Dear Abby,
I have a part for the festival, but I don't have a name. I know I need one for next weekend (preferably Saturday), but I'm not sure what kinds names are good for people living in 1842, much less for my character or this festival. I need to be pointed in the right direction. Would you mind advising me?
Sincerely,
Nameless in Nedrow
Dear Nameless,
I love to advise people, and consider it to be almost as fun as helping Mr. F campaign for office, or teaching wayward ragamuffins to read. A name can be a tricky thing to choose, but a good name can help you get a handle on your character, communicate something about that character, and occasionally, it can delight the guests and your fellow actors. Here are some tips to picking the right name for you:
-Choose a name that fits your character's social class and occupation.
It seems unlikely that Horatio Archibald Tennison IV would be a groom, chimneysweep, or orphan. Likewise Silas "The Snakesman" Scroggs would probably not be the mayor or a well respected gentleman about town.
-Choose a name that sounds plausible for the year 1842 in Skaneateles, NY.
Dakota, Moonstar, Yasmin, Dominic, Jayden, Chad...all probably belong in another show.
-Choose a name that you like, either because it is pretty, funny, fun to say, or just feels right.
If you can't picture yourself saying, "Good day. My name is Edwina Ebblewhite," then perhaps you need to keep looking.
-Don't be afraid of a name because it might sound dorky or old-fashioned today.
Names that are no longer common add great color to the show! Some of my favorite old names are Granville, Roderick, Gus, Buford, Sophronia, Rufina, Hortence and Edna.
Places to find inspiration:
-Choose a name that fits your character's social class and occupation.
It seems unlikely that Horatio Archibald Tennison IV would be a groom, chimneysweep, or orphan. Likewise Silas "The Snakesman" Scroggs would probably not be the mayor or a well respected gentleman about town.
-Choose a name that sounds plausible for the year 1842 in Skaneateles, NY.
Dakota, Moonstar, Yasmin, Dominic, Jayden, Chad...all probably belong in another show.
-Choose a name that you like, either because it is pretty, funny, fun to say, or just feels right.
If you can't picture yourself saying, "Good day. My name is Edwina Ebblewhite," then perhaps you need to keep looking.
-Don't be afraid of a name because it might sound dorky or old-fashioned today.
Names that are no longer common add great color to the show! Some of my favorite old names are Granville, Roderick, Gus, Buford, Sophronia, Rufina, Hortence and Edna.
Places to find inspiration:
Victorian First Names - A great list of first names, appropriate to the time period.
Last Names - Many great ideas for last names, and if you click on the name, it gives you the origin, which may help you learn something about your character.
Anglo Saxon Surnames - More ideas for last names.
Dickensian Characters - Characters from the works of Charles Dickens. Here, you can find inspiration from someone alive at that time. Take note of the way that the sound of his characters names often say something about them.
With a little work and a little thought, you too can become a well-named Victorian denizen of our festival. Good luck, and we look forward to hearing your name this coming weekend, and in the streets of our fair village.
-APF
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