On Names and Naming

[Twllyn]

Hey there all, I've recently been introduced to a world that I'm about to start a game in. Interestingly, the DM seems to have borrowed several geographic names from other fantasy settings (WoW, LOTR, Eragon, to name a few). That's the first time I have ever seen the phenomenon. I'd like to know where everyone gets their inspiration for naming when creating worlds. How to do guys and gals come up with names? Do you research mythology? Pull from other fantasy? Throw random syllables together that sound cool? Try to include word roots? How much importance do you place on the names that go into your worlds?

[Deadwood_Zen]

As with any names, GENERALLY, I look up a word or two in a foreign language(Normally Japanese or Welsh), and then play around with it until I find a name I like. Otherwise just make up something that sounds bad-ass.

[Twllyn]

Yeah, I tend to just put together syllables that sound cool/are fun to say, but occasionally I create recurring word-roots common to lots of cities (analogues to -burg or -ville). Welsh sounds like a good idea, though from what I've heard, it looks like the alphabet just threw up on the page.

[Deadwood_Zen]

Yeah, plus vowels aren't too common in Welsh, either. Once again, play around with the word. Change some things around, or add/take away something. If you can't figure out something good, scratch it and figure something else out.