I once thought of trying to get villagers who's names match my friends and mine, at least partially. Doesn't work for everyone though :/
My name is Phillip (whoops did I just put that online?) and one of my first book mile island runs gave me Phil, so I felt like it was fate. I don't go by Phil myself, but it's fun (and also a little confusing) having him on the island.
Another thing I thought of was paying homage to my grandparents with versions of their names. Walt, Celia, and Bob all fit nicely for Walter, Cecelia, and Robert, but I don't think there are any villagers that would work for my other grandma, Adelle. Maybe Ellie? Idk.