Name generator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. (April 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
A name generator is a program that uses language rules or word combining techniques to generate a list of names. Name generators are sometimes created with specific uses in mind ranging from marketing professionals who may use the generated names to brainstorm brandable product name ideas; through to people seeking an unusual baby or pet name.
Contents |
[edit] Domain name generator
Registering a meaningful domain name has become problematic as most of the dictionary words are already registered by organizations or individuals. Unique meaningful word combinations not already registered are becoming more difficult to choose. The introduction of alternative Generic top-level domains solved the problem partially; however, most of the businesses still prefer the ".com" extension. There are several different strategies for selecting a good domain name: incorporating company's name or its abbreviation into the domain name, use some industry-specific word or a phrase, or use a short and easy to memorize name. These strategies are usually employed by domain name generators that combine a key word provided by the user with a database of prefixes and suffixes. A domain name generator creates a list of names and simultaneously queries the Whois database to see whether the resulting names still have unregistered domains. Such tools are also used by domainers hoping to find domains that can later be traded in the domain name aftermarket.
[edit] Fictional name generators
Another type of name generator is that which creates names for people and characters as used by authors, role players and wargaming scenarios. This type of name generator may create a name of specific nationality by combining typical given name and family names together. More sophisticated rules may create the female form of family name as used in countries such as Russia and Greece. Other generators may create totally fictional names based on syllables arranged by formula in such a way that they create the right sound for a genre: elf names, troll names, Dickensian names etc.
[edit] Baby name generators
Parents choosing a name for their offspring or someone choosing a name for a pet might consider family tradition or consult lists of popular given names. Others will get inspiration from name generators that either randomly suggest given names or create names based on combinations of syllables.
[edit] Place name generators
Place name generators are used to create original names for cities, towns, villages and other locations for use in fictional writing, gaming, etc. These names are derived by combining suffixes and prefixes frequently found in existing places names (e.g., burgh, town, hurst, New, Glen, Elm) and by adding other random words.
