Opinions on a name, please?

[Tiger Lily 03]

I think the name Jake goes with a lot of the trashy romance novels I read when I want a mindless quick read. Don't pick Jake. Not sure about Edward either, but I really have no offerings on a replacement. ...hmmm unless if you goe with the idea of one syllable; how about Ward or Ed then?

Best of luck to you.

 

[damo]

When I hear the name "Edward", I think of the designer on Trading Spaces. He's not exactly the guy that romantic novels are made of (at least not to me).

 

[Kitty 34]

When I think Edward, I think royalty for some reason. I like the name.....very stately.

 

[Laura]

I think Edward's fine for a 19th century historical romance. But in modern day, it sounds too formal and kinda boring. I know more Eddies than Edwards. I think Jake is much worse than Edward, though. To me, it's cheesy.

What about Andrew/Andy, Steven, Joshua, Joseph/Joe, Adam, Allan, David, Chris/Christopher? There are lots of really good names along the lines of Edward.
I like Scottish names too: Colin, Malcolm, Duncan.

But it's hard to give ideas for a character's name when I know little about the character. I think it's a very important part of the character, the name. And I would be VERY upset if I were in your shoes, having my agent tell me that my main character's name stinks.

 

[meandtheguys2]

All right, I already said I like Edward, but what about Jack (rather than Jake) or William?

All right, just don't ask what my children are named!

 

[frstimer128]

Not having published anything yet, I would guess that this is fairly new to you. I would go with your agents suggestion and change the name. Your goal is to get it published and reviewed and sold so a slight name change wouldn't be the worst thing. It must be really good if that was her only suggestion!! Congrats!

How about looking through baby name books to get some suggestions.

Best of Luck and keep us posted on your progress!!

 

[Pop Daddy]

Edward is a nerds name, I would beat him up

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Sorry, but Edward doesn't ring romance to me. I was also going to vote against Jake, too. Not that I don't like the name--my son is named Jake, but it is too popular of a name for your purpose. But cheesy, no!

T&B

 

[browneyes]

I think of Edward Scissorhands when I think of Edward.

My favorite name from a novel is Zane.

 

[korzmom]

since someone mentioned edward quartamane from general hospital,how about Ned his grandsons name..sounds sexier to me! edward seems old.

 

[frstimer128]

What about
Cash, Carter, Daulton, Gavin, Nathan, Trey or Mitch?

 

[poohandwendy]

I would go with your agents suggestion and change it.....how about Aiden or Ethan?

Also, what is his last name and what is he like, what does he do?...kinda hard to judge if Edward sounds bad without the last name.

Also, as an avid reader of novels...I think a name is very important (especially main characters). I have to relate to and visualize the character. If the name doesn't fit the 'attitude' or tone of the character, it is really hard to get past it. I have literally put books down because of it...I know that sounds strange...but you read that same name over and over and over again in a book...it needs to flow or you may lose the readers attention over a slight frustration.

 

[Skywalker]

Originally posted by frstimer128
Not having published anything yet, I would guess that this is fairly new to you. I would go with your agents suggestion and change the name. Your goal is to get it published and reviewed and sold so a slight name change wouldn't be the worst thing. It must be really good if that was her only suggestion!! Congrats!

How about looking through baby name books to get some suggestions.

Best of Luck and keep us posted on your progress!!

Hmmm, I guess that about says it all doesn't it! Darn it you had to hit me upside the head with this one - just get the dang book out there! I should really be willing to set the story on Mars if it will get it sold! LOL.

Thank you for all of your very helpful comments! And thanks for the laugh Pop Daddy. LOL.

Maybe I can put together a list of a few new names (possibly some of your suggestions too) and then do a poll. This is a small issue and yet it is driving me crazy!!!

 

[poohandwendy]

And another thing....Hey Skywalker, when it gets published, please mention it here...I would love to read it!

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

How about Dan?

Dan Murphy! I like it.

Lori

 

[CBRorBust]

When I hear the name Edward I think of Pretty Woman. He was kinda nerdy I guess, and come to think of it, he wasn't very romantic till towards the end of the movie.

Maybe she's on to something. Or she's like me and has seen that movie WAY too many times!

 

[poohandwendy]

And one last thing, LOL, just remember that some readers may actually name their children after one of your characters. Think of the awesome responsibility you have!!!!!...my mother in law named my husband, Lane, after a character in a novel...

 

[mommytutu]

When I hear Edward I don't of romance or "manly man". I'm thinking of a "Bond. James Bond" type character. Someone mentioned Alexander---that's my ds' name. We call him Alec. I think it's sporty. Drake is another name that comes to mind. And someone else mentioned Lane and I like that, too. How about Beau or Sebastian? Ok, I got out my baby name book and under positive images for boy names it lists: Alexander, Allen, Bart, Benjamin/Ben, Bradley, Bronson, Bud, Christian, Clinton, Danny, Dante, David, Dmitri, Douglas, Drew, Joel, John, Patrick, Victor. I don't know who comes up with that stuff. If you wanted to go exotic go with Dmitri or Christophe. My favorite book is Rebecca, with Maxim (Maximilian). Ohhh, how about Xavier?

I'm just a nut. I had a hard time naming my kids: Alexander Neal (Alec) and Annelise Dawn (Elise).

 

[Jungle Skipper]

I like the name Edward...its my dads name, and my middle name...

Say...any chance your agent represents any screenwriters...I'm looking for an agent right now.

Jungle Josh

 

[ilovepcot]

Got the perfect solution. Use the name "edcrbnsoul". It MUST be a manly name. Ed says right under his signature..... "a manly man and proud of it"! That should square it with your agent!