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!
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64 comments:

  1. Michelle WallaceApril 1, 2016 at 6:01 AM

    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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    Replies
    1. J.L. CampbellApril 1, 2016 at 5:34 PM

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

      Delete
  2. UnknownApril 1, 2016 at 6:25 AM

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

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  3. mshatchApril 1, 2016 at 6:59 AM

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

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  4. Jeremy [Retro]April 1, 2016 at 7:00 AM

    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?

    ReplyDelete
  5. L. Diane WolfeApril 1, 2016 at 7:02 AM

    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. J.L. CampbellApril 1, 2016 at 5:42 PM

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

      Delete
  6. Susanne MatthewsApril 1, 2016 at 7:18 AM

    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. J.L. CampbellApril 2, 2016 at 9:31 AM

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

      Delete
  7. Tasha Duncan-DrakeApril 1, 2016 at 8:00 AM

    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. J.L. CampbellApril 2, 2016 at 9:27 AM

      Thanks for dropping in! Google is a wonderful tool.

      Delete
  8. Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerApril 1, 2016 at 8:17 AM

    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. J.L. CampbellApril 2, 2016 at 9:23 AM

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

      Delete
  9. bettyApril 1, 2016 at 8:34 AM

    Amaya could be pretty name for a character.

    betty

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  10. Alex J. CavanaughApril 1, 2016 at 9:19 AM

    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. J.L. CampbellApril 2, 2016 at 9:20 AM

      Sci-Fi stuff does call for interesting names.

      Delete
  11. NicolaApril 1, 2016 at 10:17 AM

    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. UnknownApril 1, 2016 at 10:18 AM

    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. J.L. CampbellApril 2, 2016 at 9:15 AM

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

      Delete
  13. Joylene Nowell ButlerApril 1, 2016 at 10:48 AM

    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. J.L. CampbellApril 2, 2016 at 9:12 AM

      Now that last name would be kinda unpronounceable. :D

      Delete
  14. cleemckenzieApril 1, 2016 at 10:56 AM

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

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  15. A Tarkabarka HölgyApril 1, 2016 at 11:03 AM

    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. AnonymousApril 1, 2016 at 11:12 AM

    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. J.L. CampbellApril 2, 2016 at 9:07 AM

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

      Delete
  17. Susan Gourley/KelleyApril 1, 2016 at 12:17 PM

    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. Sheila GoodApril 1, 2016 at 1:21 PM

    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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    Replies
    1. J.L. CampbellApril 1, 2016 at 6:12 PM

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

      Delete
  19. Susan ScottApril 1, 2016 at 2:01 PM

    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. Julie FlandersApril 1, 2016 at 2:56 PM

    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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    Replies
    1. J.L. CampbellApril 1, 2016 at 6:02 PM

      Thanks for sharing that resource, Julie. Appreciate it!

      Delete
  21. C R WardApril 1, 2016 at 3:51 PM

    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. MckTchrApril 1, 2016 at 5:08 PM

    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. THE KATYApril 1, 2016 at 6:14 PM

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

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    1. J.L. CampbellApril 1, 2016 at 10:50 PM

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

      Delete
  24. LiApril 1, 2016 at 6:35 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  25. LiApril 1, 2016 at 6:40 PM

    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. J.L. CampbellApril 1, 2016 at 10:46 PM

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

      Delete
  26. Rhonda AlbomApril 1, 2016 at 6:49 PM

    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. J.L. CampbellApril 1, 2016 at 10:45 PM

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

      Delete
  27. UnknownApril 1, 2016 at 6:55 PM

    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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  28. Sharon HimslApril 1, 2016 at 8:03 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  29. Sharon HimslApril 1, 2016 at 8:05 PM

    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. Sheena-kay GrahamApril 1, 2016 at 10:09 PM

    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. SallyApril 2, 2016 at 6:20 AM

    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. J.L. CampbellApril 2, 2016 at 8:46 AM

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

      Delete
  32. kjmckendryApril 2, 2016 at 5:11 PM

    What a great theme! I love the name Azmera!

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  33. BobbieTalesApril 4, 2016 at 12:08 AM

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

    ReplyDelete

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

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