Regency Names

I've gone a bit mad.  I've been thinking and daydreaming about NaNoWriMo for months and really pulling a story together for about a month now.  Now 11 days away I'm trying to tidy up my loose ends, ignore gaping holes and give myself time to breath and remember that it is supposed to be fun even if it is a challenge.

I've really done far better in the name department this year.  Last year all my characters had ill-fitting names, if they were lucky to get one.  Even main characters were called NAME!  On my characters post from last year there are a few links to names.  I love the Regency Name Generator and the site has a few other generators that would can while away hours on.  But wait! If that doesn't sidetrack you here are a few more ways to help you name your dragons heroes and maids.

Read through The Peerage of England, Scotland and Ireland by Debrett.  I read about it on a few different boards and looked through it filling a page or two of possible names.  Since these were real people in the same time period I deconstructed my names by doing mashups and in many cases using surnames for first names, which after seeing Henry, George, John and James realize that most regencies I've read use surnames.  After skimming the book for five 20 or so minutes I got back on track and scoured the Internet. 

Here are a few posts that you might want to check out too.
Historical Hussies:  Regency Names
Diane Gaston: What Is In a Name?*
Word Wenches has quite a few posts.
What's In a Name?  August 2010     April 2010     January 2007    
What's Not In a Name?  Post by Edith Layton back in 2008.

Don't forget one important thing
Keep track of names used.

Now I really need to get back to productive things, I'm building my hero's study in Sims3!

*After rereading this post I am going to get rid of one of my characters extra names.  My heroes father and an in-law will have less names which means now I can make more characters!

Regency Research: The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in Regency & Victorian England

The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in Regency & Victorian England (from 1811-1901) by Kristine Hughes was the first of many Regency research books that I requested from the library.  Separated into three sections the 241 page book is full of tidbits that are useful to writers or others enthralled with these unique time periods.  It tries to give the reader an overview of what life was like; when gas lamps where first used to light London or what a middle-class family budget encompassed.

What I liked about the book

The introduction, appendix, and the end of each chapter are chock full of sources.  Not only does the appendix contain a bibliography that could keep me searching through books for ages but has a list of museums and societies.  It is now clear to me that I just need to plan a trip to England.

What I didn’t like so much

The book was an enjoyable read my only quibble is due to my own expectations.  I expected the book to have a clear division between the Regency and Victorian eras.  Since my story I am currently researching primarily takes place in 1815 I read a lot of interesting factoids that took place years after my story.  But like I said, that is just me!

Have you read this book?  What did you think?

Part of Regency Research Book series

Regency Research: Finding sources in unexpected places

Today I stopped by my grandparents for a quick visit and while I didn't get a chance to pick apart my grandfather, hobby historian that he is, I browsed through his shelves and found at least two books that I added to my wish list via the local library.

Apparently, I gushed like my teenage cousin would over a Hannah Montana movie and am still smiling over my unexpected finds.

   

I haven't been able to crack them open yet, almost time for my nap before work, but am chomping at the bit to get started.  Don't overlook your family and friends as helpful sources to get you on your research path!

I'm finding instead of focusing on the social customs of a retiring country lady I keep getting drawn to the dirty and dangerous Royal Navy.  I've requested a few books on that subject but until then I think I might watch one of these movies also "purloined" from my grandfather.

   

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*FTC disclosure:  All images are linked to Amazon of which I am an affiliate.