Character Significance

Characters in plays throughout the centuries always have hidden meaning within their titles. Names given to the characters usually have a hidden and underlying meaning giving more subtext to the characters actions. Much Ado About Nothing is no different and here is some subtext regarding main characters in the story.
 
  Don Pedro: Pedro is the Spanish name for Peter which means "stone", the character is based on Pere III of Aragon, count of Barcelona and King of Aragon. Don Pedro throughout the play is a foundation to Claudio and Benedick and is their captain and leader.
 
  Benedick: means "blessed"; and bene meaning "good". Benedick is a good character, even though he is very witty with his comments and attitude towards women and marriage.

  Claudio: derived from claudus, meaning "lame" or "crippled". Claudio's character is very young and nieve, so therefore he hasn't had any worldly experience in the ways of relationships and society. The meaning of his name could relate to his sturctural collapse once he is "rejected" by Hero.

  Don John: The name of John is reminiscent of King John of England (known as Prince John) who had a reputation for treachery and usurpation of the throne. Don John is the bastard son of Don Pedro and throughout the show he wants to take over Don Pedro's power, and defame his reputation.

  Hero: In Greek methology, Hero was the lover of Leander. Each night he swam across the Hellespont to meet her. When he accidently drowned while crossing, she threw herself  in the water to drown herself as well. Hero seems to fall head over heels when she meets Claudio, and is utterly devistated when he denounces her at the alter.

Googled (Name Meanings and Origins)
http://www.behindthename.com/