One way is to look at different cultures. Names from different languages can add an exotic touch. For instance, 'Sakura' from Japanese which means cherry blossom can be a great name for a character in a story set in a beautiful place. Also, you can use online name generators which can give you a lot of ideas based on different criteria like gender, genre of the story etc.
You could consider using names that have a special meaning to you. For example, the names of your family members or friends. Or think about the theme of your story. If it's a fantasy story, you might use names that sound magical like 'Aria' or 'Zephyr'.
You can look at real - world places for inspiration. For example, if there's a beautiful coastal town you once visited, you could use elements of it like the name of the bay or a local landmark. Another way is to combine words that evoke certain feelings or settings, like 'Sunnybrook' which gives an image of a sunny place near a brook.
One way is to look at the places you love. If you adore the beach, 'Beach - Bound Blabber' could be a fun name for your private story. Another approach is to think about the people in your life who are important to you. You could name it after a special nickname they have for you or a shared memory. For instance, if your best friend calls you 'Sunshine', 'Sunshine's Stories' could be a great name.
One way is to think about the main elements in your story. If there's a special place, like an old castle, you could use that in the name, like 'The Castle's Secret'. Or if there's a key character, use their name or a characteristic, for example, 'The Brave Lily'.
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.
Think about your interests. If you like nature, you could name it 'My Private Garden'.
Look at nature for inspiration. Names like Willow, Ivy, or Daisy can give a natural and earthy feel to a character. You can also use old - fashioned names and give them a new twist. For example, take the name Matilda and shorten it to Tilly for a more modern - sounding name. Additionally, think about the time period or setting of your story. If it's set in a medieval world, names like Guinevere or Isolde would be fitting.
You can start by considering the character's personality traits. For example, if a character is brave and strong - like a lion, you could use a name that means 'lion' in another language, such as 'Leon' which has its roots in the Latin word for lion. Another way is to look at the character's background. If they're from a particular culture or place, choose a name that's common in that area. Also, think about the time period of your story. A name that was popular in the 19th century might be perfect for a historical novel set in that time.
You can start by combining different sounds that you like. For example, take a soft's' sound and combine it with a strong 'k' sound and then add some vowels to make something like 'Skylara'. Another way is to use words from other languages and modify them. Say, the Italian word 'bella' which means beautiful, you can change it to 'Bellara' for a more made - up feel. Also, think about the mood of your story. If it's a spooky story, names like 'Shadeon' or 'Morbis' might work well.
One way is to think about the characteristics of the place. If it's a spooky place, words like 'gloom', 'shadow', or 'haunt' can be used. For example, 'Shadowed Alley'. Another way is to combine words related to nature and a descriptive word. Like 'Silent River' or 'Wild Woods'.
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.