I never rename anyone in FF, but in rpgs where you control a character I usually play as one of three names if I can only put in one name: Sarah, Holly, or Gwen
Saya Brea if I can put in two.
I rarely play male characters

I give all my pokemon nicknames, but I have a standard party:
Sophia the Gardevoir
Lilli the Lapras
Rarity the Ponyta ( I has a shiny)
Luna the Dragonair
and Bianca the Lopunny