What's In a Name?

Friday, April 1, 2016


This year, my theme will be names. When you're a writer, you need a good range of names. However, I'll be exploring unusual names, their meanings, and asking you to share some uncommon ones you may know. Plus, I'll be sharing tidbits to do with names, so here goes … Today's names are … drumroll please …

Amala (f)  pure, origin – Sanskrit
Amara (f)  elegance, grace, origin – African
Asja (f)   resurrection; eastern sunrise, origin – American

Adrik (m)   dark – origin - Russian
Ayomide (m) Pronunciation: ah-yaw-MEE-deh - happiness is coming, origin - African
Azmera (m)  harvest, origin - Ethiopian

Have any 'A' names that would look good in a book? Do share!

64 comments:

  1. Hi Joy!
    When it comes to writing, I'm not good with names.
    The names Aphiwe (pronounced 'Upeeweh') and Asanda are popular amongst some of our youth.

    It's great to march alongside you as part of The Joyful Brigade!
    Onward march!
    Writer In Transit

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    1. I like those, Michelle. Stashing them away too.
      Sooo glad to have you!

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  2. Amrita? It's a friend's name :)

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  3. I am a collector of names so your theme is awesome! I always liked the name Aislin.

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  4. Who doesn't love words... some great "A"!

    Welcome in the letter "A"... thank you!
    Jeremy [Retro]
    AtoZ Challenge Co-Host [2016]

    Stop over and find a free "SIX STRINGS: BLOGGING AtoZ CHALLENGE" Here: http://www.jmhdigital.com/

    HOLLYWOOD NUTS!
    You know you want to know if me or Hollywood... is Nuts?

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  5. Asja is American? That's a really unique name.

    My current project has an Anna and I have a story I want to write with an Alyse.

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    1. Yes, I wondered about the origin of Asja too.
      Alyse, I like the difference. The pronunciation could be interesting too.

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  6. I often use the first name of family members and friends, but every now and then, I'll pick a name just because I like it or because I can work an anecdote or plot point around it. https://mhsusannematthews.wordpress.com/

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    1. Hi, Susannes, I prefer using names of folks I don't know and I like unusual ones very much.

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  7. When I see Adrik I think Doctor Who :) I'm afraid I can't think of any names off the top of my head - whenever I need one I go Googling :)
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

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    1. Thanks for dropping in! Google is a wonderful tool.

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  8. That's an impressive set of names. All I can think of right now is Alf hahaha!
    Open Minded Mormon A-Z

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    1. And Alf reminds me of that comedy from years ago. :)

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  9. Amaya could be pretty name for a character.

    betty

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  10. Adrik is a powerful name. I had an Aden and an Athee in my books. Both slight variations on real names.

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    1. Sci-Fi stuff does call for interesting names.

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  11. I love the name Alice - it's strong and intelligent - and that's why my daughter has that name. She does it justice :) I also like the name Amber who is a character in one of my stories. Really looking forward to your naming posts! Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend.

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  12. Arya or Alysha are pretty names. Also, here in Spain we have pretty names starting with A, like Ana or Amelia.

    @CintaEscribe de
    El Rincón de Cinta

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    1. Thanks for dropping in, Cinta. Yes, you do have some pretty names of Spanish origin. Nice to 'meet' you!

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  13. Agathokakological... stole it from Susan's post. Good and evil... sure to make a great theme, but doubtful you could use it as a name. Unless you split into first and last name. Hello, my name is Agatho Kakological.

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    1. Now that last name would be kinda unpronounceable. :D

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  14. I've never heard of some of these! Love the sound of Arya.

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  15. Very useful theme! I did one post like this on my blog, for Hungarian names, since writers don't use them much... Very pretty names for A! :) Happy A to Z!

    @TarkabarkaHolgy from
    The Multicolored Diary
    MopDog

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  16. How about Amsellem or Anise? Assemblage came to mind. I realize it's not a name. However, the A to Z challenge is an assemblage of bloggy minds.
    @ffmamacoach from
    Fabulous Fit Mamas

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    1. I like Anise, which I believe is also a spice.
      Yup, assemblage would fit the Challenge.

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  17. I like all those names. I like unusual names in books as long as they are easily pronounced.
    Susan Says


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  18. That's a great theme. I love names and their meanings. When I named my children (now adults), I studied the meanings and origins before choosing. Nice job. @sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles

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    1. Hi, Sheila, I like choosing names that fit my characters.

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  19. Adri? I have 2 South African friends called Adri - Alice, Annabelle - Adrienne .. but I love the names you've given us with their origins thank you.

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  20. Very cool theme. I love the website behindthename.com because I love learning about the history/meaning of names while exploring for names for my stories. Looking forward to your theme.

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    1. Thanks for sharing that resource, Julie. Appreciate it!

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  21. Great idea for a theme! One time I had a name just pop into my head out of the blue and I wrote an entire book based on it.

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  22. My favorite teacher of all time was named Asa. I'm also a fan of Amari, Aubrey, and Anissa. Great theme!

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  23. I have a sister named Amy and I've been partial to Amelie as well. I love names!

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    1. Hey, Katy, thanks for dropping in. Yes, Amelie is nice.

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  25. I work in the education system, and it's amazing how many people have begun creating names for their children, either from scratch or by coming up with innovative spellings.

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    1. The spelling variation is sometimes a challenge, I think. :)

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  26. I have been using Scrivener, and it has a name generator, based only on a few regions. I love new names, so this will be a fun A to Z

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    1. Didn't know that about Scrivener. I bought a licence, just haven't started using it yet. Thanks.

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  27. Names of characters is a challenge to be sure. Have fun this month, Joy!
    Here's one - Alene (precious, awakening, sun-ray) also it's the name of a popular craft glue.
    Im visiting from Fill the Cracks and Moondustwriter's Blog

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  29. It really depends on the book but I must be in a Russian mood. I like Adrik best. A 'dark' villain.

    Pioneer Women in Aviation A-Z

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  30. You're not going to believe this but I think you have some up with a name for one of my book characters. Ayomide is perfect for the deceased mother in my princess wip with the girl being transported to modern day Jamaica.

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  31. All great names. A very English female name is Audrey (I have an Aunty with that name) I believe it is coming back into fashion a bit now.

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    1. Thanks for dropping in, Sally. I know at least one Audrey.

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  32. What a great theme! I love the name Azmera!

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  33. GREAT, SITE! A for Amy, Alice, Adora and on and on, depends on the character habits and wants.

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Don't be shy, I'd love to hear what you think.