Message: "Which name is good for a character in a story?"

Which name is good for a character in a story?

by Ellie (guest)

7/15/2002, 1:06 PM

I love to write and I'm working on a new story set in 1800's England. I originally picked the name Elizabeth for my main character, but there's so many books with main characters named Elizabeth. Now I'm really leaning towards Catherine, but I wanted to know what you all think. Are there any better names out there? Please let me know!!

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- Anneza (guest) +3

7/16/2002, 1:36 AM

If you go with the suggestion of Katherine, you'll have to check up on nickname usage in the period in which your story will be set. (You shuld probably also use either Catherine or Katharine, but not a hybrid - too modern.) The 1800s took a long time! At the beginning she'd quite likely have been Kitty, then Cathy later and Katie later still. Depends on how scholarly you intend to be, too - if it's just a costume drama, then go with whatever pleases you.

- Ellie (guest) +2

7/16/2002, 1:26 PM

Thanks so much! I've done some research but I haven't had too much luck on nicknames! The story is set more in the mid-1800's, though the exact year is never actually too important to the story except for small details. I'm really leaning towards Katherine or Catherine, but I was wondering if Kitty (which is the most common nickname I've come across) goes along with Katherine only or whether it can also be for Catherine.

- Anneza (guest) +1

7/17/2002, 1:36 AM

Kitty was used for both Catherine and Katharine, so there's no problem there! The only time things get different is with Kathy/Cathy. Everything else is the same for both.

- Ellie (guest)

7/17/2002, 11:11 AM

Again, thanks so much! That really helps, I was kind of needing a nickname for a couple kind of significant parts in the story! =^)

- Lissa (guest) +3

7/15/2002, 7:21 PM

Katherine (which looks more elegant and Victorian than Catherine) and Victoria are very nice names for the 1800s. Not so sure about Samantha, though.

I suggest:
Amelia
Eleanor
Susanna
Alice
Devonny

- Ellie (guest) +2

7/16/2002, 1:24 PM

Thanks! Devonny is from a book I read also and I asked about the name here before because I suggested it for a relative to name her soon-to-be born daughter, but never got a reply! I wasn't too sure about Samantha but I do like Katherine and Susanna (I've already done a story with a character named Amelia!)

- Lissa (guest) +1

7/16/2002, 2:31 PM

I would guess - but don't quote me - Devonny is the female form of Devon?

- Ellie (guest)

7/16/2002, 2:41 PM

That's what I thought too but I could never find anything that said so or even listed the name on their database! I'm still watching around though, I know it'll pop up somewhere eventually!

- Ella (guest) +2

7/15/2002, 2:16 PM

I like Katherine better. And Victoria. And Samantha.

~ Ella

- Hiroshi Zanretsu (guest) +1

7/15/2002, 9:57 PM

The story part attracted me.

I like to write, and I put alot in the name of a character. I like to get a name that describes the character well, but my stuff isall fantasy, and not era based. In my opinion, go with Katherine. I've tried to use it alot myself.

- Ellie (guest)

7/16/2002, 1:28 PM

I love writing a lot and usually I choose a name that has a specific meaning and origin so that it fits the characters personality, but in this case, since it is in fact set in a specific era I've been choosing names that come from the time period. Most of my stories are set modern-day so the names don't matter as much except to me as a writer. I've had the name Evergale suggested and it interests me, but I'm not quite sure if it fits. So far Catherine has been my best bet! Thanks for your help!

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