diff --git a/fs_initial_config.lua b/fs_initial_config.lua
index e2499c9..771d5b1 100644
--- a/fs_initial_config.lua
+++ b/fs_initial_config.lua
@@ -28,12 +28,20 @@ yl_speak_up.input_fs_initial_config = function(player, formname, fields)
 	end
 
 	local error_msg = nil
+	-- remove leading and tailing spaces from the potential new NPC name in order to avoid
+	-- confusing names where a player's name (or that of another NPC) is beginning/ending
+	-- with blanks
+	if(fields.n_npc) then
+		fields.n_npc = fields.n_npc:match("^%s*(.-)%s*$")
+	end
 	-- the player is trying to save the initial configuration
 	-- is the player allowed to initialize this npc?
 	if(not(yl_speak_up.may_edit_npc(player, n_id))) then
 		error_msg = "You are not allowed to edit this NPC."
 	elseif(not(fields.n_npc) or string.len(fields.n_npc) < 2) then
 		error_msg = "The name of your NPC needs to be\nat least two characters long."
+	elseif(minetest.check_player_privs(fields.n_npc, {interact=true})) then
+		error_msg = "You cannot name your NPC\nafter an existing player."
 	elseif(not(fields.n_description) or string.len(fields.n_description) < 2) then
 		error_msg = "Please provide a description of your NPC!"
 	-- sensible length limit