Today historical romance author, Ashley March, is here as part of her 50 stop blog tour talking about how she chooses her character names. Ashley’s latest novel, Romancing the Countess, is available now from Signet Eclipse.
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Thanks so much to The Book Binge for having me on the blog today as I continue the celebration of my latest release, ROMANCING THE COUNTESS!
Since becoming a romance author one of the more frequent questions I get asked is: How do you choose the names of your characters?
Today I get to devote an entire blog post to this answer. =)
When I first began writing, I created an entire spreadsheet of male and female names that I could draw from—not only for heroes and heroines, but for secondary characters who might also one day have their own love stories, as well as for token characters. In addition to including first names, this list also included surnames. I had big plans for this list. I planned to keep up with it and cross off names that I used. I planned to update it as I found new names I liked. I was going to be on top of things…
And then, I, well…I didn’t keep up with it. Although I do look back to that spreadsheet now and then if I’m in desperate need of inspiration, here is the truth of how I’ve chosen names for characters in my books.
In my debut, SEDUCING THE DUCHESS, the hero’s name is Philip Burgess, the Duke of Rutherford. The heroine’s name is Charlotte. I had a crush on a Philip when I was a little girl. I also chose it because it sounded somewhat stuffy, which is how some would describe this hero. There was a boy I had a crush on in middle school whose last name was Burgess. There was a fellow classmate in high school (who I amazingly did not have a crush on) whose last name was Rutherford. As for Charlotte, that one’s easy: Charlotte Bronte wrote WUTHERING HEIGHTS, which I love.
In my e-short, ROMANCING LADY CECILY (which is a tie-in to my September release), the hero’s name is August, Baron Sedgwick (I don’t believe there was ever a need to determine his surname). The heroine’s name is Lady Cecily Bishop. I chose August because I really like the band Augustana and because I thought it was a unique name, and the hero had to have a unique name. I chose Sedgwick because I have a preference for surnames and titles that start with an S, and because I also like names with “wick” on the end. I chose Cecily because I adore the heroine of Teresa Medeiros’ YOURS UNTIL DAWN, who is also named Cecily, and have wanted to write my own heroine with that name since I read her book. I chose Bishop because I’ve wanted to write a character with the last name Bishop since discovering that it can be a surname. It sounds very noble, I think, which is both a good comparison and contrast to how Cecily behaves in this e-short.
In my September release, ROMANCING THE COUNTESS, the hero’s name is Sebastian Madinger, the Earl of Wriothesly, and the heroine’s name is Leah George. I chose Sebastian because I’ve always like the name for a hero, and it seemed like it would be a great name for a very solid, dependable character. Madinger and Wriothesly were both names I found by searching online for English surnames and titles, and I just loved how they sounded in my head. Leah is a biblical name I always thought of as an underdog, someone who is quiet and who you don’t immediately take notice of, and I thought the name fit the character perfectly. I was searching for a last name for Leah, and nothing I found was fitting for me. As I kept saying her name out loud, the surname George popped into my head, and I thought it also fit perfectly.
A few other tidbits:
Places I’ve taken names from: people I know or have met; Twitter and Facebook friends; names in the credits of television shows and movies, online research into British names, surnames, and titles. (Note: If I ever do take a name from someone I know, I only take part of their name, not the entire name, and I only use it for how the name sounds to me, not because of who the person is.)
I’ve made up a name before: Lunsford. Or, rather, I thought I made it up. Only recently I realized that a Twitter friend has that same last name. And I “made up” the name 3 years before becoming Twitter friends with her.
I really want to use the name Basil. I once thought it was pronounced basil as in the spice, but once I realized it was a short a instead of a long a, I’ve been dying to use it for a hero’s name. Unfortunately, I’m not sure my readers would ever forgive me.
As you can see, I draw upon inspiration for names from many different resources. The most important consideration for me, however, is that the name must always fit my perception of the character. Do you have any names you absolutely can’t stand? Would be willing to give Basil a chance? 😉
One random commenter will be chosen to win a copy of my newest book, ROMANCING THE COUNTESS (open internationally)! Also, find out how to win the ROMANCING THE COUNTESS Book Tour Grand Prize of 50+ romance novels by visiting www.ashleymarch.com!
After spending countless hours memorizing both traditional and simplified Chinese characters, perfecting her tones, and practicing her speaking with any Chinese native she could find, Ashley successfully graduated with a degree in Mandarin Chinese. She was determined to be the next best Chinese translator in the world… Then she discovered writing romances was as much fun as reading them, and her Chinese capabilities have never been the same. When she isn’t writing, Ashley stays busy trying to entertain her two young daughters, attempting to do housework, and hiking in the beautiful foothills of Colorado._______________________
Please note: You must include a valid email address with your comment to be eligible.
