A Rose by Any Other Name

What's in a name? Most people don't like their name. My theory is, as children our parents overused them with hostility. It's not old news that the use of a first, followed by a middle name is never good.

There are certain names that best describe a young child. Two come to mind, and this is just my opinion. Cory and Tyler are two names that should be changed at twenty years of age. I just can't take a thirty-year old man named, Cory, seriously.

I work for a Doctor's office. We have one patient whose name is, Precious and another whose name is Promise. Apple is bad enough, but just when you think it can't get worse, someone comes up with something else that seems outlandish. I guess if you hear these names enough, they become easier on the ears.

And what in the world is wrong with giving a name a normal spelling? Remember, it's the kid who is going to have to deal with misspelling, mispronouncing, and misunderstanding when they grow up and Mommy's not there to correct the poor witless receptionists, who, red-faced, tries to decipher the spelling. Beware, those people will often be called by their sir names. God forbid the person has a difficult last name. What can you do?

I know there are worse names, like Bud Light, Dick Head, Cris P. Beacon. You have to wonder, you just do.

All of this is leading up to how important it is to name the characters in your book appropriately. Your main characters must have good strong names. If they don't, then there should be a good story, why, and a strong nickname. So it's been said. But in actuality, if you develop your character's personality, as in real life, people will accept any name you give them, even Apple.