I think it's an interesting topic, and I read recently that the only way to remember names (like anything) is to recall the information (frequently, with a decreasing frequency, which is called the forgetting curve).

Instead of thinking to yourself:
-Rita
-Rita
-Rita


Think in whole sentences:
-Rita knows John.
-Rita has a big nose.
-Rita has a pet dog.

Apparently, you'll recall the name better.