How do you choose the name for a character?

Dedthom · January 2005

I was wondering what is the reason behind the names you use for your characters? Do you use the random generater or do you spend alot of time trying to find the perfect name? Do you choose a name with a hidden meaning? I have been choosing names lately from old Runequest book and my DND characters. Just some thing to discuss.

BigPeeler · January 2005

Peeler = RL nickname... the "Big" was added back when I first started MMORPG'ing... turns out Peeler was already used so I just tossed the Big on and ta~da... been using it ever since...

As for where Peeler was born... that's a bit more complicated...

Valerian · January 2005

I usually choose names based on meaning. I spend what is probably a silly amount of time searching for uncommon real Earth names with meanings and/or origins that fit the particular concept I have in mind for a character. If I can't find a name that is a good fit, I will break names down based on linguistic roots and build a new name that way. I have tried generators, but they don't usually satisfy me.

Names are a hobby of mine, so it makes sense that they become an important part of characters I play. Most people I talk to think I'm a bit odd in this regard. But to each their own. I maintain a website of links regarding naming/onomastics - cultural origins, meanings, names from various time periods, themes, etc., so I have a big pool of info from which to draw:

http://home.comcast.net/~wish66/Onomastic_Links.html

Iceman12321 · January 2005

Iceman = friend of mine called me this (for a stupid random reason, but its something to call me by...)
Boydy = Realife nickname
Chillice = My first EQ character's name was Iceman, BUT I had to change it, so the gm just gave me a random word with ice in it......just have used it ever since.
Stud = Do I really need to explain this?

darkman · January 2005

My usual name that I use in game: hellprowler, I came up with during my Diablo2 days. I think you can reason with me how I figured that name out.

Blinxer · January 2005

I came up with Blinx one day becuase my old name was taken and have used it ever since

Dedthom · January 2005

I use Dedthom alot because my name is Thom and I love the line from Muppet treasure island about Dead Tom. Also I have never had trouble using that name no one else seems to use it. Recently I have been using Stormbull after a Gloranthian god. Any dwarf I play I use Husk, seems to fit and was the name of one of my favorite DND chars. On EQ i use the random gen because so many names are taken. Have you ever started a game and made 3 or 4 chars just to save those names so you could use them in future?

Tacklebury · January 2005

I have my set of names I always try to get when starting on a new game or a new character. Other than that, I use the random generator at times, but never use what it gives me. I just use it as a seed to grow a cool name from. Peace.

Drakaeon · January 2005

It's odd that everytime I see one of these thread I am suddently hit with deja vu.

Anofalye · January 2005

I pick a word...

Make a mixt of french and english with it.

Then change 1 letter or 2 to make it cuter.

Now I try to pick smaller words then Anofalye(anomaly/anomalie) hehe, like Ymne(Hymn/Hymne)!

Drax · January 2005

The names I use come from different things (No random generated)

1. Drax Dragonfire is my DnD character and most commonly used mmorpg name. He sorta came out of nowhere tho he is supposed to be Half-dragon.

2. Blademaster is the name when I make a melee type character as he is supposed to be a master of blades

Korpz · January 2005

I try to keep names in character for the game I'm playing, fantasy names for fantasy games and so on.

Korpz is the name of my Live action role playing character, he's the 5th character I've had in 12 events.

webBear1000 · January 2005

I create the character then find inspiration in how he looks.

jayheld90 · January 2005

i usually just put letters together until i find something that i like, something that no one else uses so i can use it each time. the one i have been using for about a year now is Eleutherious (no one steal it please, i dont want to think of a new one ::::01:: )

Benden · January 2005

I have crapy imagination when i have to get a name

Mines come from novels written by anne mc affrey (spelling). Like it coz I like how it sounds and it's not well known. I did even use it when i was guide (volunteer GM) in EQ lol

Lreguizr · January 2005

Three Words: Random Name generators.

Shaud · January 2005

First i started with "shaw" then i figured out it was actually something. So, i changed it around to "shaud" which is a mispelling of "chaud" which is both a cool-ish megaman network character and it's french for hot. ::::31::

Orcc · January 2005

Most of my names are just completly random words/thoughts that I tihnk would make a funny name.

My UO character was named Carbonated Glory, My DND character is called Cudgel Tightpants and the name I use generally in FPSs is Willison which is from Wilson the volleyball in Castaway with an extra "li" ::::35::

Ya, pretty serious stuff.

ianubisi · January 2005

I create a phonetic sound that I think sounds cool, and then I spell it out. It's that simple.

But once I've found a name I like, I tend to keep it in a short list of names I'll often play with. Since I usually play many characters in any MMOG it's pretty easy to run out of the names on that list...and I'll make new ones when the old names seem boring.

I prefer to stay away from names in mythology or literature, since they tend to carry their own sense of identity.

knives22 · January 2005

well, I base my nicks on stuff. things you know.. I mostly use rocklimit

Dremvek · January 2005

I try to pick names that fit the race/sex/personality of the character I'm creating, and also try to make it something that is easy to type, pronouncable and easy to remember. Nobody likes typing /tell Eluluarchemandition, so I try to keep my names short and sweet.

Names I've used recently include Caras, Sylann, Dremvek, Alera, Cliser, and Mahip among others.

lotharr · January 2005

When i bought DAoC (my frist mmo at 99)I had a guy named Shemuene in it... I played it for few weeks and my big brother got addicted to DAoC and used name Ha'Chan... He got something about 12 level guy and then I deleted it... lol, dont ask why. Then he got mad to me, after that he maked new character named Lotharr... Well after 7 months everybodty there had something like "Lothius" "Loth" in the nick. And then he stopped to subscrible it and havent ever after that played it, i dont know why... He was addicted to it day before the cancelling. After that I used Lotharr in all places. But sometimes i use "Shemue" nick ingame. Peoples ask why my name is "Shemue", is it chinese or something. But i say its too long story to tell.

kiniar · January 2005

A mixture of RL First and Last names, will try to make sure it fits the character and what I invision for them. If not I try and create original by spouting nonsense until it seems to fit.

saitoe · January 2005

saitoe- anime character... i base all my melees off this name because he is great.

final phase- base all my casting types on this one... once you go against me on PVP you cant go back... cause ill root you and nuke you!

EonNachtgot · January 2005

I think about a character . about his past , about his history . And try to give him a name that suits him fine , nothing goddish or supernatural though , (besides here) thats too pompous ..

Well i must say that i only play in RP servers , nothing else , if a game doesn't have a rp server i get bored pretty fast

Well names like : Vagabandana , Eon Night , Lone Star etc ..etc

Tribolta · January 2005

i normally choose my username as "tribolta", you may wonder why.

Its a made up word that I thought of one day and I kinda use it for everything now inc. this mmorpg site! I play Runescape, Republic Online, TIbia, FIrst Star Online, Planeshift, Asherons Call 2

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How do you choose the name for a character?

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How do you choose the name for a character?

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