Hell, it's all situationally dependant. I'm HORRIBLE with names, so that usually helps me.
Me: Hey I'm *****
them: hi, I'm Vallery
Me: Wow, that's a unique name, will you forgive me if I ask it again in a bit, I'm horrible with names...
Them: haha thats fine (they dispense with something they're not good at either in social situations)
aaaaaaaaand talk about whatever from there.
Also, if you're there with a large group, asking who they know there is good. Gives you good common ground.
Me: Hey I'm *****
them: hi, I'm Vallery
Me: Wow, that's a unique name, will you forgive me if I ask it again in a bit, I'm horrible with names...
Them: haha thats fine (they dispense with something they're not good at either in social situations)
aaaaaaaaand talk about whatever from there.
Also, if you're there with a large group, asking who they know there is good. Gives you good common ground.