How to Create Memorable Character Names (Iconic Name Breakdown)

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Did you know ‘Sherlock Holmes’ was originally ‘Sherrinford Holmes’ and ‘Frodo Baggins’ was once ‘Bingo’? 🤔

In the world of storytelling, names are more than just labels—they're the window into who a character truly is. Names can shape the way we see a character and how they fit into their world.

In this video of Story Lab, Hayley Milliman explore the fascinating backstories behind some of the most iconic character names, like Sherlock Holmes and Frodo Baggins. You’ll learn how these names evolved from their early drafts to the legendary ones we know and love today.

Plus, we’ll walk you through a simple 4 step framework to help you create unforgettable character names of your own—names that reflect your character's personality, role, and the world they belong to—just like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and J.R.R. Tolkien did.
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⏰ Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Why naming characters is so difficult
1:13 - Why choosing the right name is so important
1:34 - What makes the name Frodo Baggins work?
2:06 - Why Tolkien went from Bingo to Frodo
3:47 - The fundamentals of a great character name
3:58 - What makes the name Sherlock Holmes work?
4:13 - Why Doyle went from Sherrinford to Sherlock
6:27 - Formula for naming characters
6:31 - Step 1: Choose the Right Tone
6:57 - Step 2: Personality and Role
7:24 - Step 3: Make It Memorable
7:43 - Step 4: Consider Sound and Feel
8:13 - The process of coming up with a name
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At Story Lab, we break down successful stories to uncover the secret formula for writing your own masterpiece. Powered by the story scientists at ProWritingAid, we combine art and science to help you master storytelling.

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