One great source is historical records. You can find names from different eras in history books or online archives. Old census records, for example, can provide a wealth of unique names that were popular in the past. These names can add authenticity to a story set in a particular historical period.
Social media platforms can be surprisingly useful. You can post a request asking for interesting names, and you'll get a lot of diverse suggestions from people all over the world. Additionally, some groups on social media are dedicated to name - related topics, such as 'Unique Names' or 'Names for Fiction', where you can browse through existing posts for inspiration.
Books are great sources. Classic literature is full of memorable short quotes. For example, Shakespeare's works have numerous short but powerful lines that can be used. 'All the world's a stage' can be used in a story about different stages of life or the performative nature of society.
Classic literature can be a great source. Names from detective novels like 'Hercule' from Agatha Christie's works. Mythology is also good. For example, 'Athena' could be a strong, intelligent female character's name. And historical figures. Names like 'Caesar' can add a sense of grandeur and mystery.
Family members themselves are a great source. You can use their real names or make some small adjustments to them. Another source is books. There are tons of books with interesting character names that you can borrow for your family story. For example, classic novels often have very distinctive names.
When choosing random names for a story, think about the cultural background of your characters. If they are from a Hispanic culture, you might use names like 'Juan', 'Maria', 'Carlos'. You can also use nature - inspired names. 'River', 'Sky', 'Forest' can make for interesting and unique character names. And don't be afraid to make up names completely. Just make sure they sound believable within the context of your story. You can play with the sounds of letters and syllables to create something new.
Mythology is a really popular source. Greek, Roman, and Norse mythologies are full of great names like Zeus, Athena, Thor, and Loki. Another source is literature. Classic books often have interesting names that can be adapted. For example, 'Scarlett' from 'Gone with the Wind' could inspire a fantasy character name. And of course, nature. As I said before, names from nature like 'Willow' or 'Fox' are always good for a fantasy character.
Some famous random names for stories could be 'Oliver', 'Luna', 'Ethan'. These names are quite common in stories and are easy for readers to remember.
One source is book review websites. They often have sections dedicated to contemporary fiction and list books in that genre. For instance, Kirkus Reviews.
Composer communities are often overlooked. Websites like VGMusic are communities where composers share their work. There are often tracks available that are specifically composed with the mood and style suitable for visual novels.
You can look at baby name websites. They have a large variety of names that you can use as inspiration. For example, they often categorize names by origin, popularity, and meaning.
Movies and TV shows can also provide inspiration. You might hear a name in a movie that gives you an idea for your own story. For instance, the name 'Neo' from 'The Matrix' has a very futuristic and unique feel. Additionally, your own family names or the names of people you know can be a starting point. You can modify them slightly to fit the world of your creative fiction.