I usually leave the defaults other than to correct over-capitalisation.

For Chocobos, pet names, any other minor character, I usually go for a cutesy name or name them after my pets/former pets. Or a joke name like 'Anal' for Angelo in FF8. I did try naming Dagger something equally silly in FF9, but found I couldn't stand it and reloaded the game.

If there is no default, I'll usually go with Mo for a male, Momo for a femaie.