Write Away

Most of my fantasy names are made up, or "altered" from real historical/mythological names (rarely for specific meaning, but just because I like the sound and it feels more authentic). I do have one pseudo-fantasy story where the names have more meaning, though I don't think the average reader would understand it, but all in all, I don't like names to have too much meaning. I don't mind hidden trivia in a name, but when the name has so much meaning it's either a) cheesy or b) telling the story/fate of the character, I get turned off. I'd rather my characters set their own legacy with their names rather than live up to one.

That being said, finding the right name is definitely important. Even if it's pure nonsense, it has to look right and sound right. In fact, I try to make sure my names don't accidentally have any meaning (particularly any bad meaning). And in normal world stuff, I try to get away from overused literary names (never even accidentally will I allow my characters to have the initials J.S.!) And I know the fantasy genre has a bad reputation for flowerly, silly names, so I try to go for solid names without too many syllables, haha.