One method is to distort real drug names slightly. If there's a real drug called 'Aspirin', you could make it 'Aspironex'. You can also take common medical terms like 'hypertension' and create a drug name from it, such as 'Hypercure'. And don't forget to consider the target of the drug in your story. If it's for the brain, something like 'Cerebrofix' could work.
Look at nature for inspiration. Names like Willow, Ivy, or Daisy can give a natural and earthy feel to a character. You can also use old - fashioned names and give them a new twist. For example, take the name Matilda and shorten it to Tilly for a more modern - sounding name. Additionally, think about the time period or setting of your story. If it's set in a medieval world, names like Guinevere or Isolde would be fitting.
You can start by thinking about words related to the theme of your story. For example, if it's a story about the ocean, names like 'Wavecrest' or 'Seaglass' could work as last names. Another way is to combine common prefixes or suffixes with simple words. For instance, 'Ashford' (combining 'ash' and 'ford'). You can also look at real - life surnames from different cultures and tweak them slightly. Like taking the Irish surname 'O'Connor' and changing it to 'O'Connar' to make it seem more fictional.
You could start with a prefix like 'Mc' or 'Van' and then add a random word. For example, 'McCloud' or 'Vanburen'. Think about occupations too. 'Baker' could become 'Bakerson' as a fictional last name. Also, look at different languages. In Spanish, 'Cruz' can be turned into 'Cruzado' for a more fictional feel.
You can think about the character's modus operandi. For example, if they use a knife a lot, 'The Knife - Wielding Maniac' could be a name. Or look at their personality. If they're very quiet and sneaky, 'The Stealthy Strangler' might work.
You could consider using names that have a special meaning to you. For example, the names of your family members or friends. Or think about the theme of your story. If it's a fantasy story, you might use names that sound magical like 'Aria' or 'Zephyr'.
Think about your interests. If you like nature, you could name it 'My Private Garden'.
One way is to combine words that evoke certain moods or settings. For example, if you want a spooky town, you could use 'Shadow' and 'Falls' to make 'Shadowfalls'. Or if you want a more idyllic town, 'Sun' and 'Meadow' to get 'Sunmeadow'. Another method is to use words from different languages. The French word for 'flower' is 'fleur', so you could make a town name like 'Fleurville' for a town that's full of flowers. You can also use alliteration like 'Bluebell Bay' which is easy to remember and sounds nice.
Base the name on the intended effect or side - effect of the drug. If the drug in your story causes hallucinations, you could name it 'Phantomix'. If it's supposed to boost energy, 'Energiact' could be a good name. You can also use names of mythological creatures or elements. 'Phoenixerol' if you want to imply that the drug has a regenerative effect like the phoenix.