GvM – What’s in a name?

For the first time probably ever (at least that I can remember), I had the title first – Goode versus Melville. It would be a superhero story about warring families – heroes versus villains. Get it? (Hey, it’s my first attempt at a pun. All the other puns in the story came from my punny friend, Matt.)

I’m honestly not sure when I named my MC/narrator Antony. I knew he would be Italian. In retrospect, the name fit well – it means worthy of praise, of value. Which is exactly what Antony wishes to strive for – he wants to be good, worthy. (Normally, when I pick a name, I go for meaning first – this was a happy accident.)

My other MC/narrator is Terrell – there are a lot of claims about the meaning of this name, but I honestly just liked the sound of it – Terrell Goode.

Antony’s parents are Finlay and Noemi. Finlay is Scottish origin, and it means ‘fair-haired hero.’ It was mean to be ironic. Noemi means ‘my delight’ – which is exactly how Finlay saw her. She was the light of his world, and he would have done anything for her. Literally. Thus, his path of revenge to avenge what he believes is her murder.

As for Terrell’s parents – his mother is Mekena (means abundance) Okoye (means just) (she’s a modern woman and kept her maiden name), and his father is Alamini (means trustworthy) Goode. They are THE good couple of the city, the leaders in the effort to make their city a better place, to rid Stirling of any bit of villainy.

Naming is one of my favorite things to do when I’m creating characters, getting to know who they are and trying to find something that will fit. It’s rare that I change a name, but that shouldn’t be surprising given how much time I spend up front looking for just the right fit.