Closer to clones, but it's not exactly strange where I'm from. At least, it's nothing compared to people housing another person's heart.

[As for the nicknames, Riku nods, and after listening to the list...]

I basically pick a similar method. Most of the time I choose names that match the type or look of a Pokémon, like Flare for my Charizard and Phantom for my Haunter. The only exceptions are Pokémon that named themselves and the occasional name based on their attitude.