Names are very peculiar things.
For one thing, they’re personal. Do you like to be called by the wrong name? Also, names are great identifiers. They often reflect the day you were born, your culture, and your country.
Names are big deals! They might not be 100% unique to you, but you still own your name. It still holds a lot of weight in society. And if you’re in hiding, what do you change? Your name. (Hey, I read a lot of books, okay?)
Things we hate about names: a) someone misspelling them, b) someone yelling all. the. time. c) someone mispronouncing them, d) losing them more common than you’d think…look at Jason Bourne.
So how do you feel when your name is in a book?
Obviously there’s only so many names out there. Odds are, yours is going to turn up in a book someday, right? (Particularly if authors take note of what decade they set their book in.)
Some names are more common in books than others. For instance:
Peter/Peeta/Pete:
The Hunger Games and Divergent and Peter Pan and The Chronicles of Narnia and Peter Rabbit and Peter Parker (Spiderman) and Gone (Little Pete).
Sam/Samm/Samwise/Samuel:
Gone and The Wolves of Mercy Falls and Throne of Glass and Partials and The Last Thirteen and Lord of the Rings and Green Eggs and Ham and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Anna/Anne/Annie:
Anna and the French Kiss and The Hunger Games and Prep School Confidential and The Fault in Our Stars and My Sister’s Keeper and Frozen (kind of cheating since it’s not exactly a book?) and Vampire Diaries and Anne of Green Gables and Persuasion and Anna and the King.
Other really common names in books are: Emily, Sarah, Emma, John, Will, Katie, Amy and Alex.
If you have a common name, chances are: you’re in a book. But does this affect the book for you?
For the first time in my life I found my name in a book! I’m in Razorhurst but I’m not a main character. I probably get mentioned in two chapters? BUT STILL: MY NAME.
Also: I had a knife in that book…scary me.
My name is a thousand kilometers from unique. (It’s actually on the list 100 top names for 1994.) And although I’ll read about a “Kaitlin” or a “Cate” or “Kate/Katie” or “Katelyn” or “Catherine” or HOWEVER YOU WANT TO SPELL IT, I hardly ever see the name “Cait” printed my way.
Least to say: It was weird for me.
But I feel that way whenever I read a book with a name that’s personal to me.
Like in Gallagher Girls, our heroine is named: Cammie Morgan. Often her nickname is “Cam”. I have a brother with that name. And in A Mad, Wicked Folly, the narrator shares a name with my older sister. And a character in Of Poseidon shares a name with another of my sisters. (I have a lot of sisters, okay?!) It feels so strange anytime I catch my “family” in a book!
Do I like it? I have to admit: no.
When my name is in a book, I’m inclined to feel awkward reading it. It’s my name, for goodness sakes. Give it back. Good thing it’s not a regular occurence for me, right?
Cait, believe it or not, has a name that’s seriously hard to spell. She always been asked how to spell it, and even after she says it, everyone misspells it. All people she knows in real life, truly honestly believe her name is spelt “Kate”. She’s given up correcting them. It’s a sad and sorry life. Currently, she’s reading APPLE AND RAIN which is full of names she’s not attached to.
Too be honest, my name hasn't been in a lot of books I've read which is good. But it was in The Fault in Our Stars (as Isaacs girlfriend). I didn't mind it too much but I think it was because she was in it for like two seconds. But it was a bit awkward reading about her cause she wasn't exactly the most kindest character in that book
Oh yes, I remember Isaac's girlfriend…definitely wouldn't classify her as an inspiring role model. >-<
Yes! I totally know what you mean. Even though I don't see my name that often in books, it's still awkward when I come across it. It's like when you meet someone with the same name and then when you want to talk them, you feel like you're talking to yourself. In books, even though they're not you, reading your own name just feels so personal!
HA! You have a full series after your nam! ( Little House in the Big Woods starring Laura Ingalls? Hehe.) But EXACTLY! And I've met so many people with versions of my name, it just feels odd. They have my name….will they be like me? Totally irrational, but I think about these things. x)
Even though my name is like the most common one EVER, I hardly encounter myself in books. And since most people call me Em, it's even rarer. But on the few times that it DOES happen, it's certainly a weird experience. There's this weird kind of ownership you feel over this certain combination of letters, so when a character has them…noooo, my name! Mine! *cue Finding Nemo seagulls* Strangely there are a lot of authors named Emily. Someday I shall join their ranks…oh goodness, now I've said the word Emily too much. It doesn't sound like my name anymore. Names are so weird. Oh, now I remember, I was the star in the Emily Eyefinger books. Go me!
I've read a lot of Emilys…but they're mostly the BFF in the background. I'M SORRY. I DON'T MEAN THAT PERSONALLY. (Don't come after me with angry glares.) I highly approve of your use of "Mine" by the way. I understood that reference.
I found a novel that had my EXACT name (not my pen name) in it once. I read it and gave it four stars. Maybe that's just me. :p
Ah, well at least you're not biased! That would be strange, though…your full exact name?! What are the odds!
Hahaha, I've seen my name pop out in some books maybe two or three times. Jules is a pretty common name (But its only my nickname, but does that count?) haha, I feel… nothing about it, it gets weird yes, especially since all of the books I've read with Jules as their names are all bitches and cheating gals… I'm not like that so… hahaha anyways, I'm neutral about it 😀
My nickname is only "Cait" but honestly, I'm not a fan of my full name. It makes me feel like I'm in trouble for some reason. I get twitchy when people don't call me Cait. (But we've all come to the conclusion I'm weird, so there's that.) You're an AWESOME Jules. Own it!
I don't *think* my name is all that common, so on the rare occasion that it does pop up in a book, I do get just that little bit excited. It can get a little bit strange though because your name is a personal thing, and you might find yourself subconsciously comparing yourself to that character. In all, it doesn't really affect my reading experience, but it is an interesting thing to come across 🙂
I can't think of a book I've read with your name! I do think the subconsciously comparing yourself IS a big deal! At least, that's what happens to me. It feels like, "What am I doing in this book? Stahp me. You're making bad decisions."
Being an Anne, I'm pretty used to seeing my name in books. I do think it's way cool that there is an "e" at the end though, that's the great divide when it comes to my name. It's like, one more score for the right team! Also, pretty sweet mention, with a knife no less. I would think having a unique name/spelling of a name makes it more exciting to see it pop up in print.
Yes! That's how I feel about my name! Because I'm not a common spelling (apparently, I guess). But totally, dude, I rocked the freaky little knife.
When I find my name in a book, the character is either unbearably prim and proper or wild and rebellious. There is no middle ground with the name Lydia.
No, there's not. You're just born for greatness. Or villainy. You pick.
My name is often the random friend though out the book somewhere, and I was always annoyed that i was only ever the werido slightly mentioned.. but i soon learnt to stop complaining. I didn't like reading my name as the main character recently, it was very distracting and weird.
I agree! It IS distracting! I'm always thinking, "Well, actually, I wouldn't do it like that…oh wait, this isn't me is it?" It's very hard and trying. Oh my poor bookish brain.
