What's in a name? Besides a dress.

[Rikilamaro]

Here's my problem. A good friend of mine recently read the first few chapters of my story and said, "You know that's a dress, right?" She was referring to my female main character's name, 'Sari.' It's a ceremonial gown. It's also a name that I recall from my childhood and seems to fit my character well. Since I have already changed the MMC's name twice I really don't want to change this one too.

My question is... do you think people will know what a sari is? Do you think they will care?

[JCFarnham]

I'm sure most people will know of the word Sari, but no I don't think it matters. You shouldn't worry about the Japanese flavour either really, I mean the name Aiko, for example, is 'love' with a feminine suffix thrown on the end. How about Sakura as a name? Is the Cherry blossom sense of the word too over powering?

What I'm saying is names often recall things and objects way back in their roots. To be honest, only if you're target readership mostly consists of people who use saris on a daily basis will it be a problem (which counts both in the japanese sense and all other senses, because there's more than one type of clothing there.)

I don't see it as a problem. In fact I like the name, it's pretty

[Queshire]

It shouldn't matter, yeah, people are going to notice that it's a dress, but they aren't really going to care. I mean, one of the major characters in the super popular Dragonball series is named after basically atheletic shorts. Might be a little weird if it's published in a country Sari's are popular in, but otherwise no problem.

[Caged Maiden]

I agree. Many Americans name their children words they like the sound of regardless of the meaning in another culture, or regardless of gender. I think it's nice she doesn't have a common name like Sarah, but also not something crazy like Moonbeam Shadows. I think you've picked a nice compromise, and who knows, maybe common names here mean something weird in other cultures, I'm sure that happens.

[Penpilot]

I remember reading a story and seeing a TV show with the name Sari in it. I know what a Sari is and it didn't bother me in the least. People have all sorts unusual name. Some guy named his kid ESPN, pronouned Ess pen. Its a bloody sports network. Yikes. I mean think about 'normal' names that have double meanings, Bob, Candy, Cane, Dusty, Rod, Chase, Dale, Dick, Jack, etc. Bottlome line if you like the name and it fits the character, who cares? People can twist even normal names into something negative. Take for instance one of my favourite authors, Neil Gaiman. Imagine him getting teased for his name as a kid. There are worse things than being called a dress.

[Rikilamaro]

Thanks, everyone. I greatly appreciate the feedback. You have calmed my internal debate.

[The Din]

I am facing the same dilemma. One of my POV characters is named Silo, which might strike some people as odd. I never mention silos in my novel, yet a farmer or someone around them every day might find it disagreeable. Do I need to change it to Cilo or Sylo or something?

As for Sari, I see nothing wrong with it (just don't have her wearing a sari). If you're worried, you could try switching some letters around: Sira,

[Queshire]

In general, writers worry too much about names, I know I've done it as well. Silo sounds like a perfectly good name to me, particularily in a setting that doesn't have farm silos.

[Rikilamaro]

Being from farm country I would definitely giggle at someone named 'Silo' if I met them in person. Because I'm mean. In a book; however, I would be fine with a character with that name.

If you're worried, what about Shilo?

[Caged Maiden]

Or Silas, or Milo?