I have a list. If I come across an interesting name I make a note of it, and while I might not use it as is I can often find something suitable by mixing and matching first and surnames. I got the name of the baddie in my WIP that way.
I'm with Kate - cemeteries are a great place, esp. if you want older / rarer names. I also keep a a guide to world mythology handy (Oxford Companion is a good one). That helps with names and with inspiration for stories.
Check your spam filter on your email - all those dodgy emails randomly sent to you telling you you haven't picked up a package or you've inherited $1,000,000 have some cracking names added to them. For example: Leopold Dautzenberg, Fielding Krockenberger, Nimah Jensen, Bysshe Clarence - seriously, these are all ion my spam folder this morning!
No need to look - the names are sent to you free of charge!
I have a list. If I come across an interesting name I make a note of it, and while I might not use it as is I can often find something suitable by mixing and matching first and surnames. I got the name of the baddie in my WIP that way.
I'm with Kate - cemeteries are a great place, esp. if you want older / rarer names. I also keep a a guide to world mythology handy (Oxford Companion is a good one). That helps with names and with inspiration for stories.
Check your spam filter on your email - all those dodgy emails randomly sent to you telling you you haven't picked up a package or you've inherited $1,000,000 have some cracking names added to them. For example: Leopold Dautzenberg, Fielding Krockenberger, Nimah Jensen, Bysshe Clarence - seriously, these are all ion my spam folder this morning!
No need to look - the names are sent to you free of charge!