A few folks on the website were chatting about the names in Red Lantern, so I thought it might be fun to illuminate you all on how they were chosen, and why. As a long-time roleplayer, choosing names has always been one of *the* most important and time-consuming parts of writing a story. . . and in my opinion, worth doing a little research over. Even if most people aren't aware of them, names go very deeply for us. Ever heard someone, heard their name, and realized how much they suited one another? Even if we don't all *know* the origin of names, it's undeniable that we still associate them with certain kinds of people, and feelings. And that's because a long time ago, and indeed even today in many cultures and parents who care to do the research, names DO have meaning.

So, without further adieu. . . .

- Amon -
Origin: Ancient Egyptian
Meaning: Educator

- Isolde -
Origin: Welsh
Meaning: Beautiful
also:
Origin: Germanic
Meaning: Rules over the ice

- Dhaval -
Origin: Sanskrit (Indian)
Meaning: White, Pure

- Luther -
Origin: English
Meaning: People Army

- Manjusha -
Origin: Sanskrit (Indian)
Meaning: Heavenly Flower (note, this also helped inspire the 'Divine' reference made to the poppies throughout the comic)

- Johannes (otherwise known as 'Cuthbert', his surname) -
Origin: Scandinavian
Meaning: God is Gracious

- Esha -
Origin: Sanskrit (Indian)
Meaning: Desire

- Rajne (form of 'Rajni') -
Origin: Sanskrit (Indian)
Meaning: Queen


There are a few names throughout the comic that have no meaning. Coros, for instance, is not a real name from any culture I could find. But it sounds real NASTY, doesn't it? ;)

For any and all asking for help naming characters, my suggestion would be to do some research, remember that culture matters, and can lend a lot of flavor to your character, and above all. . . take your time. The last thing you want to end up with is an awesome character with a TERRIBLE name.