Names

A character's name is such an important part of a book. It can't be too odd, well, I guess it can ... but it has to be unique. And it helps if the reader is able to pronounce it. ;)

It's hard thinking of names, since there are so many that have been used in other books. How many of us would name a character, Bella now? Or Edward? Or Harry even? It stinks that some names will automatically make us think of another book. It's normal though. Even if the characters are totally different. As long as your character and book is unique, then it won't matter.

I like different names. Not too out there, but I like names that haven't been overused. Sometimes I'll find myself so happy about a name and then realize it's been used in another book. When I was writing Not Your Average Fairy Tale, I named my MC Ash. There is an Ash in a popular book and I didn't really think about it until I was finished writing my book. Will I change it? No. He is an Ash. And an Ash he will stay. I just had to make him unique and without the similarities of said other Ash. :)

I'm curious how you guys think of your names? It's hard sometimes. These characters are a part of us. It's like naming a child! (Not really that deep, but sort of.) You stay with them for weeks. Months and even years! They become a part of you and who really wants a character that you absolutely hate the name you gave them? Has that ever happened to you? It's happened to me a few times. I realize the name just isn't working and have to change it to something else. It's not too hard, since Word is awesome, but it's still a little hard getting that new name in my head.

What kind of names do you like? Old? New? Unique? Plain? Where do you get them?

What's in a name?

My hubby and I have been trying to decide what to name our baby that is due in March. It's a big deal to name a child. (We will call the baby a "he", since I don't want to write baby every second. We aren't finding out what we are having, so the baby is going to be nameless until delivery day!:) Anyway, whatever name we choose,is the name he will go by his whole life, and I don't want to name him something he will hate or want to change. I want him/her to be proud of their name, and love it as much as I do.
This happens a lot when I think about names for characters as well. They are like my fictional children. Their names are imprinted in my head, along with a distinct personality, that may, someday, be loved by readers everywhere. I don't want a name that will easily be forgotten, but I don't want something too off the wall, that readers will not know how to pronounce, or will think it's too old fashioned. Whatever the reason, I want their names to have a sort of spark if you will.
I actually love naming my characters, but sometimes I pick a name and it just doesn't fit, so I end up having to change it half way through writing my book. That has only happened once though, thank goodness.
So, what do you do? Do you research the name you want to pick? The origin? What it means? Or do you just think of an awesome name and run with it? Have you ever figured out that a name didn't "fit" and had to change it?