To come up with character names for a murder mystery, think about the personalities of the characters. If you have a sneaky character, a name like 'Slyvester' could work. For a strong - willed investigator, 'Captain Braveheart' could be an option. Also, consider using alliterative names for a more memorable effect. For example, 'Peter Poison' if he's a character who might be involved with poison. You can also mix different cultures' names. Maybe a character named 'Li Xiao' who is an international detective in the story, adding an element of diversity to the mystery.
You can use names that have an air of mystery. For example, 'Shadow' or 'Myst'. These simple yet evocative names can immediately give a sense of the unknown. Another option is to use old - fashioned or archaic names like 'Ezekiel' or 'Ophelia' which can add a touch of the past and mystery. You could also use names related to elements of mystery in the story, such as if there's a key clue about a nightingale, name a character 'Nightingale' or something similar.
You can think about the character's modus operandi. For example, if they use a knife a lot, 'The Knife - Wielding Maniac' could be a name. Or look at their personality. If they're very quiet and sneaky, 'The Stealthy Strangler' might work.
You can use names that have a certain mystery or ambiguity to them. For example, names like 'Shadow' or 'Mystique' can immediately give a sense of mystery. Another option is to use old - fashioned or archaic names that are not commonly used today, such as 'Eldridge' or 'Ophelia'. Also, you can create compound names by combining two words that evoke mystery, like 'Nightshade' or 'Fogwalker'.
Think about the setting. For a mystery set in an old castle, 'Mystery in the Castle Walls' could be a name. Also, consider using words that create a sense of mystery like 'shadow', 'enigma', 'riddle'. For instance, 'The Enigma of the Haunted Mansion' combines the idea of mystery and a spooky setting.
You could use names that have certain connotations. For example, names that sound a bit menacing like 'Damian' or 'Morganna'. Or you can base them on the character's role. If it's a detective, something like 'Sherlock' -esque names. Also, consider using names from different cultures to add an exotic touch.
You could use names that have a certain mystery or enigma to them. For example, names that are old-fashioned or not very common. Or you can look at different cultures and use names from there. Another option is to play with words, like using anagrams or words with double meanings as names.
Look at the overall theme of your mystery. Is it about betrayal? Then 'The Mystery of Betrayal' could be a name. Is it about a long - lost family secret? 'The Family Secret Mystery' might be suitable. Also, consider the atmosphere you want to create. If it's a tense, fast - paced mystery, you could use a name like 'The Thrilling Mystery'. If it's more of a slow - burning mystery with lots of psychological elements, 'The Psychological Mystery' could be a good choice. Pay attention to the words that come to your mind when you think about your story, and those can often be turned into great names.
Think about motives. Love, money, revenge are common ones. But you can also explore more complex motives. For example, someone might commit murder to protect a secret that if revealed would not only destroy them but also many others. And then create characters that fit those motives. You could have a group of friends who all have something to lose if a certain piece of information comes out. And one of them decides to take drastic measures to keep it quiet.
You can think about elements that are often associated with mystery, like shadows, secrets, or disappearances. For example, 'The Shadowed Secret' or 'The Disappearing Trail'.
You can look at baby name websites for inspiration. They have lists of names with their meanings. Another way is to think about the time period or setting of your story. If it's a historical story set in medieval times, names like Henry or Catherine would be appropriate.