Coming up with character names is so organic, I don't even think about it at the time. In fact, many of the characters sort of express who they are and what their name is before I even put them to the keys. It isn't until later that I realize the significance of their names.
Anywhere:
Gen, short for Eugene, morphs into "Genya", a favored character for Mika's siblings. He looks scary, but really he's gentle and shy, a protector, and fiercely defends those he loves.
Mika, which I learned from my half-Japanese friend means "Beauty", or "beautiful." This is incredibly important to his character as he seems himself as damaged thanks to the abuse he endured at the hands of his parents. Gen doesn't see the scars, only the beauty that is within Mika's heart and soul. In a letter Mika receives from his later father, Yuki, his father tells him that he is his "beautiful Mika, my treasure."
I'll Destroy Hell for You:
Hero was always meant to be the one that saves Hawk from the demon is was, is, and carries within him. It's his unwavering, unconditional love that urges Hawk to become the person he was always meant to be.
Hawk was given his name by an old Native man who likened him to a red-tailed hawk he saw one day, souring free and alone in the sky. That defines the life Hawk lived for a thousand years before he found Hero. Ultimately we learn that is the name he was given by his parents, though he didn't remember it for various reasons, and it's the strength and fierceness of the bird that becomes the symbol for Hawk's soul and person.
Children of the Veil Part 1:
Toji's name in Japanese means many things, among them "distance" or "path." At first, I just thought the name sounded really cool and embodied someone who was laid-back, a bit immature, but fiercely loyal and devoted, especially to the one he loves. Given what Toji goes through in his life, the meaning does become rather symbolic, as he has to traverse a path fraught with conflict in order to get to, and stay with, Natsu.
Natsu means "summer" in Japanese. It was a name I always wanted to use after learning of it from one of my favorite anime. It also sounded like a great name for Toji's boyfriend, the way it embodies warmth and unyielding compassion. Natsu also arrives at Helman Hall in the summertime, and the book's events take place during a summer vacation. Plus, when you put the two names together, Toji and Natsu, it flows naturally and fits perfectly together, just like the couple themselves.
I'm Going to be Fine:
Harley was named after the motorcycle by his father, Ford, who has a thing for automotives. The bike is loud, rough, and looks incredibly mean in the right setting. However, it offers a sense of freedom and security to those who know how to handle it correctly.
Windy was an easy one, especially given how she blows into Harley's life unexpectedly and ultimately helps sweep away all his pain, forcing him to face his trauma and deal with it head on. It takes time, and Harley fights it because he's not willing to accept the help he needs, but he knows what Windy is to him and clings to her.
Oh, damn, I just realized something...the greatest feeling and joy someone has when riding a motorcycle is feeling the wind blow through their hair and around them as they ride an open, unknown road. It's scary and can be unnerving at times, especially when the wind is fierce, but the rider keeps going despite it all.
Declan sounded like just the right name for the man Harley needs to get his heart going again. It's strong, yet gentle, fierce, yet kind. He's loyal, accepting, loving, honest, and passionate about the ones he holds dear.
For every character, the name doesn't define them, they define their name. Even if it had a meaning completely separate from who the character is, ultimately, they make it their own, giving new meaning and new life to the name given them.