Screenwriting : 1,000 Most Popular Last Names in the U.S. by Maurice Vaughan

Cool. I usually just use names of people I know and mix them up a bit, first name from one person, last name from another person.

I like that, Zee Risek. I might try it. I usually pick a character's first name that fits their personality and use a last name that sounds good with the first name, but sometimes I pick a last name that fits their job or career, like Wright (means craftsman).

Great resource Maurice Vaughan and thank you!

Character names mean so much to me too, Screenplay Writer. I spend a lot of time picking the right names.

You're welcome, Mark Deuce.

Awesome resource Maurice Vaughan. Thanks for posting! I like that it includes the meanings of each name. That's how I pick my character name - according to his/her traits. I search for "names that mean x" and find a good fit.

Screenplay Writer - I would encourage you to use your real name and a real profile photo. It's not only site policy but makes it easier for folks to connect if they know you're a real person.

You're welcome, Leonardo Ramirez 2. We have the same process. I make up names sometimes too.

Same here Maurice Vaughan or I will use a name generator:

https://www.behindthename.com/random/

https://www.name-generator.org.uk/hero/

Naming characters is such a sneaky headache, the kind of writing problem that seems simple until you're staring at a blank document with a fully-formed character in your head... who might as well be named 'John Doe' for all the inspiration you're feeling.

What's wild is how much heavy lifting a good name can actually do. It's not just a label, it's shorthand for their backstory, their world, even their parents' personalities.

It is a sneaky headache, Sam Rivera. Sometimes I think "this is gonna be easy," but it never is. And picking nicknames is a headache too. You're right. It's not just a label, it's shorthand for their backstory, their world, even their parents' personalities.

I can't write until my characters are named. I don't use placeholder names. Once I put a name down, it's permanent. I can't think of the characters with any other name than the first name I come up with..

Hey, Zee Risek. I try to avoid using placeholder names when I outline, but sometimes I think of scenes, ideas, etc. so fast, I use placeholder names so I can get everything on the page. I use other things besides placeholder names sometimes though, like Crush, Mentor, etc.

Maurice Vaughan I use the census reports. Especially useful for period pieces.

Hi, Robert Franklin Godwin III. I've been thinking about writing a Period Piece. I don't think I've written one since around the time I started writing scripts. Census reports might come in handy. Thanks for the idea.

Love this!! Always makes me smile seeing all of the beautiful baby names out there!