> the name must be of equal or lesser length
Even-lengthed names can often be extended by three. Only one zero byte is needed to terminate, not the up to four including WORD padding byte and following zeroed WORD hint.
And odd-lengthed names by two (no padding byte).
Some linkers have already zeroed following hints and used them for termination. In this case and when there is no following hint, evens only get one extra char. When no following, odds get none.
Some other exceptions also exist, so always test carefully and thoroughly!