Names that mean raven

Why a raven name works

Ravens turn up in many of the old stories of northern Europe: as messengers, as thieves, as the eyes of gods. A raven name gives a character a ready-made reputation for knowing more than they say.

The Highland root bran is a genuine ancestor: Bran the Blessed is a giant of Welsh legend, and the word means raven. The Latin corv- gives a more formal Sunlands name. Elsewhere the raven is ours, built as a root in each tongue.

Character hooks

• A scribe who keeps records for three rival courts and is trusted by none, because of her name.
• A war-chaplain who follows armies and has not once been wrong about the day.
• A child named for the bird that stole the midwife's ring, as a joke that stuck.

What to avoid

• Raven plus death or bone is doom for its own sake. Raven plus wisdom or friend is more interesting.
• Avoid making every dark character a raven; birds should be shared out.