People mispronounced my second name a lot – Soleil – with the "L" instead of it being silent. I guess it doesn't help that I have a French name in a very non-French country. Haha! They also like giving me nicknames like "Fran," which I'm not very fond of because it reminds me of Fran Dreschner (who I like but don't want to be)I think it's certainly strange to see my name in a book, especially if the character is nothing like me. I think I've read a Francine that was so antagonisticwhen i'm anything but. However, what's even more awkward is finding that the name of the love interest is exactly the same as your brothers. Super super awkward. Hahaha. I even encountered it in one book "V is for Virgin" by Kelly Oram. Her ex's name was Zach, my second brother's name. And the main love interest was Kyle, my younger brother's name. And that was certainly hard to get through. 😛
And oh, I forgot to mention, Soleil was used in "Plus One" by Elizabeth Fame, but shortened to Sol. And when she had together a secret identity, it was turned into Sunny. I did not like that very much. :))
I've never seen an 'Arende' in any book. In fact, I only know one other person who has the same name. So I'll probably never face this problem 😉 Other names which are used too often… probably Jill (or a variation) or any form of Steffany (Stephany/Stephanie/Steffie). Those are just the first names I can remember ;-)arendedewit.blogspot.com
I have a pretty unusual full name in Dorothea that doesn't turn up very often, the only book I think of off the top of my head with it in is Middlemarch. I've seen my shortened name, Thea, a few times but find it very weird when it does appear. The weirdest experience with my name is when the TV show Arrow started and the lead character's sister is called Thea, when watching it every time someone said, or shouted, Thea I was all like 'what?' Found it very strange.Thea @ Gizzimomo's Book Shelf
I don't think I've ever come across a character with my name, however, my first ever NetGalley book was by an author the exact same name as me, first and last name and woah, that was weird. My first thought was 'that's cool', the second was 'that's weird', the third was 'hang on, that means I can never use my name to publish a book without confusing people' and the fourth was 'give me my name back!' I didn't like that book either, really wasn't my thing at all, but I think Amanda is a rare name in the UK, it's much more popular in America and parts of Australia I think, so I rarely come across someone with even a resemblance, like Manda or Mandy, so I'm quite happy about that 🙂
I've never had this happen(except in cases of animal characters. There's an old middle grade series that I know USED to be popular about a horse named Stormy), but I think it would feel weird. I have to admit I'm not very good at sharing my name–I meet so very few people with my name that when I hear my name called for someone who ISN'T me, I feel annoyed. I shouldn't, I know! I don' t "own" my name, but I'm so used to being the only Stormy that on the few rare occasions that I'm not, I kind of don't even know what to do with myself.
My name is very common so there were like more than 5 books that I read that has my name on it. LOL. The most excruciating thing was I have to stomach that uneasy and awkward feeling of constantly seeing my name on BEAUTIFUL DISASTER. It was torture! Same with you, I don't like seeing my name on the book I am reading…it really really feels awkward and intrusive.
My full name is very very rare… so I haven't ever encountered it in a book. But my younger sister's name is Lara… and then I read Looking for Alaska… and Lara is that Russian girl that Miles is with at one point… It was a little awkward for me.
I'm so used to seeing "Kathryn" or one of its variants in print that I hardly even bat an eyelash when I read my name in print.
I've seen my name a LOT in books, but then again it's pretty common. I do like it when my name is in a book and the character also shares my personality (Like Emily from Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson). But when their personality is SO different than me, I just feel a little weird…Emily @ Books & Cleverness
This is a great post, Cait! I haven't come across my name in books very often, but in movies, the character is either a farmer or a cliquey mean girl. No middle ground for me, eh? Seeing this post reminded me of a pin I found on Pinterest that goes "I feel in immediate competition with anyone who has the same name as me and let's me honest: you're not winning that." XD
I've never seen my name in a book, not surprisingly considering how 'out there' my name is. In fact it's a pretty uncommon name. I like it. It makes me feel like a speshul snowflake. But at the same time, it would be nice if once in a while I encountered a character with my name in a book. I'd be interested in seeing a 'me' in a parallel universe wielding a knife or acting like a psychopath. ….I am weird :PRashika @ The Social Potato
I've never seen my name in a book, not abbreviated or in full form. I felt a weird affinity for Kristy from the Babysitters' Club books as a kid because OMG HER NAME WAS ALMOST MY NAME. But as something resembling an adult, I've come to realise that Kristy is the freaking worst ever and I shouldn't have been excited about almost sharing her name. I've read a couple of books in which the love interest has my little brother's name (also a Cam!), and that squicks me out… Also, I just Googled myself in an attempt to tell you how many results you get, and I discovered that there's a 19 year girl in NSW who spells Kirsti the same way I do and has the same middle name and surname as me. I'm now having some kind of existential breakdown…
Have you read many novels with a character called Joy (just Joy – not a middle-name!) ??? I haven't. . . :(I know of a few authors with the name Joy though, which is pretty sweet. Fun post! And I like the way you spell your name, Cait!
My name is quite common (Anna), but I actually haven't read many books with my name in it. Probably because I don't read quite a lot of of YA. I kind of matured quickly and jumped to adult books. :)But when I find my name in a book, I feel pretty awesome. :)After this post, I have decided that I am going to try to find less common names…so SOMEONE feels awesome when they find their name in a book for the first time…mine. 😉 (Hmm…Cait sounds really good, too. I like Cait. ;P)
Also, people love it when their names are misspelled on their Starbucks coffee. HAHA. I think they misspell it on purpose nowadays.The only time I ever found my name in a book, was in The Hate List. Actually, I solely read it BECAUSE my name was in it, and I was doing an All About Me Challenge that I never actually got to finish. But yeah. That was actually pretty bad because the MC, aka VAL, was just being blamed for everything when it wasn't her fault. And it was so intense and so good, but I kept on feeling really really bad for her, especially since she HAS MY NAME. I'm starting to see less and less common names in YA, just because authors are trying really hard to come up with unique ones. And plus I rarely ever read contemporary.
Considering I have a very common (Sarah) I rarely see it in books, especially not for a main character. Though occasionally it's the name of a character's mother (I'm not sure what to think about that though)
I often see the name Cara used in books, and only one or two times have I seen Kara. It's weird … and I don't really like it, you know? Because I always seem to picture myself instead of the character that's being portrayed. So yeah. If I see a book with a similar/same name, I tend to avoid it. xD
I love when a book uses my name! It makes me want to read the book even more, but I have to admit it is a bit awkward. Sometimes when a book spells my name wrong it gets on my nerves, but if it is just plain and simple my name I love the book more!Carly
I've never given it that much thought. My biggest issue is that characters with the name Natalie are almost always the bitchy character for some reason. I'm trying to remember if I've ever read a book where a Natalie is, like, the awesome/nice/kick-ass one. Interesting post!
