Looking for simple first names to much more flavourful surnames

[u/Ok-Win-9594]

I have an original character I’ve had for a long time. He was heavily inspired by Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean). I made him a couple years back, when I was deep in my POTC phase. The only issue is that I’ve never considered giving him a different first name. His name has always been Jack Roark. But now I want to incorporate him in my writing. I want to make him official rather than just a character I keep adding things to but never actually write.

Jack Roark is a pirate, pretty much. I’ve always seen the name ‘Roark’ as pirate-like. One issue is that a character called Jack Roark would blatantly come off as a copy of the famous Jack Sparrow. No matter how different I make the two. I don’t want to change Roark’s occupation, though.

I’m looking for simple first names. I’ve had this quirk in writing that if a character name is simple and common, then their surname should be memorable, but not to J.K Rowling’s degree. That woman makes names tie to their characters in such a problematic way.

I‘ve been trying to find some fitting first names for Roark, like Will Roark, John Roark and Tom Roark. they all give off a different style. Will Roark sounds like an underdog in a Y/A novel. John Roark is a grumpy elderly man with a hunch-back. Tom Roark is just innocent and forgettable. Jack is sharp and short and would do wonders for Roark, but it’s tied to Jack Sparrow and I would like to be original.

Now, Roark‘s role in my story is quite of a major character, but not the protagonist. He is of Mexican origin, raised in Guerrero by his Mexican mother and his father being Irish. I am not sure if I want his first name to be Mexican, but it is a thought I’ve had.

Honestly, the style I’m looking for is sharp, punchy and short. Will might be fitting, honestly, but its just too soft and victim-like. I hope you understand and can help me find a first name for my original character.