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Help[Opinions] Re: Thoughts on mixed origin names in fiction?
in reply to a message by hebeCotogna
I think it can be fine, and can be really interesting in terms of leaving clues about who the characters are. But I think it's important to not act as though a name like Zahir ad-Din Maroc is interchangeable with a name like John Smith, or whatever. Give your readers some credit for recognizing that this is not a "typical" name, if it's not typical for the setting or period. I hate when writers use very cool, edgy, unexpected names for their characters just because they can, but then don't explain it or even mention it in any way. It takes me out of the story completely and all I become aware of is the overexcited author and how pleased they are with their own cleverness.
Sometimes, the setting or genre offers a built-in explanation: like the sci Fi "The Expanse" and its unique mix of cultural names - easily understood as being a result of generations of different nationalities working together and inter-marrying. That's fine, and makes sense. But if you're going to craft an obviously highly unique name and put it in a setting that usually doesn't feature that sort of thing, there should be a reason for it. Otherwise it comes across as childishly cringey.
Sometimes, the setting or genre offers a built-in explanation: like the sci Fi "The Expanse" and its unique mix of cultural names - easily understood as being a result of generations of different nationalities working together and inter-marrying. That's fine, and makes sense. But if you're going to craft an obviously highly unique name and put it in a setting that usually doesn't feature that sort of thing, there should be a reason for it. Otherwise it comes across as childishly cringey.
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The setting is more typical contemporary, though it is also a magical girl setting, so I definitely do want to do that! (For instance, Lani has two MNs, Leialoha Hazel, because she has a single mother who really wanted to make Lani feel special and connected with her heritage.) Because that really irritates me as well, whole books populated with people named Anastasia Wolf and Cash Steele or something; it’s just too much and it’s never remarked on, it’s just cool (at least to the author lmao).
Though I keep going back and forth because even with if I give reasons for these names, does it just feel like I’m making up explanations to have ‘super special’ names? On the other hand, am I feeling a need to explain these names just because they’re not western european? I wouldn’t feel the need if it was a character named Baptiste Parker (not a good name but that’s an aside), yet still these names are very uncommon anyway.
Anyhow, you can tell I’m an overthinker XD thank you very much for the input! That’s an excellent point :D
Though I keep going back and forth because even with if I give reasons for these names, does it just feel like I’m making up explanations to have ‘super special’ names? On the other hand, am I feeling a need to explain these names just because they’re not western european? I wouldn’t feel the need if it was a character named Baptiste Parker (not a good name but that’s an aside), yet still these names are very uncommon anyway.
Anyhow, you can tell I’m an overthinker XD thank you very much for the input! That’s an excellent point :D
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