I don't like my own name that much, but I have come to terms with it. Sort of. Lol. I did love when Richelle Mead used my name (it's North European origin and a very typical name in Estonia and Finland e.g.) in her Age of X series as Mae's mom's name. I think it was her mom, don't remember anymore, but I did freak out big time and almost had happy tears since.. My name. In one of my favorite author's (ever) books. Just too freakin' unreal. I can't speak for people with names like Jessica or Mike whose names are all over the place. Since I have only once seen my name in a book I really don't have an opinion on this topic, but I'm sorry it's not really a good thing for you 😀 Good discussion, Cait 😀 (though Anna, Peter–those are overused imo. And also Mary's and Michael's and Jack's and blaaaah. Not every name can be unique. We need common names too 😀 It just gets confusing at some point :D)
You're Cait, not Kate. I'm Kate (well, Katie, but what's one letter?).My given name is Katherine, but to be honest, I've never seen it in a book (I haven't read An Abundance of Katherines, obviously). Or Katie for that matter. There was a book that we had when I was little called Charlie, the Ugly Caterpillar. Or something like that. Towards the end, there's another caterpillar named Katie. And then there was another Katie in a picture book when lots of flowers. It never really bugged me, in fact, I liked it. The only time my name in a book has bugged me was in Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. And that was actually Catherine with a c. I was the same age as the character, same name, loved to read like her, and I decided to put the book down.~Robyn
Ha — my name was uber-trendy so it is now out of date. Now it is a "mom name." One day it will be a grandma name. *sob*I did a blog post on popular character names a while back (like why is every YA character suddenly named Wren?) and one of my commenters made an excellent point which is why are YA characters not named the popular names from the 1990s — which is when most YA characters of today would have been born? In the US, that would be names like Emily, Ashley, Sara/h, Amanda, Brittany, Taylor and Megan…Fun topic — thanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics
My name doesn't show up much in books, but when it does I only think it's cool if the character is likeable and accomplishes some pretty cool things. However, if the character is unlikeable or bad things happen to her, then I don't like it so much.
Haha, I was so surprised to see my name up there in your list! I don't really think Annie is a super common name even outside of books but my friends have told me otherwise. I guess I don't really notice it? Thinking back I guess that Annie does pop up in books a bit, like in three books that I've read and that's more than some of the names of my friends! I was actually thinking about this a few days ago. I don't mind when my name is used in books – that was a weird phrasing. It's not like I own my name or anything haha – but it is awkward. I keep on thinking the author's referring to me when they use it. Eventually I get over it though. So it's not too big of an issue.
I've honestly never seen my name in a book (thank god). I get second hand embarrassment very easily, and seeing a character, even a minor one, with my name, would most likely cause me to stop reading the book and avoid it for the rest of my life.
Hannah is a common name (there are so many other bloggers with my name!) but I haven't read very many books with a Hannah in it. Strange enough, a lot of the time if a book has a "Hannah" in it, it's a classic novel and she's a servant. WHAT? Hmm…do you know of any books with a epic named character named Hannah?
My name being Annie-Jo doesn't get used at all, at least I have yet to discover it. But I think it would feel strange because I don't even know someone in real life that shares my name. I expect some names – mostly popular ones – get overused. I guess it depends on how creative or imaginative the author is in regards to names, also.
What a funny timing! I actually wanted to read a book, because the main character is Melanie 🙂 and I must say, she made me proud, haha. It's always so fun when you come across your name, especially because it's not a common name in the book world (as far as I know). I've only seen it one other time, but I can't remember when..
I also read minds in my spare time, right? 😉 Hehe. I've seen a few Melanie's in books lately! (Haven't read any yet, but I've seen them on blurbs.)
Yes, I have that problem with people misspelling my name, too. My full first name is Jessika, which people constantly misspell in the real world (I've even gotten Jessicka after saying how to spell it). Now that I spell my internet name Jessy (with a "y"), people spell it Jesse or Jessie instead. I don't mind Jessie as much, because I used to spell it that way, but anything but Jessie, Jessy, and Jessika are rather annoying. Especially when my name is right.in.front. of them!How I feel when I'm in a book: I usually get an immediate attachment to that character. I'm suddenly most interested in what they're doing, how they feel, their character arc. I suddenly hope that they're a great character (not necessarily good or perfect, just well-written, I suppose). Especially if it's spelled the same (though I've never come across a character whose name is spelled Jessika). Boy or girl, it doesn't matter (since my name is Jessy, Jessie, Jesse, Jessica, Jessika, Jesikka, however you wanna spell it — anyway, it's a name used by both genders).I'm afraid my mind has fled — I can't think of any books with my name in them right now, though I know there's a quite a few. I'm sure they'll fly through my head tonight when I go to bed or at some other inconvenient time, so when that happens I'll leave a reply to my own comment.Very interesting topic! I love names. In case my super-long comment didn't clue you in.Jessy @ Barefoot in the Snow
All I can think of is Jessie from Toy Story…does that count?! XD You do have a really unique spelling and I've never heard of it before! Ugh, though I totally get that when like your name is THERE and they still misspell it. I'm so surprised at how often my sister "Mime" gets spelt "Mimi"…like, we're on the internet for goodness sakes! We ONLY type names! >-<Oh gosh! I'm so glad you enjoyed the post!! XD
Actually I am really happy my name isn't in much books. I actually own one book with my name in the title, but haven't read it and actually don't plan on reading it, a relative once bought it for me, probably more because of the title then because the book. My nickname Lola is a bit more common, but so far I've only read one book with the name Lola in it. I don't know it was weird and kinda funny, but still I prefer reading names when I know no one with that name.
I know of Lola and the Boy Next Door and then there's a whole kids series called Charlie and Lola ! (Also, I really really like the name Lola. xD Although that's not your full name, right?)
My real name (not my blogging pen name) is really common, but I don't think I've ever read it in a book? I think it's so common that authors avoid it, lol.
Well, that's probably true. 😉
Hmmmm… Now that I actually think about it, I've never seen my name in a book. And it's not all that uncommon – Kayla isn't so unique I think. Although I've never been able to find keychains or mugs with my name on souvenirs, so I guess there's that too. But I've seen a few MiKayla or MaKayla here and there, and I guess that's close enough.
Ohh, I can't think of your name in a book either! I KNOW of Kayla's IRL though.
Oh yes! I think it's almost doubly weird when it's a family member. Just with Gallagher Girls, the GIRL was Cam, but my BROTHER is Cam…so that always messes with my head.
I can't recall any Arendes in books either. YOU'RE UNIQUE. I'm definitely with you on the Stephanies. And I notice a lot of authors are called Stephanie too.
Ha! I can understand that! And Thea is a pretty uncommon name…which just means you're awesomely unique, right? XD
Your thought on the author having your name = priceless. XD I know of a lot of Amandas, so I definitely think it's a common name in Australia, but I'm not so sure about books. Ugh. I can't think of any. But I knoooow I've read it in at least one book….
At least you can be a horse sometimes, right? OH. And puppies. Puppies get called Stormy sometimes. I feel like I want to "own" my name. Gosh, it's mine, dangit.
OH YES! Abby is definitely a common name in books! (I can think of 1 off the top of my head, but I'm 100% certain there's more.) XD Plus I know a few Abby's in real life too. It does feel awkward.
