I'm not a fan of made up spellings, never have been. But each to their own. I have had people say to me they don't like kids being named after cities, which doesn't bother me (even though that didn't enter our mind at all) as I said each to their own I like some alternative spellings though (like as in from other origins).
I am pretty much the same, except I have not even thought about the city connection to names, so no opinion there.

I find with all the different spellings that even with common names that people are double checking the spellings. I am amazed at how many people ask how to spell Maggie. I do admit to being afraid to call up to RSVP for a 3yo party as I had no idea on how to pronounce the little girl's name. I did not want to cause offence to the parent, as I have heard/read many parents complaining that people do not pronounce their child's name correctly.