The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Published by Penguin on January 17, 2010
Genres: Reference / General
Pages: 480
Format: Paperback
Source: Bookstore
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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Character Names

The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook is a one-of-a-kind resource specifically designed with the writer in mind. Inside you'll find:

   • 25,000+ first names and surnames, and their meanings, listed by origin
   • Names and surnames from more than 45 countries
   • A reverse lookup of names by meaning
   • An alphabetical index of names
   • An explanation of naming practices and historical context for each origin
   • A list of the top ten most popular names in the United States every year from 1880-2003
   • Instruction on how to create believable names that fit your characters and your story

This comprehensive guide also includes advice from a number of best-selling authors, including Elizabeth George, Alexander McCall Smith, Homer Hickam, Marian Keyes, Big Fish author Daniel Wallace, and others. You'll get the inside scoop on their naming methods, plus the stories behind the names of their most famous characters.

So throw out your old telephone books and baby-naming guides—The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook meets all your naming needs!

ABOUT THE BOOK

This character naming guide offers a wide selection of names across many cultures, complete with meanings and origins, aimed at helping writers choose names that fit their characters and stories.

THE STORY

While not a traditional story, this reference book serves as a writer’s tool. It’s organized by region and language, offering thousands of names—along with brief etymologies and occasional cultural context.

THE CHARACTERS

No fictional characters here, but plenty of inspiration for naming your own. From Celtic to Japanese, Biblical to Slavic, the entries are alphabetized and grouped by region, which helps with thematic worldbuilding.

WRITER’S TOOLKIT

This book shines as a reference guide, especially if you’re looking for name authenticity across different cultures. That said, it lacks robust context or naming theory—so it’s better as a supplement than a standalone tool. It won’t explain why a name fits your character’s arc, but it will give you a starting point.

STEAMOMETER

🔥 0 out of 5 – No romance here, just naming facts!

OVERALL THOUGHTS

A helpful catalog for writers looking to expand their character name repertoire, but not essential if you’re seeking deep guidance on character development or narrative-driven naming. It’s a quick reference, not a creative companion. Great for genre writers, historical fiction buffs, or fantasy creators needing cultural diversity in names.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

Solid, but not the whole picture.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sherrilyn Kenyon is a bestselling author known for her paranormal romance series Dark-Hunter. She brings her research chops and genre-savvy experience to this nonfiction offering.

📘 Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Goodreads Profile