to write with a character named Honor but I haven't quite gotten to it yet. I quite like the name. It is sweet and feminine yet it stands for something strong and something we all want to have. It could be used in a Historical Fiction as it is a virtue name and used a long time ago. Could fit interestingly in a Romance novel. Could be interesting to be put in a Sci-Fi/ Fantasy as well. It's all up to the Author.

Independence

Meaning: (Freedom)

Origin: (American)

Pronunciation: (ˌin-də-ˈpen-dən(t)s\, Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Independence to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=independence&submit=Submit )

Gender: Female or possibly Uni-Sex

I thought about this word and I thought it could be an adorable name for a character. It could be given to a character of maybe an alien world or our world in the future and it's in conflicts and war. And the character is named Independence because her parents hope she can free them or free the world. Or you can go a dozen different ways with this name. Might not do good in Historical Fiction as this name might not have been used too far back. Or at least not as a name but as a word.

Sonnet

Meaning: (14-line Poem or Verse, From the word "sonnet", meaning a fourteen-line poem with a specific rhyming pattern. Among the famous poets who worked with this form are William Shakespeare and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.)

Origin: (English)

Pronunciation: (SAWN-nit, Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Sonnet to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=sonnet&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

I hadn't thought of this word as a name before. I saw it on the blog Baby Names Daily (http://www.babynameaddict.blogspot.com/). I also just learned that Actor Forest Whitaker and his wife Keisha Nash have a daughter named Sonnet, born 1996. And Flickr founders Stewart Butterfield and Caterina Fake also have a daughter named Sonnet, born 2007. As a character name I think it would be interesting to see where the author takes it. If used and explained nicely this name would be an awesome character name. I would personally love to read about a character named Sonnet.

Lyra & Lyre

Meaning: (Lyre, This name comes from the Greek 'lyra', meaning 'lyre' (a small harp used by the ancient Greeks). Lyra is the name of a small constellation which, according to Greek mythology, was shaped after the lyre of the legendary poet Orpheus. Its main star, Vega, is the fifth brightest in the sky. The name is rarely used today, but belongs to the heroine in Philip Pullman's popular 'His Dark Materials' trilogy. The first book (titled Northern Lights in the UK, The Golden Compass in the US) has been made into a film.)

Origin: (Greek)

Pronunciation: (Lyra: LYE-ruh, LIY-rə, Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Lyre to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=lyre&submit=Submit and Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Lyra to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=lyra&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female, maybe Uni-Sex

Here is another music related name *See Harmony, Melody, Aria and Piper on the list*. As you can see I love music related names. Lyre and Lyra are just beautiful names and I love to say them. I just chose Lyra as the middle name of one of my characters.

Beryl

Meaning: (Semi-Precious Stone, Light Green Semi-Precious Gemstone, The word is of Indian origin, from the Sanskrit term "veruliya". The beryl was considered a token of good luck. Biblical: the eighth foundation stone of the wall of New Jerusalem was made of beryl. The name came into fashion at the end of the 19th century.)

Origin: (English, Greek)

Pronunciation: (BEHR-el, BER-əl, Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Beryl and hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=beryl&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

Beryl stones are pretty and another favorite gem of mine. I saw Beryl spelled Birle in the novel On Fortunes Wheel by Cynthia Voigt. Then I remembered it was in the bible. I love it as a name. It is old fashioned like Opal *see Opal on the list* but I think they are both great names.

Opal

Meaning: (Gem, Jewel, A uniquely colorful iridescent gemstone, suitable for an October baby.)

Origin: (Indian, Sanskrit)

Pronunciation: (OH-pel, Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Opal to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=opal&submit=Submit )

Gender: Female

Opals are my favorite gem and I love the name. Though when you see this name people think of an old lady or the Victorian era.

Coral

Meaning: (Reef Formation, Pinkish/Orange Color. Form of Sealife. From "corallium", the Latin word for the semiprecious natural sea growth, often deep pink to red in color. In Hebrew, the word means "fate, destiny, luck". Late 19th-century coinage. )

Origin: (English, Latin)

Pronunciation: (KOR-ul, KAWR-əl)

Gender: Female

I have seen the name coral in books and heard it on T.V. The bearers of this name tend to be older. The last time it ranked in the top 1,000 according to Social Security Administration Baby Names Site was in 1992. 1888 was the year it was most popular. I like it and I used it as the last name of one of my characters.

Belle

Meaning: (Beauty, Beautiful)

Origin: (French)

Pronunciation: (bell, BEL)

Gender: Female

This is the middle name of one of the names on my favorite female names list. I have loved just the simple Belle not Isabel or Isabelle since I saw Beauty and the Beast. I have read the book and seen both live and animated versions of the movie.

Piper

Meaning: (Pipe Player, Piper, Flute Player, From a surname which was originally given to a person who played on a pipe (a flute).

Origin: (English, Old English)

Pronunciation: (PIEP-ər, Go to this site and run your cursor over the word Piper to hear how it is said: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=piper&submit=Submit)

Gender: Female

Here is yet another music related name *See Harmony, Melody & Aria*. I haven't used it but it is a nice name. It could be used in many different genres and eras.

Corabelle

Meaning: (Maiden, Heart, Beautiful Maiden)

Origin: (English, Greek)

Pronunciation: (Core-a bell, core-uh bell)

Gender: Female

I used Corabelle sometimes just called Cora as the name of the baby of one of my characters. It is a beautiful sweet name. It is a combo name.

Jadzia

Meaning: (Beautiful and Strong (Unknown Origin), Jade, War Battle (Polish), Female Warrior (Germanic), and Princess (Polish)

Origin: (Polish, Germanic)

Pronunciation: (jahd ZEE ah)

Gender: Female

I used this as the name of one of my main characters I love the meaning and look and sound of the name. I first heard it on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine A.K.A Star Trek: DS9. Jadzia Dax called more often just Dax. Her first name was Jadzia. I loved the name when I heard it.