This book is available from Signet Eclipse. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
Hi Ashley,
I don’t think much to the name “Basil”. Probably because when I lived in England, they had a show about a fox and his name was “Basil”.
I think that the names Tristan, Richard and Tarquin are great names.
dpd333 (at0 aol dot com
I thought I made up a name for my baby girl name list (you know to keep in mind) and went online to see if it existed. It did. The boy name however did not and that surprised me because I thought it sounded like a perfectly acceptable hero name for a romance. In fact, I thought that’s where I got it from but nope, it wasn’t. lol
I could dig Basil if he liked food/was a cook/it was a middle name that became a nickname sort of thing.
I could handle the name Basil, however, it would take a strong, confident man to “defend” it. Were there any Matthews back in that time period? I like that name – maybe because it’s my son’s name. I love all of the names I read about. I guess that makes me easy going. If the plot in a novel is good, why worry about the name!
I’m really looking forward to reading “Romancing the Countess,” Ashley, and I’m sending you congratulations on it’s publication.
Connie Fischer
conniecape@aol.com
When I hear ‘Basil’, I think of Basil Rathbone. I pronounce it with a long a regardless of how it is being used. I never really liked the name Sylvester for a hero because all I could think of was the cartoon cat! But, Stephanie Laurens used Sylvester for the real name of her first Bar Cynster cousin (Devil’s Bride) so how could it be wrong? Now I don’t think of the cartoon cat!
I like Basil; it makes me think of Basil of Baker Street, the Great Mouse Detective. I haven’t seen the movie in years, so I don’t remember the specifics of the plot or the character. 😀
(Don’t pick me for the giveaway, I already have Romancing the Countess)
I just recently read The English Witch by Loretta Chase and her hero’s name is Basil. It was the first book I read where the name Basil was the hero.
I don’t know if there are any names that I really can’t stand. The only nick names that I can’t stand are Jer or Jerry. My youngest son is named Jeremy and I hate it when someone calls him either of those names.
I defintely agree that the name has to match the personality of the character. I personally like it when the names for the hero/heroine aren’t overused names in other books. It’s one reason that makes a book memorable for me.
Hi Ashley
Unfortunately, I know a man named Basil and I don’t think I’d be able to associate the name with a hero now. Other non-hero names, for me, Cedric and Percy.
I love the names Sebastian, Jack, Gabriel, Rafe, Nicholas, Luke, Ben, Julian, Justin….
Oh also Adam and Graeme(my sons).
Please don’t enter me for the contest as I’ve already won a copy, read the book and loved it.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hi, Ashley –
Like someone else commented, I’m familiar with the pronunciation of Basil because of Basil Rathbone and Robin Hood. Some names that I don’t like are Rose, Chester or Arthur.
You were nice enough to send me a copy of your book, so don’t enter me in the contest. I enjoyed the book and how you had Sebastian & Leah at different stages in their grief.
Have fun on the rest of your blog tour.
I like unique and/or meaningful names. A good name will make me take notice, however a common or dull name won’t gain my ire -unless it really really doesn’t suit the character. I would be willing to give Basil a try, it sounds intriguing 🙂
Cambonified (at) yahoo (dot) com
Hi Diane! Ah, see, I’m very glad you told me this. I would never have known Basil would be associated with a fox. =) Have you read Miranda Neville’s THE AMOROUS EDUCATION OF CELIA SEATON? She has a hero named Tarquin in that book. =)
Hi Keira! There is never any time that’s not okay to start thinking about baby names. 😉 To me it seems like people are willing to get a lot more creative with girl names than boy names. But now I really want to know what your boy name is. =)
Hi Connie! I believe there were Matthews back then. =) In fact, I think the hero of Lisa Kleypas’ A SCANDAL IN SPRING was named Matthew. Good choice. =) And I like the way you think about names. It might be that he can be named Basil, but he’s called by his title nickname. And thank you for celebrating with me! =)
Hi Karen! I’ll have to look up Basil Rathbone. I have no idea who he is. But I agree with you about Sylvester! Unfortunately, I haven’t read that Stephanie Laurens’ book yet, so I’m still seeing the cat. 😉
Hi Molly! I have to admit, that’s why I’m drawn to the name! lol
Hi Ora! Thank you so much for saying this. I just looked up THE ENGLISH WITCH on Amazon–which I didn’t know was available–and will be downloading it soon! =) And you know, if Loretta Chase can do it, then who am I to say Basil is a bad hero’s name? 😉 As for Jerry, I agree with you. With that being said, though, I met a Jerry who was working at the RWA hotel this past June, and he made me realize that there can be exceptions. 😉
Hi Beebs! Those are some great names. =) I’m with you on Cedric and Percy, though. And I love Adam and Graeme! I actually used Adam in a previous manuscript (one that will probably never be published), but I’d really like to fit it in somewhere again. And Graeme is such a wonderful, unique name. =)
Hi Kim! Okay, since you’re the second person to mention Basil Rathbone I had to look him up right now. Ah, I see. Does this mean that you do like the name because of that association or you don’t? =) I’m with you on Rose as a heroine’s name. I don’t know why it rubs me the wrong way, but it just does. It’s the same with Rosamund and Rosalyn/Rosalind. If I see a book with those names, it’s unlikely that I’ll buy it. Very strange sometimes how certain names will turn us off. And thank you–I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. =)
Yay Na!!! If I ever do write a Basil hero, I might just have to dedicate the book to you, lol. Thanks for your feedback! =)
Thanks Ashley
Glad you like ‘Graeme’. I believe (but I’m not sure) that it’s the Gaelic spelling of the name. I know the English spelling is Graham but Scots and Irish spell it without an ‘h’.