Oh gosh, I can imagine that. Especially since Lara didn't have much of a personality… Hehe. #awkward.
YES! We people with the derivatives of "Katherine/Catherine/Kathryn/Caitlyn" are so so common. I know Katherine/Kaitlin are technically different, but, meh. It's all in the same boat for me.
I see Emily in books a lot too! (And in the blogging world! Now I know of at least 3 Emilys. x)
Oh yes, you're definitely the "mean girl". Hehe. BUT. Not that I want to admit this…but people with derivatives of the name "Cait/Kate" in books/movies are usually whiny and petty. It's frustrating. "Cait/Kates" so rarely conquer the world. *sigh* I have to break a mould here.I love that quote!
Oh you are definitely a speshul snowflake. Absolutely. Plus you look like an owl, too, so you're just 1000% specialler than the rest of us. It is interesting to encounter yourself in a book waving around a little knife. Go me.
You have a Cam-brother too?! (You can have mine if you want twin-brothers, because, seriously I have too many siblings.) Oh my gosh. SOMEONE IS STEALING YOUR IDENTITY. Same middle name AND surname?? Okay, Kirsti, I don't want to panic you but….shapeshifters exist, okay?
Ehhh, I can't think of ANY. Which is funny, because I wouldn't thought Joy would've been normal?! I've met a few IRL, though. And yes! Joy is pretty common for authors too. Blame my parents. They made my naming decisions. Left to myself, I'm sure I would've named myself something inspiring like Alaska or Chocolate.
Well, there is American Girl's Samantha. She's not a farmer, and she's not a cliquey mean girl either, so there's your middle ground, I suppose. If I remember correctly, she even stood up to a bully or two. (My sisters are very into American Girl.)haha my sister just posted that on Facebook recently. It's funny, though, because, despite being very competitive, I'm not competitive about my name. Unless the person or character in question is a complete idiot. Then I'm just like, . . . >:( Other than that (and the fact that it's rather confusing that there's so many Jesses and Jessikas around), I rather like meeting someone with my name, character or otherwise.
Haha I actually haven't read a story in which a character had my name. Guess I'm just such a special snowflake [; Though I feel like it'd be awkward at first if there was my name in a story, I feel like I'd truly get more into the story. I guess I would already have a way to connect to the character and feel more involved in the story aha. Cait, go write a story with my name in it! (: Lol.
YOU ARE SPECIAL AND UNIQUE. Mwhaha. Until I get hold of your name. Yes, yes, all the devious things a Larissa in my books could do… #beworried
Well, you know my real name from Facebook. (Although I'd appreciate it if that wasn't mentioned here because reasons. 🙂 ) It's not a weird name, or a weird spelling of that name. But I've only read one book where there was a character with my name! I have read some books with characters who had my nickname, but I don't really like my nickname anymore… even though I've gone by it for almost my whole life because my real first name is long.P.S. I love how you spell your name. 🙂 It's very different and pretty. I mean… Kate/Katie/Catherine/etc is a pretty popular name right now, so might as well be different, no?!?!
MY LIPS ARE SEALED. And I've definitely read your name in books, though mostly Historical Fictions (and authors! Your name is really popular for authors, so there you go. Go write a book.)I sometimes wish my name was just the conventional "Kate" because I'm sooo frustrated correcting people. BUT HEY. It is different. I haven't met people who go by my nickname spelt my way. But there are 30 billion Kates in the world, that's for sure.
I've seen my name 2 or 3 times in books and it has ALWAYS been a sour experience. The characters are always either: A) Evil, B) Boring, C) Ridiculous. It's so not fair. I am an incredibly awesome person (my ego is incredibly high,too) and when my name is used in that way I feel like yelling at the author and saying "give me my name back! You've done an injustice to that name!!". But at least my name isn't incredibly common (especially the spelling) so at least there's that. 🙂
That's true, now that I think of it. But Marianne is such a pretty name. Perhaps I'll fix that sometime in a future novel.
I'M SORRY MARIANNE, BUT THAT IS TRUE. I can specifically think of one… Fury by Shirley Marr, and Marianne is basically the mean girl. >-< So awkward. BUt if it's any consolation, "Kates" in books usually are whiny or annoying. So there we both have injustices in the bookish naming world to fix. 😉
I have a Maryanne in one of the books I'm writing. Not quite your spelling, but close. She's a princess in a fairy tale world, has a pet dragon and a pet jackalope, wears a minimum of eight knives on her person at any given time (no, she's not scared of anything, why do you ask?), is a multi-linguist, and a bunch of other interesting things. She can't count, but that's not important.
@Kendra… I think she sounds amazing. Who cares if she can't count? She can definitely hold her own 😉 I'd love to read it some day. @Cait: One day our names shall be avenged! 😀 @Jessy: Yes yes. Fix those injustices to my name 😀
I felt really honoured recently with an author who used my first name as the last name of his main character. The book is sitting with publishers, so fingers crossed. I actually don't come across many characters with my name, parents haven't really called their girls Kelly since the eighties. I know of a few Caitlin's, but none shorten theirs to Cait though, so that's unique 🙂
Like, they MEANT to or was it just a coincidence? COME NOW. SPEAK TRUTH TO ME. Otherwise that's seriously awesome. x) I know George RR Martin was getting people to pay him to put their names in his books and then kill them off…so I hope you don't die in your fictional secondary life.
I've actually never come across my name in a book, though in the US and especially for my generation Ashley is a very popular name (with a variety of spellings). It might be a name more fitting to contemporary though, and I don't read much contemporary (all that drama, ugh! and the an absence of action scenes). I've always wondered how strange it would be to write a book with one of the characters having your own name. That would feel so awkward to me. But I know that almost all of Jane Austen's books have a character named Jane in them. Jane was a very popular name during her time period. But still, and each of those Janes were different people with different personalities in each of the books. How do you keep them all straight? I don't think I could do that.
I've seen Ashley's in books, but I can't exactly put my finger on it at this moment. >-< I think contemporary definitely! DRAMA. Come now, WE ALL LOVE THE DRAMA. -_- Maybe not…I can't even imagine writing a book with MY name in it. It's the most awkward thing I could think of. I wouldn't even use Kathrine or anything because…just nope.
I have seen my name in several books, but I haven't read many of them, since most of them are contemporaries, and I don't like contemporaries. Especially not if the MC has my name. It's just weird. But there is a fantasy series that I adore, Kendra Kandlestar, and the Kendra there is awesome. She's an elf-like creature and can do magic. I'm waiting for the last book of the series with bated breath.I need to read Fablehaven … but I'm hesitant to read Alex Finn's Kendra series … You know what else is weird? Reading books with a MC with the same name as one of my own MC's, but who has a completely different personality. That's just plain disorienting.
I totally just read your name in a book! I think it was in Razorhurst too??? Ugh, I can't quite remember! NO! WAIT! It was Taken by Erin Bowman, I'm pretty sure it was. Oh yes! That's weird too! I know a friend who's using one of my characters names (like she wouldn't know I've used it. hehe) and it's SO weird…I'm resisting saying anything though. Just because #awkward.
