I've used them from time to time. Usually in small roles, plus one running joke (it is well established that the first time the players ask for the name of a probably-recurring NPC and I don't have one prepared, I'ma gonna call him Josh.)

Generally, it's well-received as long as I don't make them literally the same character. I mention a name, and players have a rough archetype to instantly slot into place, and everyone's pretty happy. (Also generally, I don't do it with characters who were big deals in earlier campaigns; it's just the minor NPCs who hop around.)