I like Basil! It is unique so it is cool! Just don’t use the name Rod or Gary! LOL! I love the name Lucas! If I ever write a book that will be the heroes name!
It is funny, I’m reading some of the posts! What names people hate and like. I love the name Rose. I named my daughter that! I love the Sebastion too! One of my favorite books by Teresa Medeiros has a Sebastion and the heroines cat is named it too which was kinda cute in the book!
Please don’t enter me in contest!
Hi again Ashley,
No, I havent read Miranda’s newest book. I just like the name Tarquin. What about Christopher, Andrew or even Charlie? lol
Yes, Basil Brush was a kid’s show in England many years ago.
I would really love to win your Romancing The Countess. I’ve lost track of how many contests I’ve entered to try and win this. ha ha
dpd333 (at) aol dot com
I do not care for the name Basil. I agree with you that I do not like Rose for a heroine either. I look pfrward to reading this book.
Whenever I hear the name Basil, I think of Basil Rathbone (he played a lot of bad guys in old (mostly 1930-50’s) movies. Supposedly one of the best swordsmen in Hollywood. The he played Sherlock Holmes. I like the good guys much better.
hit enter before adding my email:
sallans d at yahoo dot com
I try real hard not to be too demanding of folks in the name department. And, if you knew my name, you’d understand why! So yes, I’d give Basil a try. And, no, I don’t have any automatic “uh uh, no ways” in names. Thanks for another fun column.
Mochfly(at)swbell(dot)net
I also immediately thought of Basil Rathbone – The Adventures of Robin Hood with Errol Flynn was one of my favs (Basil Rathbone played the Sheriff of Nottingham in that movie).
Anyway, I’m fine with most names. The one thing I really dislike is when a female character is given a unisex name or a male nickname. For example, I just read a book where the female lead’s name was Rowan, and I’m also thinking of a book where the female lead’s nickname is Pete. That drives me crazy. It’s right up there with those unpronounceable names that fantasy authors like to give their characters in their made up worlds – like X’terahnef or something. If I can’t hear the name in my head, I don’t enjoy reading it in the book.
jen at delux dot com
You go right ahead with BASIL. I can picture him now.
I love all the classic names like James, Thomas, Edward, George etc.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I’m sorry to say I don’t think I can picture Basil as the hero. The rejected love interest, perhaps, or maybe a villain. My brain just automatically goes to “herb garnish for pasta” instead of “swoonworthy aristo”.
Maya
Hi Beebs: I see how popular Scottish romances are, and I keep thinking to myself that I’d swoon for more Irish historicals. Maybe I’ll have to write one one day. 😉
Hi Johanna! Thanks so much for the feedback on Basil. I think I have to come up with the perfect character for it to work, but I’m glad some people like it. =) As for Rose, I’ve met one Rose in my life and she was actually quite wonderful, so not sure what the hang-up is. Like you said, it’s strange what names become issues for people. And what Teresa Medeiros book had the cat and the hero with the same name? I think I’ve read all of hers, but can’t remember this part. =)
Lol Diane–I’m crossing my fingers for you on this one! =) Those are great names, too. I had a crush on a Chris when I was in elementary school (seriously, this is starting to sound weird, lol), and I named one of the secondary characters-who-could-become-a-hero in my next book Andrew. =)
Hi kmannrn! Thanks for the feedback! I think a popular author wrote a hero named Nigel, but she used his title as his name in the book. That might be one way I can get around it. 😉
Di! NOW I remember who he is! Even though I looked him up before, for some reason it didn’t click until your comment. My husband loves Sherlock Holmes, so he probably knows who he is. Interesting. Of course, this makes me want to write a Basil even more…just goes to show you I’m contrary. 😉
I like Basil, when I say it outloud I think it sounds sort of foreign and mysterious.
