I had an idea for a character name that involves a lady, The name I choose to go with was two options. The first one was Shawna I dunno if I spelled it right, give me a little credit. The second name I came up with was. Sasha, I was told that the name Sasha can be mistaken for a male since it is originally a Russian name, I though some ladies Liked the name Sasha since it's different and unique. So would most people take Sasha for a guy more than a girl?
Hey, we're friends (lush-friends, anyway) so I'm just going to tell you bluntly that you ask way too many questions about your stories on these threads. Trust yourself. From what I've read, you're not a bad writer, and far from the worst on this site. You don't need to do this fiction by focus-group thing. Just write what you want to write. If you want to call your character Sasha or Shawna go for it. If the readers don't get it, fuck 'em. You don't owe these people anything. And there are readers out there who will get it. Trust yourself (I know I said that already, but I'm repeating it for emphasis).
Post-avant-retro-demelodicized-electro-yodel-core is my jam.
I really love using androgynous names for lesbian characters.
It's not hard to establish the gender quickly through your narrative. "Sasha tossed her long hair as she looked around the room."
You have a physical characteristic and two pronouns to solidify the gender. If you do that, you call her anything you like.
EDIT: You have to do this as soon as you introduce the character, though.
My name is Randy and you'd be surprised how many times I get asked if it ends in "y" or "i".
I go with my first instinct where names are concerned, whether I think them androgynous or not, I go with it. Descriptions can be used to tell the reader what the character looks like, acts like, personality. As Burquette said, you can explain everything you need in the narrative part of the story.
I would never think Sasha would be a male. Just to make sure, if you have some doubt, when you introduce her into the story line describe her and when you give her 36 24 36 figure, or what ever you choose, that should differently let the reader know Sasha is a female. Good luck with your story.
Brandie
Sasha was name of the bird in Peter and the Wolf.
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
Never met a male Sasha but have met a Shauna. (Not Shawna)
"insensitive prick!" – Danielle Algo
I've met both men an women with the name Sasha. There are quite a few names that work both ways, with the exact same spelling. In the end it's just a name, a reference. I know a guy whose name is Anne and a girl who's called Cees (in Dutch that's normally a men's name). No big deal.
Call him Delilah and her Richard if you like. It's your story ;)
=== Not ALL LIVES MATTER until BLACK LIVES MATTER ===
I've always thought of Sasha as a girl. But I agree with Just A Guy, write what you like. Only a few readers will respond to the thread. Good luck!
I always think of Sasha as a woman's name, but I don't think it really matters. I have known females named Stanley. And I always remember the little girl named "Leroy" in Anne Tyler's "Breathing Lessons" -- that was weird and made me laugh.
Sarcastic Coffee Aficionado
In a world where names have become fluid, it doesn't seem to matter the name for gender.
Look at these: Glenn Close, Cameron Diaz to name a few (usual male names that are female).
Shawna/Shauna/Seana .... seems to indicate it's the female derivative of Sean/Shawn as the "a" ending is in the Latin realm of indicating female.
I have a niece Shannon, but know two male hockey players that are named Shannon.
I have a nephew Jamey, but know many Jamie/Jaimie/James that are both male and female.
But the world has changed and evolved.
I know a Sasha that is male.
As a former writer ..... I don't really care whether a name is opposite of the character's gender .... If it is a name I want, I make sure that the reader KNOWS she's a female or he's a male. So write what you need to .... you'll love it more than bending to what you assume society or readers think.
Ha .... I'm a female with a Lush name of VanGogh .... so it's pretty obvious I don't care what others think.
Van
Sasha would be a girl for me. Nice name too. And surely it will become clear in the story anyway?
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