Character Names

I know 'Go Teen Writers' just did a post like this, but i have been wanting to do one for a while so here goes...

    The names of characters are important.   Writers need to realize that certain names do evoke certain traits in readers minds.  Most, (but not all) readers think of a sweet little girl when they hear names like Lilly, Charity, and Bethany.   Most, (but again not all) readers think of a very strong guy when they hear names like Bruce and Bruno.   They think the opposite when they hear the names Archibold, Ernie, and Fred.   Most of the time it is recommended to use names that fit your character.  Not the overused and cliche Bruce or Bruno, but still something that just sounds like your character. 
     As with every rule, there are exceptions.  Before reading the Percy Jackson books, the name 'Percy' made me think of the quiet and timid train on the cartoon 'Thomas the Train'.   Obviously this did not stop Rick Riordan from using the name in his book series.   Riordan's Percy is so believable it changed my perception of the name 'Percy.'  I no longer think of a timid little train with a squeaky voice, now i think of a tall, lanky, dark haired, green eyed, son of Poseidon.
     Another thing to watch out for is two characters that have names that are similar.  Having one character named 'Silvia' and another named 'Silver' is a no-no.   Character names should all start will different letters and vary in length.  In my most recent novel, 'Outcasts' i have an 'Alora' a 'Violet' and a 'Sage'.   All three of those names have different numbers of syllables and start with a different letter. 
     Unique spellings are all right, so long as they are used in moderation.  Don't make every character have a funkyly spelled name.  (the exception is in sci-fi books where all the characters have names that are odd)   Having a Tiphanii and Erin and a Mary is all right, but having a Tiphanii, Arynn, and Merri isn't.  All of those names are cool spelled all funky, but doing it to more than one or two characters can bother a reader.  {it also messes with your spell check (:} 

   Well that is about all i have to say for now.   But there will probably be another post similar to this a while down the road.  Naming characters is one of my favorite things to do, i literally spend hours pouring over different names for each character i have!