Naming characters and places.

One of my biggest problem, when writing, is naming characters and places.  I don't know why I can't go into specific details like that.  I find it hard to match name and character or name and places.  It is a strange feeling.  It feel unatural.  I don't understand how other authors can do so graceful match for their character's name.  I don't know what is their process to do so.

I have used the usual tricks of the trade.  Like taking names in the phone booth.  I also look at the name of authors on my bookshelves.  In both case, I mix the first and last names.  I don't have used that much often.  Another source of names comes from rocks and gems.  When using that trick, I only have a first name.  I used that mainly in fantasy and didn't felt the need of a last name.  I now see using names from gems have it's limits.  Names from mythology isn't much of an idea, I only good for the lesser known names.  I even looked at first names databases.  I found a few interesting names there.

Not easy to find names.  I like to use one of a kind names, not usual and common names.  Do I complicate my life on that?  Even there, I feel a bit strange and twisted on that matter.  Naming a character or a place is a big responsability.  I would like it fit the character and the place perfectly.  I don't know if there are more help for naming persons and places somewhere.  Meanwhile, I am on the look out for names.