What’s in a name? A lot. Other than your default picture, your username is the first thing a potential match sees. I’ve tackled usernames in a couple articles previously. Here’s a quick and easy method to choose a username that will be unique and fun.
How else do you think Prince came up with a crazy idea like Purple Rain? Have you ever seen purple rain? I sure haven’t! Is it a catchy and memorable phrase? It sure is!
Step One: Make A List of Adjectives
Make a list of adjectives that describe you or things that you like or admire. This is a brainstorming phase, so just vomit everything out on to the page in front of you. Sure, you’ll probably include some red flag words, but we’ll weed those out later. Don’t be afraid if some of the adjectives are synonyms.
For example, here’s a list:
- fun
- crazy
- geeky
- strong
- brainy
- smart
- intelligent
- caring
- clumsy
- lovable
- sweet
- purple
- green
- chocolate
- cheesy
Step Two: Make A List of Nouns
These should be things that you do, like, eat, watch, anything!
- violin
- viola
- orchestra
- dance
- cats
- dragon
- games
- rain
- fettucini
- mac n’cheese
- cheeseburger
- Firefly
- Serenity
- nap
- sleep
- writer
Step Three: Combine!
If you’re extra geeky, you’ll have a little bit of code that will calculate all the possible combinations for you. If you’re not so Code Monkey-esque, you can just read through and see what catches your eye.
Here are some that I think are pretty neat:
- FunFettucini
- ChocolateRain
- BrainySleep (like beauty sleep, but for smart people!)
- CheesyViolin
- ViolaGeek
- SweetSerenity
- MacNCrazyCheese
- ClumsyDragon
- DragonBurger
Yes, some are goofy/crazy/non-sensical, but they’re unique and fun and make people want to click on you to learn more. If they click on you, they’ll read your profile. If they read your profile, they might want to email you. If they email you, they may want a date with you! It all starts with a click of the mouse!
Not Getting What You Want?
Tweak the ones you like until you get something with a ring to it. Add to your list. Have friends add to your list. The possibilities are endless!
Want more help picking a unique and totally awesome username? I dedicate an entire chapter to screennames in my ebook: You Geek, They Grok: A Geek’s Guide to Leveling Up Your Online Dating Game. Click here to check it out.
About e
So you would not advise to have user names based on our real first name for exemple? Reading your exemple, I was thinking that some names were really geeky… And then there was light! It was the point
Crazy fever, can’t put my brain in the right state this morning.
DragonBurgers sound yummy =P Cool post…I believe the same concept works for making those artsy-type personal websites.
Sharky´s last blog post..Speaking of UNDEADJOURNAL…
Hybban: CrazyFever makes a great name.
Hmm.. GeekyFettucini..
RancidFirefly… Me likie! Do the women likie!? No!!
Online dating sucks, but going “bar” dating is infinitesimally worse.
@Hybban – You can use your real first name, but a snazzier name catches more attention. Besides, let’s say your name is Joe (of course, I know it’s not) and the girl just broke up with a Joe who was a buttmunch. She’ll skip over you because the name has bad associations to her.
@Sharky – Dragon is kind of chewy, I’ve heard. ;p
@Palette – I agree!
@green – Rancid is definitely a nasty word.
You grabbed my suggestion. I’m honored.
I’m also a little abashed that I missed the previous posts, but oh well. Very helpful, I’ll prolly use this method if/when I finally get around to using one of these sites.
GreenMac’nCheese FTW!
@ Khorboth – It was a good suggestion! GreenMacnCheese sounds like something one might find in the tupperware that gets lost in the back of the fridge.
I disagree… GreenMacnCheese sounds like a failed McDonald’s marketing scheme… It was the dish that wasn’t put into Happy Meals… Oh and if only there was such a thing as a “Happy” Meal.
: P
Some good suggestions! Something that provokes a question is always good too, I’ve found. I know a few people have asked me what the story behind my username is (my okcupid one, not this one!) and I think when it comes to profiles anything that eases those first communications is gold!
Would you recommend going with your internet handle? I try to use the same screen name across the net so that people can find me on different sites. Also to keep it straight for my login credentials.
@allanonmage – It depends. For example, your screenname makes me think of someone who has a drinking problem. Probably a bad idea for a dating site. Even if people don’t actively think it, the idea is in the back of their mind, clouding their judgment.
Awesome! I wish this were a meme for blogspot URLS and email addys… CrazyShoes or HyperMonkey beats Name123472827493 anyday!
.-= Meg´s last blog ..My Problem With Yoga =-.
I’m pretty happy with the moniker I use online. Just wish I could remember how I came up with it.
Cause of you, I got the most best username, GeekyZeldaPlayer.
What kind of awesome username can I make with the name “Sonic” cause I’m a huge fan of the games, comics, and cartoons?
@Shadow – Oh, all sorts of names! Why not SonicShadow?
I’d also think that the various sound effect words from comics might work pretty well for a username. 