What's In A Name?

A fictional character's name, like a real person's name, leaves an impression in people's mind. Names say a lot about someone, so name your characters (especially the protagonists) the way you'd name your children. 

Here are some things to consider when naming characters: Social Status/Background, Nationality/Ethnicity, Age, Personality.

1. Social Status / Background - 
Examples: 
         Elena - from class C family
         Bridgette - daughter of the town mayor 
         Jason - son of an engineer and a college professor

2. Nationality - 
Examples:
        Megumi - half-Japanese heroine
        Chin -  half-Chinese, hero's ex-girlfriend
        Fabio - one-fourth Mexican, hero's best friend 

* If you want to give a foreign name for a pure Filipino character, at least give a reason why he's named like that. Say, his mother named him after a celebrity. 

3. Age - 
Examples: 
       Yan-Yan -  6 years old, heroine's niece 
       Armando - 53 years old, hero's father
       Nissy - 15 years old, heroine's younger sister

4. Personality-

It is okay to give them funny names if that is really your intention. But if not, por favor, refrain from using ridiculously-spelled names. 'Fillif' doesn't sound intimidating, neither does 'Dyordann'. 'Meileen' and 'Rhowse' sound like crazy, immature women. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using the correct spelling of a name. 

    Tip: Use a book on baby names for the first names, and directories for last names.