If you are having errors on the CLI then I recommend editing datadir/config.ini
The default generated on should provide a template.
Names starting with n, t, and f are being flagged by the JSON parser "null", "true", and "false".
If you don't use quotes then those names will fail.
All of this is backwards steemd will not run with any names that are started with a letter other than n, t, or f. Otherwise, it is needed to be started with a number. Why is it working the opposite of what you say?
The blockchain indicates that people are able to have names starting with all letters. If you are not using the config.ini file then perhaps you may need '"name"' on your console. It might be a shell issue.
In any event, I recommend using config.ini to save your setting and make it more secure.