What's in a Name?

"What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet"
--William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Sorry, Shakespeare, my names aren't smelling so sweet. What's in a name means a whole lot as many writers know. Right now, I have a couple characters who might possibly need their name changed, but I'm at a loss---none of the names I happen upon seem right. So, I put it to the side and highlight the name to maybe change at a later date.

But, I figure that I have a whole slew of people who can help and throw out suggestions, so here I am. I'll give you a little thing about the character, so that might help you with names.

The only stipulation I have for suggestions is that for the Jackson bros, that they have to be "different" since the firmed names in the book are Portia (heroine), Ramsay (brother), Finn (brother), Lark (mother), and Hunter (dad).

First character up: Gideon Jackson, who owns his own landscaping business. Portia's brother (she has four of them, and she's the youngest, but Gideon is two years older than she). He's charming. Not serious. Dates a lot. A lot. Very joking. I do like the name Gideon, but it might be changed. Example of a Gideon scene that may be in the final draft of the book:

“Whose heart did you break this time, Gideon?”

He flashed a smile. “Who said I broke any hearts? Mine could have been broken, thank you very much.”

“This is the same man who’s managed to date almost all the single women in Burlington in the course of his thirty-three years.”

“I haven’t dated all of them.” Gideon took out his wallet and pulled out some cash. “Maybe ninety-five percent. But not all. If I’d dated all of them, I wouldn’t have any left to date. And I assure you there are many left to date in this town.”

“There’s a name for your sort.”

“Handsome. Charming. Single. Decent job. Loves to take long walks on the beach, if we had one.” Gideon placed the money down on the counter, sliding it toward her. “I appreciate fine art, fine things, and . . . fine women.”

“You’re like some man slut.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “And as far as I know, your taste in women isn’t exactly fine. You date all sorts of women.”

“What can I say. I’m an equal opportunity dater.”

Next character up for possible name change: Jasper Jackson. I love the name Jasper. But there have been too many Jaspers in romance novels that I've read of late (what's up with that?), and I fear Jasper may be too old sounding. Jasper is the second oldest brother, gay and married to his husband Leo. There have been no scenes with Jasper as of yet, but that's because I haven't gotten to a scene where he's had to show up. Remember, I'm a total pantser here.

And for a change of pace: I need a middle name for Roxie, Aubry's six-year-old daughter. Her full name is Roxanne INSERT MIDDLE NAME HERE Riley. I wanted to do "Heart," but I thought it would get too many connotations with Roxie Hart from the musical Chicago. But it should have that type of Hollywood name vibe to it. Just no fruit. LOL. Roxie is a tenderhearted soul with curly, bright red hair, and sea-green eyes.

Last but not least: A name for the one-eyed cat. He's orangey in color and is in the library (his owner is a librarian and best friend to Portia). So far, my choices have gone between Patch, Wink, Blink, Squint, or Cyclops. I'm 85% sure the cat will make an appearance in this book.

Watch me not change Gideon or Jasper. LOL. So tell me, how do you come up with names for your characters? And if you have any suggestions, throw them my way. No name is too stupid; just look at the ones I came up with for this book (Aubry, Portia, Ramsay, etc.)---WTF, BBQ was I thinking? LOL.