Names. Oh, how I love them so! I've studied the origins and meanings of names for years. I can break down dozens of Latin roots without taking a semester of Latin.

Finding the perfect character name for me is just as hard as writing the actual book.

If you need help choosing a name, here are some tips:

Popularity:

-A girl born in 1998 is much more likely to be named Madison than Agnes. A boy born in 1869 would be more likely named John than Jayden. Of course there are outliers. But, popularity is a great way to start.

--This can make a great sub plot point in your stories. Maybe an Emily born in 2002 hates her name because there are four others with it in her class and wants to stand out more.

---It's also fun to check out the current popularity lists for countries. If you live in the US, do you know anyone named Sophia? That's the number one name for girls (using the 2012 list.) How many boys do you know that have their names rhyme with Aiden? Meet the newest trend, spawning Jayden, Brayden, Caden and any other sounds you can think of.

----Evelyn is in style, but Mabel is still dusty. Good bye Mary, hello Emma. Some vintage names are in, others are out. Many names follow the 100 year rule- they become popular every one hundred years.

Ethnicity:

-What race/descent is your character? Now, especially in modern times, more exotic names are being given. Aaliyah is in the top 50 for girls (US-2012) so it is safe to assume that babies that aren't of Arabic descent are also receiving the name. I seriously doubt all the little Liams running around are all Irish. In a country like the US, a big melting pot, names often don't stick with ethnicity or descent.

--On the other end of the spectrum, not all families of Scandinavian descent choose Elsa and Maja. In fact, the most popular girl name right now in Sweden is Alice.

---Even with this, descent is still worth taking a look at. It can show that you've done your research.

Meaning:

-Is your character a wolf? How about Lupe or Caleb? If you choose based on meaning, this can be a nice touch to the story.

--A lot of writers overlook names with ironic meaning. Grace could always be tripping over her own feet. Milo could avoid conflict like the plague. Evangeline could be a traitor. Eleanor could be a master of the shadows. Alexander could be the villain bent on destroying mankind. This is a lot of fun and can add depth to a character.

WWTPC? (What Would the Parents Choose?)

-If you want a realistic name, focus on the parents. Did Kelly and Karl want a kid who shared the same first initial as them? Did Shdndkdbdisk want his child to have a common name so they didn't have to go through the pain he did? Do Mom and Dad want a tomboy? Are the parents religious? Those are just some of the questions you should be asking.

--Look at family history. In many royal families, names are handed down through the generations. That's why we have so many British kings named George.

---Some siblings have themed names. Go beyond Molly and Polly and use use a theme like Katniss and Primrose (both are plants.) Goodbye, Hope and Grace, say hello to Nadia and Amara. Sadie and Sarah got to go, here come Isabella and Elizabeth.

Other tips:

-If you're writing epic/high fantasy, resist the urge to make up your own names. Instead, use the wildly exotic, real names that exist. Just look at some mythological names. Aella and Acanthus, Tisiphone and Alecto... Those are just a few I remember from Greek mythology. Or, look at Eastern names. Meet Kailani and Yukio, Mirai and Mei.

-Some name sites "embellish" name meanings. I strongly suggest using Behind the Name for all your naming needs. They focus on the etymology.

Keep Calm and Write On!