Oh, and then there was the one character who had my last name for his first name, and then turned out to be part of the antagonistic force. I almost didn't finish that book, it was so weird. But all my friends praised it, so I persevered.
I definitely know what you mean about the sort of out-of-body experience when seeing your name, YOUR EXACT COMBINATION OF LETTERS, in print. It almost never, ever happens because my name is not the traditional spelling, although I did come across a song on iTunes that was just titled "Cristina" and although it was rather horrible I bought it out of a weird sense of ownership over it…I bet I would feel inclined to read a book series if the protagonist had my name in a sort of possessive need to see what my literary doppelganger is doing.
Yes! Yes! It's amazing that ownership feeling, right?! IT'S MY NAME AND I DO WHAT I WANT. It's very easy to go all Loki on it, I agree.
Ooh, well if you did feel like a YA one day, Anna and the French Kiss is awesome. x) So I have read a lot of books with Annas! BUT STILL. Oh no no no…you may not use my name. I am very competitive. I see my name and I get all knifey. LOOK AT ME IN RAZORHURST. I HAVE A KNIFE. I'M SCARY. Rawr.
I remember you saying that about The Hate List! Gee, I feel bad for your name now, because Val in The Hat List was such a sad little thing who just needed a huge and someone to listen and love her…*cries quietly* I felt bad for her already, so I can just imagine having her name as well. I think YA authors mostly do quite well! I'm just not sure they usually pick names for the years the character should've been born. BUT you can't have everything, right?!
I have read a few Sarahs! I remember it in Lies We Tell Ourselves for certain and I think it was in several HF books I read a as a kid. 😉
I've seen Kara but not Cara…that I can remember. NO WAIT! There's Cara Sweeney in Alienated by Melissa Landers! HAHA! I found your name! XD I don't like it either.
Ohhhh, I'm glad you like it! XD I had trouble reading a book where the character was "Catlin"…it just felt like a misspelling the WHOLE time, without the first "i" to make it "Caitlin".
I have a sister named Natalie. xD I can't rightly think of a Natalie-book though…gee, this is bugging me. I'm sure there's one…
THAT'S KIND OF SERIOUSLY COOL, THOUGH. Especially with it being like a favourite book. x) (I have yet to read anything by Richelle Mead…how bad is that?!) And I'm with you. We need to give Anna and Peter and Michael and Sam a bit of a rest. -_-
Your in An Abundance of Katherines 19 times I might add. x) I JUST read it, so that's top of my mind when I hear the name Katherine now. Everyone thinks my name is "Kate". I've spent 20 years correcting it, I basically give up now. Unless they call me "Mime" because apparently Mime and I look too much alike… -_-BUT YOU MEAN TO TELL ME YOUR NAME IS NOT ROYBN HOODE?? I'M DISAPPOINTED. I THOUGHT YOU WERE A DESCENDENT.
Hehe…I know sooo many bloggers with the name of Jen. x) And I have wondered that about Wren! I mean it's a cool name, but it sure went through a boom in popularity. I can think of 3 YAs off the top of my head. And I agree that the names in YA don't really relate to the dates the characters should've been born. Particularly when I read so many teen boys with names like "River". River is common for a name NOW. And maybe in the 60-70s. But not in the 90s.
But you're a pretty unique spelling! At least you can claim Princess Ana from Frozen, right?!
Hehe…it just means an uber amount of people obviously love your name, right?! x) I have definitely read a lot of Annie/Anna books. I feel like I should be able to own my name, which of course is entirely ridiculous, but hey. IT'S MY NAME.
Second-hand embarrassment! EXACTLY. That's how I feel too. Although, I mean it's slightly different spelling, but there's Marissa Meyer who's an awesome author. x)
I'm pretty sure there was a Hannah in 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. (Not that I liked that book…but still. HANNAH.) Hey, Hannah just sounds like a servant-y name, right? Oh, would you mind fetching me some water? Pop along, slavey.
The Annie part I've read, but not them coupled together! I usually see it backwards, actually for "Jo-Anne" in books/movies.
My exact name will probably never be in a book, because of the way it's spelt. I think I have stumbled upon Jean in books before and they are usually portrayed as an old granny or something hahaa! I do find it weird reading my name but at the end of the day, it's still in fictional land.
I haven't come across that many Rachels… I do have a really old copy of a book called Rachel (which is obviously about a Rachel), I tried to read it when I was quite young, my dad bought it for me because I shared my name with the title character but I was too young to understand the story. I'd love to read it someday to see what it was about and I was quite fond of that one (probably because of my age??). But I can't remember coming across any since. I do like it when my name is in a song though – strange confession but Eric says it in the Little Mermaid when he's trying to guess Ariel's name, I STILL love that! I think whether I like it or not is based on the context, if the Rachel in the book is mean or a complete witch (feel free to replace the w with a b) then I'm a little uncomfortable, but if I can relate to her or see parts of me in her, or think she's a pretty cool character… not so bad!
Super post, Cait! I've never seen my name in a book before. Ever. There's been an author of a book I read a review for with a mildly similar name, but Romi? Never seen it in a book. Thought, like Cristina above, I have heard a song about someone called the same name, though I'm not sure about the spelling. My parents were very worried after hearing it.
I stalked her on Instagram and we look nothing alike, thankfully. But it's still terrifyingly bizarre…
May have to check that out sometime. 😉 But it could be a little weird… Hmm…Haha don't worry, I won't. 😛
My name is mentioned in a few books but one in particular is The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom. It was quite weird how relateable Sarah's part of the stry was to me just by adding my own name into the equation. While, yes, I would probably woud have related to the character still if it was a girl with a different name, it seemed to hit home more and made me so more interested in the book simply because my name was included. It was weird; as if my story was being told through the book almost; like a sign to me to change things or do something different (I'm not sure if I'm really explaining this right). While in this case I was grateful that my name was included, on occasion when my name is used as the "villian" of the story, I'm not so keen :-)Sarah xhttp://www.saraheliza.co.uk/
The name 'Mary' has appeared in countless books I have read. It's one of those names. But I like my name so I don't mind that it isn't original 😀 I also don't really mind when my name is used in books, but maybe it's because it's so popular that I just kind of expect it now? Idk. Most of the characters that have had it, I've ending up liking or been able to relate to. SO FAR, at least!
