I think it would be beneficial to both you (SE) and for players to incorporate a name-expiry-date. There are several names I would like to name change to, but am unable because a level 1 character has claimed the name.

A character idle for a significant portion of time (i.e. Under level 10 = 1 year, Under level 20 = 1.5 year, etc) should allow for other players who wish to use that name to take it.