Well, most of my village names are based on a long story, here goes:

Phoebe, (my sister) over the years, has acquired many, MANY, nicknames, thanks to me

It started out with Phobe
Phobe turned to Dobe and Wobe, and Phloby-wobe-dobe, Wobeson, Phlobus, etc. So now, Phoebe is stuck with all these nicknames. (My family is quite weird) So, in every village of mine (except two I think) I start out with seven original names. They are: Jazzo, Mrs. Jazzo, Julian (My name), Phoebe, Wobeson, Phlobus, and Phlobey-wobe-dobe. As they breed, I add more. Eventually, I end up with names like Jazza-wobe Jr. or Phlobus-Jazzo, etc. because I'm running out of names. Then, I stop naming my tribe, and often make a new one

BTW, Phoebe is pronounced (FEE-bee)

SO, that's my story about names

I answered waaay back in this thread. Since then, I've altered my habits slightly. Before, I would hardly ever change their names, but recently I've taken to changing most of the names to those more often used by English-speakers. If I can, I'll keep the same initial letter so Momi, for instance, might become Mary. There are some villager's names that I specially like, such as Safari, and those I'll leave untouched.

Interesting story Jazzy

To follow my obsession with coffee, my first tribe I had - not including online - were all named after coffees (and a few hot chocolates).

My First 7 were: Frappuccino, Machiato, Mocha, Java, Cappuccino, Cocoa, and Latte. (& yes, I know they're not all spelled right )

Their children's first names were after ingredients, adjectives, or things related to hot drinks, then their middle name was mom's first and thir last name dad's first name. I kept an excel spreadsheet of their names, children, skills, family tree, age, stews, photos, etc.

I still have it. If you were to see my main list you would find names like:

Frothy Machi Frapp
Mint Cocoa Mocha
Drip Latte Java and little sis, Instant Latte Java
Warm Cuppie Joe
Strong Ginger Espresso

I had 117 unique names and started having to name them after their ancestors. But by then I was done with the puzzles and was only looking for collectables, so I let the naming of first names fall to the game's decision.

Since then, I often let the game decide the first name, but I usually add a last name based on the mom and dad in the beginning. And that combination changes with every game.

Turns out that I actually like the names that it gives me, even the oddball ones.

I change their name if its really long or i cant (or don't know how) to pronounce the name or if its just plain weird like once or twice their was a child named seven which is a number not a name

Clare

That's funny because I named a boy "Sue" like the Johnny Cash song! (Grinning!)

I used to rename my villagers, I even had a chart made out for each set of parents and the children would have a slightly different version of the parent's name. However, as time went on and more and more children came along, I gave up.

Sometimes i change the villagers names to the names of my grandchildren.

Do you rename your villagers?
You may choose only one
Always
** Sometimes **
Never

I've created a whole list of island type names that I use (mainly to fit thier looks or personality)

I name mine alphabetically, by age. Alix (or the like) if the oldest is male, Abbi if female, second, Boyd or Boni, third oldest Carl or Cari, etc., etc., changing the names with each village.