Naming Your Doll References!

I like really obscure, unusual names. Mostly I find a name I like, and search for similar names until I find more. I write them all down and then narrow them down to my top favourites.

I found a great blog yesterday with some unusual names: http://bewitchingnames.blogspot.co.uk

sometimes I get ideas from novels and films too!

 

Although partial to old-fashioned named and Shakesperian names in general, I like to name my dolls (and occasionally my pets and Pokemon!) after characters in whatever book/movie/tv show I'm watching at that time. That way, I always remember that doll to that part of my life. It makes her a living time capsule

 

I started out with Volks dolls so I started a Japanese naming convention. With the exception of my SDF Blanchet, Nozomi, all my girls are named after flowers. Sakurako and Mio are named after cherry blossoms, Yurika is named after lilies, and Momoka is named after peach blossoms. Nozomi was a head I'd wished for for a very long time, so that's where her name came from X3

 

I usually find something I like here http://www.aussiethings.com.au/babynames/

 

My dolls have all been named by mutating actual names from whatever species/place represents them.

Erevinnia is a mesh of several English names from her time period.

Zanyadel is a mutation/mesh of several Turkish girl names.

Isarielle is based off Tolkein Sindarin sounds. It has no meaning, but follows the pattern of soft, gentle sounds being used especially in female names.

 

I'm really, really fond of theme naming.

One of my favorite methods is to use the language of flowers.

 

Most of mine are either OCs who've existed for me for 20 years or more, so by now I've more or less forgotten where I came up with most of their names (except for a couple, who were named by using a variant Caesar cipher on some other word or name to create a more "unique" sound), or are characters based on a fandom roleplay I participated in a few years ago, and thus already have names from their creators. For the few extra characters in that group, I generally use real naming dictionaries and try to follow the existing themes already demonstrated by the creators.

There's also a small group of extras (three once the newest one finally ships, and planned as five total) who aren't connected to either group, and are taking their names from the rock opera Imaginos. Since it's only five of them, I don't have any worries about running out, and so far they're solidly choosing names from it for themselves.

 

My dolls are in part named after characters from quirky movies or shows I enjoy. Ones with characters that stand out, or have extreme surreal personalities. Twin Peaks, Benny & Joon, and Lilo & Stitch have "unique" characters that are a tad daring. Fits for my dolls and their world. One of those things.

 

I like to use Behind the Name to look up names that have meanings that represent my characters. I also like to reference foreign dictionaries to find some more unique words that are not normally used as names.

 

Most of my dolls are characters that I've made years ago so I don't remember much about where their names came from but for a lot of new characters, I tend to find a lot of names where I work. I work in a dental clinic scanning papers and verifying insurance so I see a lot of strange and different names. When there's a name I like, I'll think it over and try to think of similar names to it until it fits the character I'm working with.

 

I start with a sculpt that really appeals to me. Since I like making up quasi-historical characters, I'll start with something like a reference book on Renaissance and Baroque art and zero in on the time period and whatever country or area the doll reminds me of, picking up costume ideas as I read. Thus, I've got hearty Joost, a 17th century Dutch boy, Faustina Gonzaga (Lady Gaga Minimee,) Liebestraum (Romantic era DoD Event head,) and most recently a 15th century cartographer, who is simply Vautrin. Old portraits are a great inspiration to me- especially when doing eyebrows!

 

Most of my dolls have names found through Behind the Name. I have two Real Pukis and one is named after a Greek god, the other a Hindu goddess. Three were going to be named after some of my favorite anime characters, but it only worked for one of them. Thanks dollyholly for the link! I may have finally found a first name for the doll I received in late January.

 

I am still trying to find a Propper Name for my First doll. But first I want to make Sure how i want her to be and to get to Know her

 

I tend to gravitate to names that aren't super common but not obscure either. I start by searching personality traits, and start writing down names I like. I enjoy reading the Yahoo answers pages for name suggestions for characters, and I also browse nameberry.com.

 

I tend to name my doll after stuff.

All three of my dolls I got/am getting this year are named after space exploration stuff.
Currently at home, I have Philae, named after the comet lander. I'm waiting on Curiosity, named for the Mars rover. And paying off Hubble, named for the telescope.

I have such weird naming ideas.

 

I like my name choices to be the elegant-sounding ones. You know, sometimes there are names which give noble sounds and nice tunes.
There are really names which sound so dignified yet very interesting.

 

I use various sites, but Behind the Name and Nameberry are my favorites. Behind the Name has some very unique names and Nameberry is good because you can create a profile and save names that you like. When browsing it suggests other names that are either similar to the one you are looking at or which other people have liked. It also has some good lists (nature names, flower names, classic names, historic names etc.) and a namehunting feature, which suggests new names based on the ones you have liked.
I have a thing for names and making characters and have a long list of names I love, but I do think that it should match the sculpt. If I find a name that I really like but it doesn't fit the doll/character then I won't use it. I also use names from books or games sometimes

 

Different places - Scaramouche and Aura came from songs, Paisley was from both the print and the town in Scotland, Tempest was just a good name for a storm spirit, Zephyr was a name the Weather Channel used for a winter storm (they've been naming them for the past few years - some people find it annoying but I get a kick out of it, along with some good names!) Swan was named for two favorite characters of mine - Swan Er Hong from Kim Stanley Robinson's 2312 and Swan Prescott from Robert McCammon's Swan Song. Gail was named after musician Gail Ann Dorsey and her sister Devon was named after a pilot on Hurricane Hunters. Rue and Fiona's names just came to me - I always say they picked their own. I'm also waiting on another Pukifee who has more or less already informed me her name is Tallulah.