I keep them the same except for that period after you get the Hilda Garde 3 and turn Choco gold and do side-quests and level up before heading off to Ipsen's. Since that all involves going to Daguerro, I talk to the Namingway wannabe and have him give the party the names of people who are close to them. Zidane becomes Blank, Vivi becomes No. 288, Dagger becomes Ruby (for some reason), Steiner becomes Beatrix, Freya becomes Flatley, Quina becomes Quale, Eiko becomes Mog, and Salamander (well, Amarant) becomes Lani.

Be nice, Dave.