Names are one of the most crucial parts of a character- we all know this. While names help us identify the characters oftentimes even characterize them, sometimes names can be a lyricist’s worst enemy. When a character in a musical is singing about another character (especially in love songs), using their name is important. However, book writers don’t always provide the easiest names to rhyme with. We want our characters to be memorable and unique, and many times book writers create characters with unique names. These are great! Difficult to work with, though.
Here’s a list of “easily-rhymable” names for your (and your book writer’s) consideration. They’re in no particular order, and this is not a definitive list. This is to get your ideas flowing and help you with picking some more “lyric-friendly” names. I’m also adding fun examples for each to show off the rhyming schemes! But be warned- good lyrics, these are not.
Bri/Lee/Marie– The “ee” sound is the easiest sound to rhyme with, so using names that end with it are a blessing to a lyricist. Note: Many other names have variations ending with this sound, like Bob and Bobby, or Bill and Billy. Consider using those variations at times.
Example: Do you see Marie? Up in the tree? She’s down by the sea, where there’s a parking fee.
Jean/Dean/Irene/Kathleen/Pauline/Eileen– Continuing on with the “ee” sound, these names are an extension, but add the “n” consonant. These names add a harder consonant sound to the end of rhymes, but keeping the multiple of “ee” rhymes.
Example: I’ve seen Irene clean the lean teen machine, but first she must preen and have her caffeine as part of her morning routine.
Jay/Kay/Ray/Trey/Faye/May- The “a” sound is another blessing for lyricists, so these names are short and fantastic to work with.
Example: I could stay all day with my good friend Ray. I will say that the way that we lay makes me pray we could stay like this forever, per se.
Ann/e/Joanna/Stan/Dan/Roseanne/Cheyenne- Similar to the “Eileen” rhymes, these names add a nice consonant close to the “ah” sound.
Example: Did Ann plan the can-can? Once it began, it really ran, but it couldn’t be better than.
Matt/Pat- With these names, we finally get the dentalized “t” sound, a sound that is sharp and concise, and oftentimes a joy to make clever lyrics with.
Example: I sat on Mat. He’s not that fat, but he’s a big frat brat. I spat when I saw he put his cat in a hat.
Drew/Sue/Stu- Now it’s time for the “oo” sound to have its moment to shine. Along with the aforementioned single vowel sound names, these have a plentitude of ways to rhyme with these names.
Example: Who knew that Drew got the flu? Don’t misconstrue the facts, it’s true!
Joe/Flo/Moe- The “oh” sound is great for long held notes, due to its soft, round feel.
Example: I didn’t know that you could go to a show with Joe. He’s always been so slow. Insulting him is low, but it was so long ago.
Joan/Sloan- These names take the “oh” sound and combine them with the closed “n” consonant.
Example: It’s widely known that I’ve flown many times with Joan. Since she also owns a phone, I’m never really alone.
Lynn/Quinn/Flynn/Gwyn- The “in” sound is another soft consonant sound that is great for held out phrases. The soft feel and sound makes for a great romantic feel.
Example: Where to begin? Let’s start with Flynn. The way his grin sits snug on his chin. He’s a nice boy, and so genuine. If he doesn’t ask me out, it’s practically a sin.
Bill/Will/Phil/Jill- These names feature the same “ih” sound as before, but with a slightly different consonant feel.
Example: There goes Bill, atop the chilly hill. He works at the mill, which takes some skill. He usually works the grill, but unfortunately he’s been ill.
Ed/Fred/Ned/Jed/Ted/Red- These names have many options to choose from, which make them good choices, but also feature a multitude of clever rhymes to work with.
Example: Ed said, “If I bump my head and lie dead in bed, then know that I just read that my girlfriend wants to be wed.”
And one honorable mention:
John/Dawn/Ron/Sean- I wanted to include my own name! (Which also happens to be one of the most generic!)
Example: John is the don. But he’s gone and got Omicron.
I hope this list helps you on your journey with names and rhyming! End of the day, make sure you have fun with the characters you create, but hopefully your book writers give you a lyrical break!
John Claudy 