I’m not fond of them in names, to be totally honest. I’ve always held to the eradicate gratuitous apostrophication camp. Most of that comes from the fact that I think they are pretty pointless, especially since there is a lot of debate about their point in the middle of a name (and subsequently how to pronounce it in a name).

All that said, I am thinking of using the name K’Shar for an organization in the third book of my trilogy. I have considered K’Shar, K’shar, and Kshar.

I’m not positive I will use this name at all, but there is a likelihood, and I want opinions on the whole apostrophe thing.

So, thoughts?

Well, usually I interpret an apostrophe in the middle of a word or name as a slight pause. I've no idea of whether that's the right thing to do or not, though. But as long as it's reasonably clear what the apostrophe is supposed to mean, and it is in fact needed for the name to be pronounced properly, go for it. Or if there's some other good reason for it. Of the possibilities for the name that you mention, I think K'Shar looks the best, and Kshar the worst, but would be fine with either.

*nods * Yes, that is one of the ways I have heard to pronounce an apostrophe.

One vote for K'shar.

Personally I like names with apostrophes sometimes. They work well with surnames, I think, more than first names; so for an organization I think it would be fine, and looks good. I like K'Shar best out of all three.

I think using apostrophes in names is a good strategy for unique characterization, when used in moderation. For instance, if everyone had names like this:

K'shar

L'mar

J'dar

It would get redundant and kind of annoying. K'shar looks pretty good though, I'd say keep it.

I don't see anything wrong with using apostrophes, as long as they either fit a particular fantasy culture or are used very sparingly. I like K'shar best, of the ones listed, but I wonder if having "shar" in a name is too close to "shadar"?

Hmm, that's a good point, Jon.

Yes, I had pondered that, Jonathan. But then, I had wondered if it would work since K'Shar is supposed to mean Black Shroud in an ancient language. So the similarity in names could work in my favor, as we know that Shadar are referred to as Shadow Riders.... But as I said, I may change it, especially if my Betas feel it is too similar.

I like to use them connected to a certain people group in my world. It helps distinguish between races.

To refer to a bad order, it might work, since the essence is similar. To refer to a good order, it might not.

That is a good point. Perhaps I will need to come up with a new name...

I don't prefer apostrophes in names, but I think in this case K'Shar looks and "sounds" best.

Hmm, maybe you could use the name for a different order later on?