I get names by fielding suggestions from other people, hurrhurr. Just be sure you don't take the first name offered, like I have a bad tendency to do. So much regret.

Good advice, thanks! :)

I am one of the worst people when it comes to names. I've sat and done literally nothing for a week just trying to find the perfect name for a character. Every one has to be perfect, anything less is unacceptable.

Depending on the universe, I try to put different cultural influences into each section, region, or group, and try to tie that into a culture from the real world. Mostly just for naming convention though, I try to give them a similar feel. It gives a 'unified' type of atmosphere, at least to me.

One group may have vaguely spanish influenced names, swahili, hawaiian, Indian, etc etc.

Just some sort of base for all the characters, so that when someone has a name that breaks convention, it brings a bit of attention on its own. I love just messing around on translators, putting meanings behind names, but changing the spelling to make it look better, or feel more comfortable, to slip off the tongue smoothly or just so I'm not blatantly copying.

And of course, having good friends to bounce things off always helps.

Good luck,

I always just take a look at them and see what they feel like. Usually I manage to get a first and last name that match and feel right. ;)