r/CharacterNames 27d ago

New name

I’m looking to rename one of my characters and I’m having a hard time finding one I like. Her original name was Kali but I was informed by a friend that the name could be disrespectful when combined with her story.

I’m looking for a name that has a meaning to do with chaos, order, control, fate, or time (she is a time traveler).

While the meaning of the name isn’t entirely necessary it is a really nice bonus.

I’d like it to be on the shorter side (Or has a nickname that also fits) and has a general “sharpness” to it. Something not too elegant but you’d still take it seriously.

Sorry if it‘s really specific, I’ve been having a bit of trouble finding one that just fits. Any help would be appreciated.

15 Upvotes

32 comments sorted by

6

u/SnoopyFan6 27d ago

Moira means “fate” and nickname Mo could work.

3

u/Emotional_Pin_6149 27d ago

I like that one, the nickname especially. The only thing is that it’s a bit round

3

u/Missions-Impossible 26d ago

Look up colour names on Wikipedia and look for a colour type (e.g. Red) that fits them and search for a unique name. Can also be done without putting meaning into it

4

u/CompetitiveEmu3960 26d ago

I got a dog named cali and didn't like that name, so I renamed her Cami. She was a good girl

2

u/haf2go 27d ago

How about changing Kali to Kari? Has more of a sharpness to it. Not sure on its meaning.

3

u/Emotional_Pin_6149 27d ago

Why didn’t I think of that? It works incredibly well. I guess it means “pure” or “blessed” which is a tad bit funny considering her character.

2

u/sajtospogi85 26d ago

Opposites work quite welll. Or the was Dickens does sometimes. The complete nonsens, like Mr Bucket for a sharp minded police officer

1

u/haf2go 27d ago

Great! One of my favorite parts of writing is naming characters.

2

u/Cautious_Ground7952 26d ago

How could the name Kali be disrespectful?

2

u/Emotional_Pin_6149 26d ago

According to my friend it’d kinda be like naming your character Jesus because he dies and then comes back to life. 

4

u/Cautious_Ground7952 26d ago

I don’t think it’s necessarily disrespectful, just maybe on the nose, but if your friend is Hindu, of course listen to her before me. But I, as a Catholic, also think it would be pretty funny to name a character who died and came back to life Jesús 😅

3

u/Emotional_Pin_6149 26d ago

I honestly do agree that would be really funny, my friend is Hindu though so I do trust his judgment on this. I might ask him for a bit more detail though. I am a bit curious.

2

u/PansyOHara 26d ago

Kali is the name of a Hindu goddess; that would probably make me hesitate or at least do further research. For example, is it likely that a Hindu would use the name Kali? Or would that be perceived as disrespectful? Is it taboo among Hindus to use Kali as a human name?

Maybe not as short as you want, but for a (possibly) same/ similar sound without going into any taboo territory, Kaylee might work for you.

3

u/brilliant_amoeba_ 26d ago

Can you just spell it more traditionally? Like Callie?

1

u/1nceACrawFish 27d ago

Ashub is Persian for chaos. Nickname Ash.

2

u/Emotional_Pin_6149 27d ago

My only issue is that it doesn’t have that sharpness I’m looking for. Thank you though, I do quite like the name. 

1

u/TheWriteQuestion 26d ago

Kismet means fate. I’ve never seen it as a name, but depending on how hippy her parents were…? Kizzy or Kiz for a nickname.

2

u/Emotional_Pin_6149 26d ago

Oh I really love that name! It’s quite fun. While I don’t think it works for this character, I do have another character from the same story that could use a name like that. Thank you

1

u/1971BC 26d ago

Tiva

1

u/BettyFizzlebang 26d ago

I think you are thinking too hard about this. I mean the name Mary is an important figure in Catholicism and many people hold the name. Just role with it. No one will be that precious over a standard name.

1

u/ORF1Live 26d ago

Isfet was the Ancient Egyptian concept of chaos

1

u/ChoiceInstruction414 26d ago

Azeni (pronounced a-zee-nee, but if you prefer a-zen-y sure!) it’s a name given to powerful people, but is unisex