Nyshano is relatively new. Up until about a year ago, I was whiterider, and still am in some places. I thought up this name when I was twelve, because I had a thing (no, not that kind of thing) for horses. When, four years later, someone showed me the urban dictionary definition of a whiterider, I decided I didn't like it so much any more (this also helped by the fact that there are a zillion other whiteriders out there).
Nyshano was born out of my Saga of Ryzom char - Nysha. It means something in some language, but I've forgotten what and which. A couple of guildies made detailed plans of a flash game they were going to make, entitled "Nyshano Chichi Kyokudo". This is the free online translator mangling of the japanese for "Nysha Boobies Extreme". And Nyshano is so much catchier than Nysha - although I am aware it makes me sound somewhat like a pre-pubescent manga geek.
As for the avatar, it's by Stephanie Shimerdla [http://www.obsidiandawn.com/pages/oblivion.htm], who is a goddess, and I just adore the picture.