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).
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.
What's in a name ?
Well I think, the power of a name and its value has long been immortalized in prose and poetry.... Everyone recognizes themselves by name.... the question is: how does a name influence a person's character? Let us consider what a name is. It is the grouping of several letters of an alphabet, or other symbols, which represent the identification of a person or an object.... the one thing which separates human beings from the animal kingdom is human mind, which has the ability to reason on a conscious level. To think consciously, one must use language.... I think this point is not generally appreciated but it is vitally important.... it's impossible to think without language and it's useless to think about a story character without a name.... We have millions of names here at Lush.... power of a balanced name can be very effective.... having said this I's reiterate what Just_A_Guy_You_Know said, "Trust yourself" that is the key for a genuine effort.... and do let me know when you publish your 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.
Unless your writing skill is similar to that of Burquette or BC, stick with names that are distinctly male or female. This is especially important, imo, on longer form fiction. In short stories which are intended to be read in 'one sitting' it's easier to keep the reader aware of the sexual identity of a character. But, as always, it's the writer's call.
BTW, I've only known female 'Sasha's'.
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Quote by browncoffee Sasha is a girl's name to me.
Ditto, though I know what she's talking about. I have come across the Russian male Sasha, too. It's not the first thing I think of when I hear "Sasha" though.
Also, somewhat relevant to using the name in a Lush story, there is a well-known former porn actress, now working in mainstream films, who uses the stage name Sasha Grey who is most definitely female.
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 untilBLACK LIVES MATTER ===
Quote by kylie_kained People are forgetting Sasha Distel a famous Male singer.
and obviously this dream boat?
granted, he does spell his name sacha. so maybe there's the answer to your dilema? honestly, op, if you give some descriptors in your initial introduction, no one will be surprised when a vagina makes an appearance later.
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.
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.