Personally - I use the Fantasy Name Generator to keep a list of about 20 male and 20 female names for each cultural group in my world setting, and delete/cross them off whenever I use them ( and make NPC notes for later fleshing out).
It helps that I'm quasi-matching cultural groups with real-world historical cultures.
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For when the story takes an unexpected turn, a crib sheet of NPC names
For a subdued hobgoblin, captured for questioning : Groll Bridgeburner
For a bucolic agricultural worker asked for directions : Waulkin Plumstop
For a passing noble on the road : Hamish Thricebottomly
Always a good idea.
Personally - I use the Fantasy Name Generator to keep a list of about 20 male and 20 female names for each cultural group in my world setting, and delete/cross them off whenever I use them ( and make NPC notes for later fleshing out).
It helps that I'm quasi-matching cultural groups with real-world historical cultures.
My DM Philosophy, as summed up by other people: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rN5w4-azTq3Kbn0Yvk9nfqQhwQ1R5by1/view
Disclaimer: This signature is a badge of membership in the Forum Loudmouth Club. We are all friends. We are not attacking each other. We are engaging in spirited, friendly debate with one another. We may get snarky, but these are not attacks. Thank you for not reporting us.
I also like the cultural references for added flavour, hints of personality, role, and likely reaction.
Retired Barbarian now living as a hermit : Hawkbrain
Slightly menacing elderly alchemist with aspirations to Lich-hood : Maelcrum Malificarus
Captured kobold raider : Scaletail