How do you pick names for your characters?

[mikah_smiles]

I try to find names that would match the character's family history and location, and then maybe their personality. Usually it involves having a vague idea like "she would have a very common name" or "he would have a Chinese name to honour his father's ancestry". Sometimes characters sit nameless for ages while I write. I use a placeholder word, like "Wombat" or some other random word I wouldn't necessarily use in that story. Sometimes it's an actual name that I like the feeling of, but isn't quite right. In my latest story, the character was called Poppy until I found a name that suited her exuberant personality. I'm also quite fond of opening up Google Maps, going to the city the character was allegedly born in, and checking out street names.