I don't understand why people would want to name their kids after a video game character. That seems sad, and the poor kids would get picked on--or at least stand out--because of it. Same goes for other famous names. I could understand a pet, sure, but not a child. I mean, if I found out I was named after some character or celebrity, I'd be a little insulted and think my parent(s) were crazy, obsessive fans. Now, happening to share a name with one out of coincidence is different; that wasn't intentional by the parents.
Anyway, I'm not really a fan of über-common names (like, consistently within the top-ten names from year to year). Even if the name sounds nice, the extreme commonness ruins it for me. Über-common names may make good middle names, though. I don't really like bizarre or extremely uncommon names, either, unless it strikes me right or it sounds like it wouldn't be "weird" or something. I think I like names that are somewhere between common and unique. On another note, über-common middle names--for either a first or middle name--are just...no. (Ann? Marie? Lynn? Come on, almost every female has one of those names.) Variations or adaptations might be okay.
I've never really thought about specific names for kids (considering that having kids doesn't interest me), but I have thought of some general "guidelines" or simply ideas I like, some of which I've gotten from my parents, some which seem like good sense, and some I've just thought of on my own.
I like the idea of initials spelling out something pronounceable. In other words, one of the names starts with a vowel. (For example, my initials are JAK.) I've always thought acronym-izing names is cool. Makes monograms look kind of weird, but oh well. Of course, you'd have to make sure the initials aren't something unfortunate or that kids would easily find a way to tease.
I also like the idea of the middle name being named after a relative (or possibly family friend), from either their first name or middle name. This includes variations of the name. If it can cover both sides of the family, even better. I personally would rather have the kid's first name not be named after someone('s first name). (Which also means I'm not a fan of Junior-izing. It's unoriginal and gets confusing, especially if they live in the same house. You can honor someone but still be original.)
Aside from liking a name, I'd like it's meaning to be something fitting, as well. A biblical name seems appealing, too.
Sapphira's Naming Rules and Guidelines:
~Avoid names that have too many syllables, letters, and are difficult to spell or pronounce. Remember that your kid and everyone else will have to deal with a long, complicated name their whole life. The exception to this is if you plan on calling them by a nickname of that name (and the only possible nicknames aren't "cutesy"). (For example, if you like the name Elizabeth, but don't like the nicknames Liz, Liza/Lisa, Ellie, or Beth, it's probably a bad idea, because the full name is a pain to say.) Be especially careful if you already have a complicated last name.
~Likewise, avoid names that start with the same or similar sound as your last name. Obvious alliteration and assonance in names just makes a mess of things. Depending on the letters, syllables, and pronunciation, it can even turn into a tongue-twister. *Wonders if anyone will catch the irony.*
~Also avoid names that have multiple common spellings, unless you don't mind people constantly misspelling it (e.g. Catherine vs. Kathryn, Stephen vs. Steven). (Interestingly, I like both of those names, but only the second spellings of them.)
~Don't be redundant. If you name one kid Michael, don't name one Michelle. Same with Christopher and Christina.
...Hahaha, I way overanalyze everything. Anyway, playing something like Sims 2 will really make you think about names. Especially when you (I) put a lot of thought into naming ANYTHING. I like putting a lot of thought into things, obviously. :B
