On Stormfur, I named my retainers according to what they are, and what their jobs are.

Stoneclaw = miner (miqote)
Jadescythe = botanist (lalafell)
Darktalon = dragoon/hunter (miqote)
Seadragon = fisher (au'ra)

On my alt, Hex Pathcrosser, I decided to give them silly names. They are all lalafells:
Brownnoser
Bootlicker
Applepolisher