Here's a basic breakdown of the English given names for those who are interested in why. Keep in mind this was done through a brief research, but it relatively keeps the connection and meaning.
Ethan = Hibiki (ヒビキ) (AKA Gold, the male Protagonist)
Even though some of us knew Hibiki meant "echo," he was given the name Ethan. Ethan's meaning is
a male given name meaning strong, firm, steadfast and safe. If you think about it, none of this has any relation to "echo." However, if you think of Gold as an element, it is a strong, firm and steadfast substance. It's basically the only connection I see between why he was given the name Ethan in the first place.
Personally, I think it suits him well, but of course others may think differently. I can say though that I was never expecting him to be given the name Jimmy, just like how Red was never given the name Ash.
Lyra = Kotone (コトネ) (The female protagonist)
This has basically been over a couple days now and is pretty much self explanatory as I repeat it. Lyra is a fitting name for Kotone as it kept the same meaning,
the sound of a harp.
I've given my opinion on the Kotone's English Name Thread, but really I think it's a well given name. It's better than some names given before and now and I can't say it was a bad choice as it still keeps the meaning of Kotone, just in English. XD;
Rocket Executive Proton = Rocket Executive Lance (ランス)
Now, like most when I first saw Executive Lance was altered to Executive Proton, I had a big question mark across my face. However, Proton does have a relation to a realistic rocket. The Proton given here derives from
an expendable launch system used for both commercial and Russian government space launches. For more information on the Proton Rockets, you can read it
here.
I understand them having to change the name from Lance considering we already have the Elite Four Lance, but I'm sure something better could have come to mind. Regardless at least it has meaning and relation to Team Rocket.
Rocket Executive Petrel = Rocket Executive Lambda (ラムダ)
For those who are curious on why the name Petrel was given to Lambda it is most likely because the Petrel was
a British sounding rocket launched with three Chick booster rockets. Hope this explanation sums the relativity of it up.
I think the name is pretty unique, coming from a rocket, it's quite obvious where Nintendo got the given name in English. Though, I can say I have mixed feeling on this one, simply because I really don't think it's a name I might actually give to a video game character, much less a person.
Rocket Executive Arianna = Rocket Executive Athena (アテナ)
Besides Arianna and Athena being two Greek related names (also, if you were wondering, Lyra is also a Greek originated name), I have found no other relation on Athena's given English name.
I can say Arianna is still a
sexy name, and I don't think it was a bad alteration from Athena.
Rocket Executive Archer = Rocket Executive Apollo (アポロ)
Credit to Wings Don't Cry: "Apollo was a Greek Deity who was commonly recognized with a Bow and Arrow, so obviously archers use bow and arrows. So that's how I think the name Archer came about." Briefly this explains part of the connection between Archer's given name. However, Archer is also connected to the fact that there is indeed an Archer Rocket.
Here you will find the model kit to the SA-14 Archer Rocket if interested.
Archer isn't a terrible name like most people might think, but I wouldn't disagree it couldn't have been better. Really, he's a Rocket Executive so you'll pretty much only be hearing about him when you come across him or possibly any other Rocket member.
Pokéathlon Founder Magnus = Pokéathlon Founder Kobushi (コブシ)
Can't say I found much on the Pokéathlon Founder, but Magnus is a cool name overall. Kobushi however does mean
a human-sized race and faction of power-enhancing transforming robots in the universe and its sequels. Basically giving the purpose of the Pokéathlon in the first place.
Wow, that was a lot of typing XD; Anyway, those who were curious, there's your explanation on why the characters were given there names. I don't have much of a big problem with any of them to say, some could have been better yes, but overall this wasn't so bad. I can say more on the items, but I'll leave that for a later time. o3o
Credit to Google Definitions, Wikipedia, and Dictionary for meaning connections. 
