Learn how to create memorable fantasy names for characters, cities, and worlds, with practical rules to avoid confusion and improve readability.

Naming is one of the trickiest parts of fantasy writing. A great name can bring a world to life—while a bad one can confuse readers and pull them out of the story.

In this episode, I’m joined by J.M. Williams to break down how to create fantasy names that are clear, immersive, and memorable.

We cover the key principles behind effective naming in fantasy, including:

• How to create names that feel unique without being confusing
• Why overly complex names (and too many apostrophes) can hurt your story
• Naming conventions for characters, cities, and entire worlds
• How culture, language, and history influence believable names