I hate overused 'original' names like Raven and Hunter. Half the Mary Sues in history have been called that.
I also agree with all the people who say a really unusual name should only be used if there's a story behind it. Unusual spellings and uncommon names are fine, but if your character is called Rainbow River Miracle, you should probably establish that her parents are hippies. It doesn't matter if it matches her personality. That wasn't present at birth when she was presumably named, and if she has re-named herself later, that needs to be made clear, too.
I also agree with all the people who say a really unusual name should only be used if there's a story behind it. Unusual spellings and uncommon names are fine, but if your character is called Rainbow River Miracle, you should probably establish that her parents are hippies. It doesn't matter if it matches her personality. That wasn't present at birth when she was presumably named, and if she has re-named herself later, that needs to be made clear, too.
June 21st, 2012 at 09:31am