NAMING YOUR CLAN
Naming your Clan can be a lot harder than naming your cats, just because the Clan is going to illustrate ALL of your cats. You want the name to be strong, to be dignified, to represent the character of the cats that live there. You'll notice that, in the books, certain Clans have certain character--that should also play into your Clan as well. ThunderClan are brave, WindClan are flighty and agile, ShadowClan are devious, and RiverClan are stiff and proud. What is your Clan going to be? Brawny and strong? Fast and agile? Witty and clever? Decide the character of your kitties first! This is most important. A Clan without character is not a Clan at all.
WE'RE WALKING NOW
Is your Clan going to be strong and muscular? You'll want a very strong name to describe them, then. What are natural objects that denote strength? Oak trees, storms, rocks, certain animals... What object best reprsents strength to you? Personally, for my Clan, I think I want to go with something that has a lot of imagery behind it. OakClan! It doesn't sound very catchy though, does it? It sounds sort of bland, simple... so what's it need? I mean, I know how I want my Clan to be, but well... what if they don't live in a forest? It doesn't make a lot of sense then!
RUNNING WITH IT
My Clan is strong and loyal, but I think I'll have them live in the moors maybe. Always consider where your Clan is going to live! It doesn't make sense to name a Clan after something they don't have, right? Personality and character also applies, but don't forget your setting too. So, OakClan doesn't really work out for my cats. Maybe... MoorClan? Moors are vast and open, easily accessable to predators and danger. Cats that live on them must be cautious and strong. MoorClan could easily represent a group of cats that are tight and powerful, but it may also have its drawbacks. Maybe MoorClanners might be seen as a bit jumpy, beacuse of where they live. Unlike WindClan, my cats won't be windswept. They're not fast runners, relying more on mice and birds to feed their Clan. Rabbits are too stiff and gamy, plus, they're too fast, and my Clan wouldn't have encouraged agility in their genetics. Muscles build muscles, and if my Clan is rasied on small rodents and birds, they won't have to worry about running. So, does MoorClan fit?
I think so!
A NEW STEP TO CONSIDER
Naming a Clan after natural resources isn't always something that may appeal to your or your cats. Maybe an adjective is more appropriate? What about colors? How will they represent your Clan and its character? Adjectives are harder to work with, but can--on occassion--be more appealing. I have had Clans in the past named HighClan for their territory on a cliff. The leader chose the name because it showed his Clan as overlooking all of the others, he felt it kept his cats closer to StarClan (later renamed to CloudClan out of consideration for the first leader, Cloudstar, who was arrogant and believed he deserved such recognition). A LittleClan was named for its size in territory, but not its size in heart. RedClan, for the trees they lived in, but it gave nothing away to their character. Colors aren't always best, but I do personally find them intruiging and somewhat appealing to the eye.
WHAT YOU DON'T WANT TO DO
You really don't want to go out on a limb with your adjectives. Some words are acceptable, but don't get carried away. Things like "CunningClan" or "QuickClan" are much too narrow and obvious. Give your Clan a bit of oomph in the name, don't name them directly for what they are. A Clan full of strong cats shouldn't be named "StrongClan". Try to be witty and clever with your prefix, and always remember to consider the character and setting FIRST.
JUST FOR YOU
Here's a list of some names and characters to consider for short-term roleplays, or if you need another Clan and can't seem to think of one for yourself (plus, I just love to make up things ;D):
HillClan - Territory lies over several tree-covered hills. Camp is in a deep hollow between two steep hills. Somewhat considerate cats to outsiders and other Clans, but does not forget the code and tries to keep "friendly" rivalries.
BrookClan - Lies in a low valley criss-crossed with many shallow streams and ravines. Very graceful and peaceful cats, thin and agile. They tend to remain secluded and to themselves, sometimes forgetting the warrior code but always remembering StarClan.
GoldenClan - Named mostly for the tall golden stems of grain and straw that grows naturally over their flatlands. Very prickly cats used to hunting mice and pesky rodents. Very bulky and somewhat inconsiderate. Their camp is in a dip off to the side of the grain field (not maintained by people) where a lot of thorns and bushes grow.
GorgeClan - Lives deep in a dried out gorge. Small caves and piles of fallen stone make good caves. Somewhat arrogant cats, they like to brag about their accomodations and how well they have it. Hunting takes place in the hills and moorland above, as little prey can be found in the actual ravine.
MudClan - Territory is located mostly in marshy area, camp is actually in a grove of willows with high roots and soft ground. Risk of flooding is constant, and food can sometimes be limited. Generally skittish and wary of other Clans, but they're very accepting and considerate.
More soon! :D