It depends on if we are translating brands/companies, specific western names, or places. I guess for brands/companies, it is mainly chosen (carefully) by the companies themselves based on their China market strategy.. normally it's a combination of similar prononciation and also good /relevant meaning... For western names, actually for many people there exist several different translations. But I think for most of the western names already have conventional translation (maybe based on its first appearance in Chinese media or research paper)..
It depends on if we are translating brands/companies, specific western names, or places. I guess for brands/companies, it is mainly chosen (carefully) by the companies themselves based on their China market strategy.. normally it's a combination of similar prononciation and also good /relevant meaning... For western names, actually for many people there exist several different translations. But I think for most of the western names already have conventional translation (maybe based on its first appearance in Chinese media or research paper)..