[theasfl]

Originally Posted by Malleus Dei

What you are suggesting can be done, but there are some problems.

Not all countries have accurate/available census name data.

Many countries have "name overlap," and would have essentially the same name files.

Many countries have a substantial number of people of different nationalities in them and some are split between several dominant differently-named ethnic groups (e.g., Belgium and Flemings/Walloons).

I think doing it by major ethnic groups is the most cost-effective approach, but, yes, it sure can be done differently. I know that a good Scots name file set can be done, because I did one as a test last year.

If someone else wants to do name files differently, have at it, and good luck.

I think there could be some sort of comprimise between the two systems where possible...

I believe each country's language/ethnicity break down is available here: http://www.ethnologue.com/country_index.asp click on a country and you can see the percentage breakdown of each language in each country. This can be used for the major languages of each country. If language wouldn't work then the ethnicity break down can be used or something along those lines, or of course common sense can prevail in some countries or if there is census data available.

If files can be created based on ethnicity or language and then those can be percentages of each country's output then the toggle idea could, theoretically, work. Of course you can use this said idea on top of having a sole name list for a country like you currently do for Japan.

and would you guys look around for names from a country on the internet if there isnt census data available or just let it be? I realize this would be time consuming, but I figured Id ask.