Umm... Let see! I usually name my pokémon after my friends or my friend's zanpakutou. A zanpakutou is like a sword, but it's also a reflection of the wielder's soul, so, this way, I can name people twice over in case there's two pokémon that fit them pretty well!

And yes, I think it's necessary to be friends with your pokemon. They'll warm up to you much faster if you try and if you fail then at least you know you gave it your all. If you don't try, then how are they going to grow their heart?