I don't think I've read a book with my name in it…which is surprising, since it's EXTREMELY common. But I guess for me it would have to depend, on the character and what they're doing. If they're totally kick butt and save the day, then why not think its awesome?!! But if they just annoy me and do dumb things, I would absolutely hate it..Lisa http://www.turningpages94.blogspot.com
You're the main character in The Truth Seeker by Dee Henderson. It's 3rd in a 6-book series (the O'Malley series). They were pretty good, and judging by what you said, I think you'd like Lisa. The Truth Seeker is somewhat of a mystery, Lisa being forensic pathologist. I'd suggest reading the books in order, but you don't have to. The basic idea of the series is that the youngest of the 7 siblings gets saved, and she (and others) influence her siblings. (The siblings are actually orphans who "adopted" each other and gave themselves the same legal surname.) Each book is one of their stories, basically, and they're all different, based on the MC's job and personality. It's pretty neat. Anyhow, I'll stop talking now.the writeress @ barefoot in the snow
Whenever I find my name in a book, which isn't very often surprisingly, I am always a snob, stupid, or just someone plain annoying. What is with that people?! Brooke is a good name! It deserves a good character!Also I never get knives. ;P
I have never had this happen ever. Charnell is not a very common name. My mother swears she didn't make it up, but sometimes I doubt her. I have never even come across another Charnell. So if I saw one in a book it would totally freak me out. People mispronounce it all the time or misspell it and it really annoys me. But, after years of it, I have just learnt to deal with it. There are still people I see quite often who call me Chantelle, I have given up correcting them, heehee. It's Char, like Char-lotte, and nell like, well, Nell – in case you were wondering 😉
I will definitely feel super happy if I see my name on a book! I will probably take a photo and frame it, specially if I love the author of the book. You're lucky that your name got featured in one, with a knife, even!
I've only seen my name in one book (that I can remember) and that was Red Hill by Jamie McGuire and I must admit I felt like the most awesome person on the planet and of course she had to have saw me on Goodreads and thought that girl is awesome and I must use her name!
I don't even know if my name has been in a book.. well I am sure it has.. but I don't remember reading it. But I would love it. I love songs about me too!!! There are two that I know of, my father in law always signs the Rolling Stone song Angie to me all the time.
True.
My name doesn't come up much – I can't remember ever reading a book with a Melanie in it to be honest. I'd love to try, but I think I'd picture myself all the time, instead of what the character is meant to look like. The book I'm reading at the moment (Serenade by Emily Kiebl) has a main character called Lorelai, which I immediately found so refreshing. A main character with a different name! (I'm fed up of the same old names being used, I guess. I mean there are millions of names, why not pick something different?). This is the first thing I loved about Hermione Granger back in the day. A character who had a new name! (I was like six or seven and had never heard the name before. I have rarely come across it since.) (I also loved Ginevra for the same reason).
I never see my name in a book, at least not my full name and definitely NEVER spelled the way I — or rather, my parents — spell it. So, I've never run across this before. But there was a female Chipmunk of the same name. Now, if you know what my name is, I'll be reasonably impressed. 🙂
I haven't seen any Shannons in books. It isn't a very romantic name, nor is it particularly inspiring. And my last name is insanely uncommon (I pride myself in being the only person on earth with my full name, true story) so I doubt I'd ever come across "me". But I get totally freaked out when my kids' names are in books! When I read Delirium, I got really fired up about Lena being used, because mostly I didn't want it to become too popular. As for my son, well, his name is Sam, so according to your list, nothing I can do about that 😉 And I might have tried to convince my husband to let me name him Finnick, so… yeah.
Wow I've actually never thought of that. I think I would definitely find it bizarre especially since my spelling is very unique to me and I doubt there are many other people who spelled my name the way I do. Still, I'm not sure how bad it would be. I've come to notice that after the initial reading of a name, I tend to skim over names. So I might not notice it much, still very interesting concept 🙂 Thanks!-Mari
First off, I agree with one name hate. People spelling it wrong. You'd think that my name, Imogen, would be easy to spell. Six letters. Not that hard to remember, right? Nope. Imogene. ALL THE TIME. Even when I spell it right for people. Grr…Ok, ranting aside, I'm actually rather pleased when I see my name in a book. I rarely see it so it's kind of a special occasion. But it was awkward when my family read one of Shakespeare's plays aloud and it had an Imogen in it. Everyone cracked up every time that Imogen spoke. Which was a lot.
Have you read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever? There's an Imogen in there…she's…really…awful. BUT HEY. Don't let that get you done!
She's one of my favorite characters, so you'll certainly have that opportunity someday. However, she won't show up until book four of her series, and that as a tiny baby. She's a main character in almost every book after that, though. But I only have books one and two out so far.She currently running my blog party for five years as an blogger and three years as a published author. I'm not officially talking about her as part of her series yet, but she insisted on being part of the shenanigans. So I let her be the coordinator.
Haha, to be honest, I don't really feel any different when my name is in a book :)) And honestly, I actually haven't encountered one where my name is used for a main character, just secondary characters (and come on authors, why not? Faye is such an awesome name!). I can definitely understand it being awkward for some… perhaps if I find a character with the name FAYE and having the same personality as mine, my reaction would probably be a lot more different. HAHA.Faye at The Social Potato
Faye is a totally awesome and obviously unutilised name. What is wrong with the authors these days?!
My name is super common (Sarah), so it's not at all unusual to see it in a book. Well, maybe less common in a book since I read mostly sci-fi and paranormal, and Sarah is just not a name for characters in those types of genres. So it doesn't really affect me much, unless the character is annoying, and then it bothers me. I've never seen my middle name in a book before though – Ing-Britt. It's Swedish and most people question the validity of it. It would be super cool to see it in a book.
I see quite a lot of Sarah's in HF books! Ohh, ut your middle name is awesome! I guess a lot of American/UK/AUS writers don't really use foreign names? It would be cool if they did though, because there are SO many cool and unused names out there.
All I can think of is Jean Grey. She was awesome…although she killed a lot of people. #awkward. But it's true! You do have a super unique spelling! XD
I have a sister named Rachel! And there's a Rachel in Of Poseidon by Anna Banks. HA you could've been a princess! XD But yes, yes, I do get that about depending on what kind of character has stolen your name. That definitely would make a difference.
Truth! I've never seen your name in a book either. x)
It's like the author has plucked you and put you in a story, right?! I always feel like I AM in a story regardless of whether I have the same name or not, so if my name DOES show up…it's like the story is literally about me, sometimes. x)
Oh yes! Mary is quite common, right?! I guess if you'd read it a lot you would kind of expect it…I don't read many horrible Marys in books, anyway. It's a nice-girl kind of name, XD
I've watched movies with your name, Lisa! But I can't quite think of a book…
No, no, see Brooke is not an evil name. But CAIT. YES. Apparently Caits are destined for knives and murder. Mwhahaha. (This doesn't bother anyone, right?)
People are SO good at misspelling names. -_- I swear, it's a complete talent they must cultivate. I think if they hear your name and it sounds "what the–" then they just mentall turn off and just go Char—fadskf;ajd and that's it. THAT'S HOW I WAS SAYING IT! Yusss. I got it right. x)
Well the Karate Kid with Jaden Smith has a character called Dre…but he's a boy. x) SO I'M NOT HELPING.
I've read a fair few Christys, but I think they might've been Christie? Not sure. And OF COURSE you're the exact inspiration for that name! Who else?! Awesome deserves to be put into books.
I've read Angelas in contemporaries. Usually part of the clique of high school drama…hehe. Sorry. >-<
The only Ella I can think of, is Ella from How to Lead a Life of Crime by Kirsten Miller! You and I both thought it was THE BESTEST MOST FRABJOUS MINDBLOWING READ IN THE UNIVERSE OF BOOKISHLAND. *grins* And I ADORE that I am an awesome character in it!! I HAD BRAINS. I HAD WEAPONS. I HAD POWER. Therefore, I WAS AWESOME *grins again* *waves around weapon wildly*EAT MY DUST.