Even names I am not very fond of I get attached to if the character is well written. Although the name Prudence is a hard one for me to keep saying over and over in my head, and I cant even give her a nickname like I sometimes do if the name doesnt match up for me or I really dont prefer it!
(please don’t enter me in the contest, thanks)
Hi LSUReader! Thanks for giving Basil a chance. =) My middle name is Renae. When I was a kid I hated it because for some reason the “ae” at the end made me think of dinosaurs…The way we think as children, lol. Not too awful, but yeah, a Basil could grow on me, too. =)
Hi JenM! I’m the same way with unpronounceable names. Drives me absolutely insane. That being said, I had a few people ask me why I used “Wriothesly” because they had a difficult time with it. Oops. =) And I’m there with you too on the unisex names. I don’t want to have to remember who’s the hero and who’s the heroine all the time. =)
All right, marybelle! =D Thanks! And I love most of those, too. The only one that makes me hesitate for some reason is George..but then, maybe because I had a boss in the past named George who was very UN-heroic. =)
Lol Maya, that’s what I first thought, too. I think it’s the thinking of him with a British accent that makes the name redeemable for me. I recently met a British woman named Saffron. Such a nice woman, but I don’t get the names sometimes. =)
Hi Lexi! Hmm, now this is interesting. I wonder if I could make Basil with an English name but who lived abroad. Then he would be mysterious/foreign to the heroine, too. =) As for Prudence, yes! I always think of prunes. =P
Sure, I’d be willing to give Basil a chance. I think the one name I can’t stand is Bruce, and my ex-husband might have something to do with that. 😀
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
I could see how the spreadsheet idea could quickly become outdated, as I’ve tried to use spreadsheets and keep forgetting to update them. You have a great way for coming up with names!
I could see Basil, because as a name I pronounce with a short a instead of long as in the spice.
Can’t think of male name I can’t stand…oh wait Stanley! Stan or Stanley just not for me.
Thanks for the contest 🙂
Jennygirl73[at]gmail[dot]com
I think I can take Basil. It sounds very British. I wouldn’t name my kid Basil now or he’ll get teased but it’s fine for a male hero in a regency romance 🙂
Hmm.. the only names that I really can’t stand are the names of people that I really don’t like… and that’s not that many people. 🙂
Well, since I’m from non-English speaking country all the names in English books are foreign to me. Sure, some names are more common then other, but all in all any name will be OK for me 🙂
franalokas AT yahoo DOT com
I actually quite like Basil, sounds very unique. I also like simple names like John, James, Gabriel and so on. I hate it when either the hero or heroine have a name I don’t have a clue how to pronounce it. Throws me out of the story every time.
claudigc at msn dot com
There aren’t really any names I can’t stand, as long as it fits the character. I would give Basil a chance, since I think that name would match a very interesting personality and character.
lilazncutie1215[at]yahoo[dot]com
When I think Basil I think of Fawlty Towers’ Basil Fawlty (John Cleese) and Manuel’s pet “hamster” (which was actually a rat) also Basil, so I’m not sure about Basil for a hero. Maybe for the heroine’s dad? 😀
Also, I love the name Cole for a hero and I have a soft spot for the ubiquitous Luke/Lucas and Nick/Nicholas.
hankts AT internode DOT on DOT net
I can’t remember a name in a story that bothered me. My biggest problem with names is when an author has two or more characters with similar names. This causes confustion to me since I am easily confusted and since there are times that I am busy and am putting the book down for long periods of time.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
I believe the name Basil was used in the kids movie, “The Great Mouse Detective,” and I love that name. However, I’d include the explanation of how it’s not pronounced like the herb 😉
bec.mcdorman@gmail.com
I really enjoyed this post! Found it quite informative and intriguing :). I actually quite like the name Basil.
Names I am not to fond of hmmm Hortence & Wilbur.
pams00 @ aol.com
I am sure they are horrid names out there but Basil is not that bad 🙂 For me it is more the names around here, the really old/ and the “redneck” ones. But then I never come across them cos I do not read literature from my own country 😉
blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
I don’t think Basil would be that bad for a hero.they are some names I don’t think works for a hero such as Roger,Desmand,Earl but these names might be good for some of the other characters