What's in a name?

I've crossed a threshold with today's reading - these names need explaining. I had been content to simply raise an eyebrow at the suitability of the proper names recorded in Vita Martini, but now I definitely have questions!

We begin with Martin - the Fighter. After serving in the army, he dedicates himself (in Sulpicius' words) to be a miles of God. For the rest of his career, Martin fights spiritual battle with demons and sickness, conquering (mostly) for God.

Next is Hilarius - the Good-Natured. He is loved by his followers, respected by his peers, successful in his service. He is the example of the ideal bishop - all-together good and persevering.

Lupicinus - the Wolf. He is honored according to the this age of men - honorati secundum saeculum viri. This isn't the nest example of the name game in Vita Martini, but it is at least a somewhat derogatory implication for a man who doesn't seem to be a believer (rather a man of secular reputation), and doesn't seem to become a believer after the miracle at his house (or one would think Sulpicius would note it).

Rusticus - Country-Bumpkin. He appears in the middle of the road, far outside the city. He also foolishly feigns his wife's illness to get Martin to proceed to Tours, even though Martin was already headed there.

Defensor - the Defender. I think someone on Tuesday even mistook this name for an adjective. And rightly so! Defensor steps out to defend his case against Martin's appointment. The situation is the occasion of the vote, in which we expect legal language.

Taetradius - the Foul. His slave, possessed by a demon, exhibits foul behavior, gnashing his teeth. Taetradius himself is stubborn in his heathen ways, implicatus errore gentilitatis unless Martin could expel the demon.

Arborius - the Tree. He is a man of faith and sacred spirit, as indeed his name recalls images of the Tree of Life, the parable of the mustard seed, etc. It is immensely positive compared to Lupicinus and Taetradius. He even acts in faith to restore his daughter to heath without instruction from Martin.

Paulinus - Paul/Saul of Tarsus. Paulinus' eye is covered with a crassior nubes superducta - just like Saul's eyes were covered with scales after his encounter on the road to Damascus. And just like Saul, his eyes were healed by a holy man. This example I am especially loathe to chalk up to coincidence!

There are many other characters who go un-named. Did Sulpicius only record names which exemplified their story? Are these names supposed to help convince the reader? Or are they only meant only to characterize? Given Sulpicius' frequent claims to the veracity of his report, it seems unlikely that he expected his reader to take these stories as parables. But perhaps we can understand some very careful naming (of characters real or not), to underscore the moral of each story.