I like Melrose because it shortens to “Mel” easily. Big Mac’s full name is Big Macintosh, so it only makes sense that his R63 counterpart would have a short and snappy nickname as well.
Before I continue, I want to point this out:
scystorm said: Indeed. At least you looked up good apple names instead of just going “Big Macina lol”
Hey, I don't want to gloat, but Ambris didn't look it up himself. -_-
"Red Gala" isn't a good name since it's already taken. From the Friendship is Magic wiki on Wikia: "Applejack's extended family is introduced as 'The Apple family' in the episode 'Friendship is Magic, part 1,' when Applejack invites Twilight Sparkle and Spike to brunch. Applejack sounds off the following ponies: Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp, Big McIntosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith." Sorry.
I've never actually heard of a "Red Gala" apple before, so I did some digging. According to Wikipedia there are at least two different types of apples called "Red Gala," both derived from the regular [?] Gala apple.
I don't normally dabble in Rule 63 names, but when I do, I'm sticking with Big Melrose.