Character Names - AEK

Names used for existing or potential characters in my works in progress - generally names I wouldn't use in real life, but not always.
  1. Alexander
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Alexander has been in a Top 25 boys' name in the US for 30 years now. But namers are still attracted to its imposing historic pedigree.
  2. Allegra
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "joyous"
    • Description:

      In music, the term allegro means "quickly, lively tempo," which makes this quintessential Bohemian ballet dancer's name all the more appealing. Allegra is one of the most distinctive yet accessible girl names starting with A.
  3. Amelia
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "work"
    • Description:

      Amelia is one of the hottest girls' names, a successor to the megapopular Emma and Emily. Amelia, the Number 2 choice in England, is now also comfortably ensconced in the US Top 10, where it ranked as the third most popular name for girls in 2024.
  4. Asher
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "fortunate, blessed, happy one"
    • Description:

      Asher—an excellent, soft and sensitive Old Testament choice—is a baby boy name on the rise, and is a Nameberry biblical favorite.
  5. Audrey
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "noble strength"
    • Description:

      Audrey is one of the girls' names that have been rising due to their connection to Old Hollywood glamour — in this case the eternally chic and radiant Audrey Hepburn. Audrey has another very different appeal as one of the elite group of girl names that mean strong, brave, or powerful.
  6. Arwain
    • Beatrice
      • Origin:

        Latin
      • Meaning:

        "she who brings happiness; blessed"
      • Description:

        Beatrice is back. Stored in the attic for almost a century, the lovely Beatrice with its long literary (Shakespeare, Dante) and royal history is being looked at with fresh eyes by parents seeking a classic name with character and lots of upbeat nicknames, like Bea and Bee.
    • Beatrix
      • Origin:

        Latin
      • Meaning:

        "she who brings happiness; blessed"
      • Description:

        Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe.
    • Bennett
      • Origin:

        English medieval form of Benedict, Latin
      • Meaning:

        "blessed"
      • Description:

        Bennett is Ben with a bow tie, kind of a cross between Benjamin and Beckett. It's been trending up on the popularity charts in recent years, and its choice by The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's Jane Krakowski could shoot it even higher.
    • Bianca
      • Origin:

        Italian
      • Meaning:

        "white"
      • Description:

        Bianca, the livelier Italian and Shakespearean version of Blanche, has been chosen by many American parents since the 1990s, just as Blanca is a favorite in the Spanish-speaking community. Its meaning of white relates to snow, making it one of the prime names for winter babies.
    • Braden
      • Origin:

        English
      • Meaning:

        "wide valley"
      • Description:

        One of the trendiest of the new two-syllable boys’ names that have swept the country in the past few years, including the rhyming Aidan, Caden, Kaden, and Jaden. It's been falling on the US Top 1000 lately but it is still among the most popular contemporary English names for boys..
    • Bridie
      • Origin:

        Irish
      • Meaning:

        "strength or exalted one"
      • Description:

        Swap two letters of Birdie and you get Bridie, a traditional diminutive of Bridget. Bridie fits perfectly with the trend for standalone vintage nicknames like Betty and Sadie, but is surprisingly rare.
    • Caspian
      • Origin:

        Place name
      • Meaning:

        "white"
      • Description:

        One of the most romantic of appellations, Caspian is a geographical name referring to the large salty sea between Asia and Europe. It's also the name of the hero of C.S. Lewis's beloved Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian.
    • Cecilia
      • Origin:

        Feminine form of Cecil, Latin
      • Meaning:

        "blind"
      • Description:

        Cecilia is a lovely classic name deservedly enjoying a new turn in the sun. Always among the Top 500 girls' names in the US, Cecilia is now at its highest point ever.
    • Charles
      • Origin:

        French from German
      • Meaning:

        "free man"
      • Description:

        Charles derives from the Germanic name Karl, meaning "man" or "free man", and is a royal name in multiple European countries. A famous early bearer is Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Lombards and then Roman Emperor in the 8th-9th centuries.
    • Christina
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "a Christian"
      • Description:

        Christina, a pretty and feminine, crystal clear classic, may be trending downward, but it's never out of style. Christina's short forms Chris, Christie, and Tina all seem dated—making the royal Christina best used in its full glory.
    • Cruz
      • Origin:

        Spanish
      • Meaning:

        "cross"
      • Description:

        For a single-syllable Latino surname, this new popular kid on the block packs a lot of energy and charm and is one of the most stylish Spanish names for boys in general use today. Victoria and David Beckham named their third son Cruz, following Brooklyn and Romeo, and it was also picked up on by tennis star Lleyton Hewitt for his son. Other parents may prize its Christian associations.
    • Danae
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Description:

        An intriguing mythological name whose one challenge might be pronunciation questions.
    • Danica
      • Origin:

        Slavic
      • Meaning:

        "morning star"
      • Description:

        While Danica may sound similar to Dana, Danielle, and Daniela, Danica is not a variation. Danica, a delicate and unique Slavic name meaning "Morning Star," is synonymous with Venus in many countries.
    • Darla
      • Origin:

        English
      • Meaning:

        "darling"
      • Description:

        Dimpled Our Gang comedy name.