node naming conventions, can i specify my own name?

keeping track of content is getting a little dificult and i am finding myself making excel spreadhsheets to keep track of my content, one thing that would make this much easier is just applying namingconventions to the nodes, can i name my nodes or do i need to let drupal generate the numbered system?

Any comments for organization? I have heard some talk of labels and categories but that does not seem to be available in default install.

Todd