On names of characters

​Some of my novel's characters are based on historical figures.  Emperor Charlemagne, for example, is mentioned often although he never makes an appearance.  One of my main characters is based on Kenelm prince of Mercia, a prince who left the courtly life to become a monk.  Kenelm is still celebrated today in England as a saint, and his shrine is in the old church at Winchcombe shown here.

While most of the characters in my novel are fictional, their names are based on those used in medieval times.  Take Gesta, for example, the older sister of the main character Deotila. Although not as common as late medieval names like Gertrude or Genevieve, “Gesta” was sometimes used for girls in the early Middle Ages.  Because it is the plural Latin word for “deeds,” I chose the name Gesta for that character’s bravery and strength.