Use class lightly
Class describes abilities, not the circumstances of birth. Parents rarely know a child will become a rogue or wizard. Start with the community's normal naming system, then add the forms the adult character acquired.
A cleric may gain a temple title. A soldier may earn a battlefield byname. A wizard might publish under a house name that lends authority.
Keep ranger names callable
Rangers often act during fast travel and combat scenes, so short, distinct names help at the table. Place names and trail bynames can connect them to actual territory.
Avoid naming every ranger after leaves or wolves. Their work may involve maps, border law, rescue, scouting, or diplomacy.
Give wizards institutions
A wizard's name can show school, patron, city, or scholarly lineage. A title such as Keeper of the Blue Index says more than adding three ornate syllables.
Decide which form appears in publications and which friends use. The contrast can reveal vanity, status, or a career the character wants to escape.
Let rogues protect information
A practical rogue may have a birth name, legal name, and working alias. The alias should fit its job: a forgettable cover for infiltration, or a memorable reputation for intimidation.
Track who knows each form. A revealed name matters only if the relationship or risk behind it matters.
Check the whole adventuring party
Put all player names in initiative order and read them quickly. Change repeated initials and close rhythms before the campaign makes them permanent.
Contrast can help. A barbarian with a delicate family name or a bard with a plain trade name may be easier to remember than a name that announces the class.