Ella Enchanted too, though! But omg, don't get me started on HtLaLoC. I WILL FANGIRL FOREVER. Hey but I have a tiny knife. *waves it dangerously*
I think the narrator in The Girl With All the Gifs is called Melanie! (I haven't read it yet, but I soooo want to.) It's funny with names like Hermione, though, because no one can totally use that name now because it was literally unused until JK Rowling used it. Like you can get away with Harry/Ron, but NEVER Hermione before people think of Harry Potter. x)
You and me both then! We have super common names but weird spellings. x) So I'm guess Jen isn't Jennifer? Jenette? Jenelle? Jenera? Hehe. I'm stabbing wildly here.
OH, Sams are everywhere. Honestly. It's just the commonest love-interest name everywhere. Good luck to your son if he loves reading. 😉 Gah…Finnick would've been awesome. Seriously. How did you miss that opportunity?! x) lol
I've done that before! I actually mostly read the first letter of a name. Which is why I die, when there are too many similar names in books.
Yes, there is her in the movies! She's funny… actually, she's much more like my character AnnDrew (Anna Drew) than me.I still haven't thought of any books! Though I'm certain there was at least one. (I think it was a guy, but I still can't remember.) I did just think of Bridge to Terabithia. I think that's a book, though I've never read it, but I loved the movie. The main character is Jesse, but most people call him Jess. Which is not why I did that with my character, but it is ironic.Yes, that is strange! You'd think when the only way someone had every known your name is through internet, they'd know how to spell it. But alas, people still do it wrong.
I haven't come across my name {Bella} in a story yet, but I have seen endless variations on it, such as Isabelle, Annabella, and Belle. It weirds me out, to be quite honest, and I'm forever stuck of visualizing me in that situation. Great discussion post – I've never really stopped to think about it!
I don't usually mind my name in a book. It's only when my name is part of a combination that is incredibly meaningful, that I feel weird. For example in Harry Potter, Harry's parents were named Lily and James…my name is Lily and my brother's name is James…this makes me feel a bit eurgh…it's pretty silly but I would always feel awkward when ever I read about their enduring magical love.
My name is Kristana, and I have never seen it in a book. I'm not sure if I've seen Kristina or Christiana or any of the million variations I get. And I can commiserate with you on the misspelling, Cait. And mispronunciation…I honestly don't care anymore as long as you don't call me Kristan. (Yes, I've gotten that before.)
My name was the most popular for my birth year and also a common Victorian name. Plus it doesn't have many spelling variations, and mine's the most common. So I've gotten used to seeing/hearing/just generally being exposed to my name being used for things or people not me a lot. I've never read a book with my name for the main character that I can remember, but I think I tend to shy away from those books, so that's why. Even though it's insanely common and I can always think of at least one (usually three) Emilys I know at any given moment, it's still weird. It's still my name. I feel like you do — "just give it back, okay?"
I think yours is very common! I know definitely several books that use it (plus I know SO many bloggers with your name). It's a sweet name, though. 😉 I'm with you on the "just give it back" though. That's exactly how I feel.
Not gonna lie, I don't really like it. All the Rachel's I've read of are practically idiots XD At first I say "Ayeee!!! There's my name!" Then I groan and cover my face when I learn more about the poor character that bares my name. Rachel @A Perfection Called Books
**Bears
I've got a sister named Rachel! And I've read it in several books, for sure. x) As long as the character is awesome and kickbutt then it's good right….but when they're annoying. Ugh. *headdesk*
I like to think that technically, I won, since Sam Claflin IS Finnick 😉
The worst is when I was reading a book, and the MC's name was Sophie, and the love interest didn't know his name that he was born with, but he was adopted really young, so he had another name, but then they discovered that his name was Daniel.Here's the thing: my sister's name is Sophie. My brother's name is Daniel.And I'm pretty sure this type of thing has happened more than once…I just can't remember which other book it was in.My name doesn't show up very often, and when it does, it's usually in the form of Cassandra (which is NOT my name. My name is Cassie. You can check my birth certificate). However, I'm still not a fan of reading my own name in books, even when it's not the main character.
WOAH. That is weird. That is very very weird. I have two friends who have the same name…and they each have a brother with the same name too, which is mildly creepy if you ask me. xDThat's cool, though, that your name is Cassie! And that's it! I wish my full name was just Cait, because urrghhh to the rest of it. I prefer Cait. xD
HA. TOO TRUE!
I know of a character called Bella in the Supernatural TV series, hehe, but I can't quite think of one in a book! It weirds me out too, so you and me both, eh?!
OH I can definitely understand that!! That would be super weird. I've never read a book were more than one of my family's names where in it…but it's awkward enough reading about a girl Cam when my BROTHER is named Cam..
Misspelling sucks so bad. It's especially frustrating when your name is. right. there and they STILL misspell it. Miss-saying it is bad too. Hehe. Okay, I'll remember to say your name right, KRISTAN. Hehe. I'm so mean. Sorry, Kristana. XD
My real name is Isabel, and there is a main character with the same name in the Guardians of Time trilogy by Marianne Curley, which I love. Thing is she's like my total opposite which always makes her weird to read about, plus I'm always known as Izzy so it feels really formal in a way! And also, I've re-read those books so many times, but I re-read them when I was 16/17, and at the time I had a boyfriend called Matt – which is the name of Isabel's brother. It was kind of weird…Anyway I'm sure I've spotted my name a couple of times in books, but it's not one that I've seen often 🙂 Maybe in some historical fiction too?
My name is Amy, one of your common name examples, so yes I see my names in books. I think I end up having higher expectations for liking the character because of our shared name, and about 9 out of 10 times I end up not liking her. Sometimes I wonder if authors think Amys are lame, but when I really think about, I'm probably just overreacting because it seems so personal that the character has my name but isn't like me. But authors have got to choose names, and it'd be too strange if they were all off the wall (I mean, even LOTR has a Sam as you pointed out!). Thankfully, I can usually disassociate names of characters with people I know of the same name unless it's a more unusual name or someone really close to me.
Well, that's my pen name. My real name is a closely guarded secret. Mwahahaha!
I've discovered Cynthia twice, as main characters! One was a contemporary called Original Cyn (which I totally read years ago because it had my name in it, haha) and the other was a historical romance novel! I was so surprised, b/c HR only ever use the same old names allll the time (like Elizabeth and Honoria). My good friend spells her name like "Cait", too, so that's the default version I want to spell all "Kate"s with haha.
I GET ASKED THIS QUESTION A LOT. I blame TFIOS. Still, reading my name in a book is usually okay with me- I don't feel that awkward. I actually disliked my name when I was a lot younger because everyone kept calling me 'Hazelnut' (UGH) but grew to like it. And then TFIOS happened and 'Hazel' now feels so mainstream- so I guess got kinda peeved about that.
