What’s in a name?

There’s an element on which I fixate, to a point of obsession, whilst writing a book: names. Specially character names, rather than business, street or nicknames. Every name mentioned in my 14 published books has been carefully chosen after much thought, detailed research and consideration for its origin or meaning. The significance for me is huge - I can’t pretend it isn’t. See, I told you - obsessional! 
 
Firstly, I have a list of barred names that I will never use, under any circumstance, as they relate to those I wouldn’t wish to label with a plot-line or conflict arc. Likewise, I have a list of deceased relatives to whom I have freely assigned characters as I want them to partake in my writing journey such as Flora, Dotty, Francis, George and Terry. Likewise with surnames, I have included many which are linked to departed loved ones, dear friends and people of significance within my world. I suppose what I’m highlighting is that no one is mentioned purely by chance!
 
For instance, there’s a huge difference between a Elizabeth, Betsy, Lizzie or Beth … or a Julian, Jules or Jud. I can literally imagine seven very different characters linked to the above names. Their name has to fit perfectly with the characters’ individual traits, age, personality or role within my fictional world. So, a Jennifer just won’t cut it when my imagination demands a Jen.    
 
It’s not unusual to hear me cry, ‘Oh, what a beautiful name! Where does that come from?’ Having previously been a teacher in a secondary school, guess who loved seeing her new academic registers for the first time.
 
I intend to use my complete naming list during my writing career, collected from various sources as I travel through daily life: grave yards, film credits, overheard conversations and real-life introductions. I add to the list on a regular basis and tick-off once used. With the exception of ‘Nina’ who I have repeatedly used but have now retired – even I didn’t know I had a calling towards Nina.
 
My stance is nothing new - way back in 1596, Shakespeare had Juliet pondered the significance of this very subject:
 
'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What's Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot,                    
Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!
What's in a name? That which we call a rose,
By any other word would smell as sweet.
 
Hopefully, my ponderings foreshadow slightly less drama and death! 

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