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Beyond Jack and Jake: What to Name Your Hero
Something struck me as I picked up yet another romance novel that had Jack as the hero’s name.
1) It’s a GREAT name for a hero. (I confess I used the name, too, in a story) and
2) Romance writers don’t really like to mess with what is already deemed a good, strong hero’s name.
It’s kind of funny how romance writers have no problem seeking out extraordinary heroine’s names, though. I’ve seen Wanda, Sierra, Prudence, and even Tandy. But when it comes to male hero names we tend to stick with old standbys like Jake, Sam, Keith, Mike, Matt, and even Nate.
(I’m over generalizing a bit here, but stay with me anyway)
Why do we contemporary romance writers linger around these names? Because a name carries an image. And we all want our hero to have the image of being strong and masculine.
But what about the in-between names? The names that go beyond Jake but don’t quite reach the Roark, Tyler, or even Brent level. I’m talking about names that according to one baby name book are in “fashion limbo”.
Why don’t we see these names more in books? I have to say I’ve met some REALLY hot, fun (and young) Vince, Walt, Len, Jay, Grant, and Glenns in my life. But can an author convince a reader of that? Is it possible to break the image barrier with these names? Well…I don’t know.
(I am trying, though)
I write more lighthearted reads, so I think if a writer writes romantic comedy she might have a little more reader forgiveness if she uses a borderline name, but of course I could be wrong. The point is I love a good challenge! :)
Have you or would you use any of those fashion limbo names for your hero?
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Jennifer Shirk fancies herself a more prolific writer than she really is and has an unnatural tendency to use words like “fancies” and “prolific” when describing herself. Please feel free to check out her recent romantic comedy, THE ROLE OF A LIFETIME—where she promises she didn’t use either of those words anywhere in her story.
Also, check out her BLOG anywhere blogs are available.
One writer’s hand goes up. Looks around.
“Sorry guilty.”
My current ms revolves around Matt. My first ms, Nicolas.
I think you’re right, we tend to stick with names for our male characters that bring an immediate sense of masculine.
My main male is Matthew Holt. As an author I wouldn’t like him as much as if he were Garrett Bernard Stevens and I’m afraid my readers wouldn’t either.
I’m with you though, shaking it up…maybe on my next ms. Right now I’m in love with Matthew Holt.
Names are a funny thing and can conjure up the most fun images! Why don’t we use names like Myron or Eugune for heroes? Because they conjure up a nerd! Why is that? Maybe it would make our character unique if we made him a total hunk but gave him the name Wilbur. lol :)
Yes and no! :)
On your list, I’d use Jay but probably not the others for a hero. I have used them for other characters though. Does that count? Probably not.
I’m guilty for having used Jake and Jack…and Nick, Julian, Linc, Damon, Raj and Cristian. I love the strong names so much I usually give them to my heroines too.
I actually prefer the “in-between” names. Many of them were popular when I was growing up, and that’s often where I go to think of character names — old classmates, mixing and matching the first and last names.
I haven’t used any of those names. Ugh on most of them. LOL!
I have used Prudence though. :-)
I’ve actually had a hard time liking certain characters because of their name. I don’t know, some names just bring about certain visuals that I don’t equate with a masculine hero. A cowboy named Bruce I’d have a hard time with:)
I like to mix things up with names, however, I am much more likely to give my heroine an odd name than I am my hero. I think for men we just want to stick more with those traditional names.
I read two romance novels yesterday. The hero’s name in the first was Jake, to my surprise it was the hero’s name in the second as well. Houston, we’ve got a problem…
I’ve used Joe and Jack, but I’ve also used Brian, Robin, Dick, Dieter, Fort, Darien, Turner, and Esau.
I like Grant, Dean and Vince. I’d use those.
Well, you know my heroes all have weird and unusual names. :)
But there are Darren’s, and Henry’s too. And a Jack, but he’s a geek. :)
K, R, T names tend to be strong names, hard sounding names, which go with the alpha nature.
If your name starts with a soft letter, you need a hard letter in there somewhere to make the name harder.
(I’m serious)
There’s a science to it, but I can’t elaborate in a blog comment lol.
I might have to blog about this!
Thanks for the stimulating post, Jennifer. :)
Um…hmm. I’d like to say I’d use at least ONE of those names, but…yuck.
One of my heroes WAS a Jack, though. And then, I wrote about…Zack.
Perhaps my next hero will be Mack. Or Dack. Or…
Heck. I’m PATHETIC! Thanks for the tipoff, Jennifer. ;) I need to go research some new names.
Maybe…Vince?
Hi Jennifer! Great article!
Of course I’m guilty here! LOL But I do try to come up with different hero names. I think a lot has to do what images you conjure up in your own mind.
I’m sorry to admit I’m one of those people who will not buy a book if I hate or cannot pronounce the names.
I know, smack me. :)
Names also depend on whether or not you’re writing ethnic characters. There are very few black Jacks (no pun intended) or Roarks. :)
Last year I ordered a great name reference book called, “Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana.” Here’s the Amazon.com link for anyone who’s interested:
http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Jennifer-Jason-Madison-Montana/dp/0312940955/ref=reader_auth_dp#reader
I purposely used some names I’ve rarely heard for my characters. My male MC is Harrison and a supporting character is named Alta. A name really affects how your reader percieves that character, based on their own preconceptions. Great post!
HI Jennifer,
I write historicals, which is very limiting on male names. You know like Charles, John, William, and George. However, I did decide on the name Bryce for my first hero’s name because I liked it (nor sure about historical accuracy).
As for the contemporary names you have listed: those names simply do not conjure a heroic figure in my mind. Except for rmaybe Todd because that’s my brother’s name.
Let me help explain:
Bruce (uncle)
Clark (Clark Kent- the beta guy)
Dean (Howard Dean or Tori’s husband- enough said)
Dennis: (obviously the Menace)
Don (that guy from My Three Sons- a very 60s nebbish name)
Grant (Grant Snow – b actor)
Glenn (kid I knew in college, nebbish)
Lance (that kid from the 70’s show or the gay guy- not that there’s anything wrong with that)
Neil (uncle)
Jay (cousin)
Vince (so 70’s name)
Walt (Walt Whitman)
So there’s your answer. :)
Kit
Well, I had a comment about the weird names in one of my books and how other romance authors do the same thing in their books. “What’s the big deal with all the weird names?” the individual asked.
LOL. I do write normal names. And unusual names. :) Some names are my favorites, but after a while, I run out, soooo, I invent some names and find very old ones that are fun too. :)
LOL…I tend to use western sounding names for my cowboys. Colt and Cash:)
Huh. I’m a little late in responding to this, but I actually have a hero named Neil in my current WIP/submission. I think it’s a great name for a strong character. I really like Jay too, though. Great thoughts on the names though! Neal was originally Jonathan. way overdone! :)