[crich70]

I think sometimes the name comes before the character. Of course there are books like "The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook" or a multitude of Baby Names books out there to choose from as well. You can also consult the phone book. Take a 1st name from one person and a last from another. I understand that idea is especially good for when you set a story in a known area. I mean some names are common in a given area of the world.