I named quite a few units when I first started playing and it has it's benefits !
Not only is it quite fun to oil your frontal lobe with imaginary juices but it's better when your enemy remembers which of your models 'wronged him in the last fight.
The named models almost create their won history for you through their exploits on the battlefield.
I have decided to ressurect this tradition and write a name on the base of all my future combatants.
I'll let you know how Llanelius 'ouch, mind your spear' gets on in his next fight :)