I like finding my name in books, but it's incredibly uncommon. Unless I don't like the character. It really depends, if I like the character I can say that I AM the character. If I don't, they obviously stole my name.By the way, I really like your blog and was wondering where in Australia you live? Not specifically or to be creepy or anything, just because I'm Australian too and I was wondering 🙂
I don't think I'll ever find my name in a book! I mean, do you ever come across the name Nirvana in a book? 😀 That's me 😀
I'm the same as you, I find it really weird reading my name in a book (not that it actually happens very often). I found my name in Apple and Rain, and I was basically blurring out my name whenever "she" would appear. It's just awkward, I don't know, it just doesn't feel right….. not sure why, but yeah.
I love to see my name in books, I'm like "ohhh looook, we have the same name, jippieeee!" I like to compare myself with the character, it's easier. But Sophia isn't a common bookname, even if it is one of the most given girl names 2012 or something, and most times Book-Sophias are selfish and not like me 🙁
I've read a few Sophies, but yes, I can't think of any Sophias! (Although I know of a few IRL.)
I've read a fair few books with Isabels! I know there's one in the Shiver trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater, and then in City of Bones by Cassandra Clare! And they're both really spicy, kick-butt characters, so it's obviously a name of great awesome, right?! 🙂
Ohhh, have you read Preloved by Shirley Marr? There's an Amy in there and she's AWESOME, I promise. x) I wasn't so keen on the Amy in Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern though. But I agree…it always feels waaay more personal, right?!
What?!! You mean I'm not 100% unique?!!! *pouts in a corner* Haha…juuuust kidding. 😉 That's awesome, though! At least you know the RIGHT spelling of Cait/Kate then, eh?
Omg, yes!! Your name is forever branded now…wheee with TFIOS being so super famous and all too.
You have the same name as meeeeee!! Only, of course, I've cut my name in half (I always feel like I'm in trouble if someone calls me by my full name). I once read a book where the character was "Catlin" and it just felt like a typo the entire time. But the second "i" in dangit. -_- You're an Aussie too?! HUZZAH. (Do you blog?) I'm in northern NSW but I've lived in QLD all my life so I still feel kind of like a QLD girl. 😉
I'm not sure I have, to be honest! But it's an awesome name. 😉 I wish books used more unique names…it makes me remember them more!
OH yes! That's true with Apple & Rain. But she was a bit of a dead loss for babysitting in A&R. 😉 Shame on you…er, I mean her. 😉
Joy Shirley, in The Abbey Girls series. She has red hair, a cousin who looks so like her that they are mistaken for twins, and they live in a partially ruined abbey. 😉
There is *that* Bella, in *that* book by Ms Meyer. I don't know if her full name is Isabella or not, but she's generally called Bella Swan, I think…
My full name is Rebecca – so I've got *the* Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier as well as 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm'. Hm, evil dead manipulative wife, or school girl who likes writing poems? It's safe to say I probably identified a little bit more with the latter…
Why?!! You don't like evil dead manipulative wife?! That is an incredible title! Think of your job applications!
The FMC in Fablehaven is named Kendra. Good book. You should read it. 🙂
Curse you Kate.HA! XD
I've definitely been thinking about this lately! My name (Lina) is pretty rare, and I have only met a few people with it, let alone spelled like mine is. Buuuut it seems to be a little more popular in books because it is unusual, distinctive, and can even sound futuristic. City of Ember has a 'Lena', The Grisha Trilogy has an "Alina", and I know there are others but I can't remember any. I personally *love* finding books with my name in them, maybe because as a kid I was always sad that my name wouldn't be on travel souvenirs, etc. But how that affects my reading of the book? I don't know. Maybe it helps me to connect with the main character a little more, if I'm anything like her.
The travel souvenirs were always annoying, right?! I could never find my name spelt the right way. And too true, with Lena and Alina. I'm not sure I've ever read a just plain Lina before.
I just read a book with a Lina – DAMSELFLY by Jennie Bates Bozic. Technically it's short for Thumbelina, but she goes by Lina. And it's also futuristic. She's a science experiment to make a six-inch human being with wings. I really enjoyed it.
BAHHAHAH! YOU WIN.
And then there's the Heros of Olympus series – you're there, too, and it's also an insanely popular series. So … yeah.
Thankfully my name is not too commonly in books. It doesn't bother me when it's used.
Your name happens to be one of my favorites, and I've given it two three characters, one of which has already been published (a short story called "The Derao"). I had a friend with the name once, and thought it sufficiently exotic for my genre (fantasy).
The only book I've ever read with my name, spelled the way I spell it (Leeann) was More than a Horse by C.S. Adler. I read it when I was a kid, so I have no idea how good it was 🙂 I liked it at the time, because I never see my name anywhere in books (or on a keychain- sad day). It was nice to know there were other Leeanns around!
I very rarely find my name anywhere; I have yet to find a personalized mug, key-ring or teddy bear… But I do recall a certain Sunny Baudelaire from A Series of Unfortunate Events, which I read when I was younger and loved. And she was a great character, so I have no problems with that. I like not seeing my name everywhere, though – it makes it feel more like 'me'. I think that's the only fictional Sunny I know…
Hey there! I've discovered a blogger who happens to be currently working on a book with "you" in it. Click here for Marianne's BP post. And here for more about her and the book she's in.As for my Marianne, you wouldn't mind being in a book with lots to do about pirates, would you? Because the name Marianne works excellent for my Pirate Girl (the working title for a WIP which is, at the moment, nothing but a picture in my head and some other bits and ideas).the writeress @ barefoot in the snow
I very rarely find my name (at least in anything popular) but Cassie showed up in the 5th Wave. It actually didn't bother me that much. It made me think about how weird names are seeing mine in print thousands of times and how weird it is that it's MY name… now I'm rambling. *runawayrunaway*You know, like, the more you say a word the weirder it sounds? That's how I felt reading my name…Cassie @ Happy Book Lovers
My name it about as rare as gold in books. I have only read one book with my name in it and it was Intuition by C.J. Omololu. I must admit, I kinda squealed when I saw it. I mean, I've lived my whole life NEVER being able to find my name ANYWHERE, so it was very exciting to see a Chiara in a book. Funnily enough, I felt really protective of the character. When the MC was iffy about her, I was pretty much like: You don't even know her – so don't judge her! And, of course, I wanted her to be featured more heavily in the book so I could get to know my bookish counterpart.I'm kind of interested to see my name in other books, because it was fun when I read it in this one. I guess the fun would kind of disappear if I had a common name, but I don't. So all aboard the fun train ;D
My name isn't used in many books I've read or heard about. The 2 fiction books I found were older books that no one I knew had ever read or heard of, The rest were biographies and a few books based on the movie. This never really bothered me and I even thought it was kind of cool to see my name on a book or movie. Recently I discovered that I share a name with the main character of 50 Shades of Grey, Anastasia, and, I've never read them but, what I've been hearing about the books lately with the new movie that's coming out, hasn't been very good and it makes me a little uncomfortable that I share a name with that character.