def compare_names(str1, str2):
    """Compare two strings alphabetically."""
    if str1 == str2:
        return "identical"
    elif not str1 or not str2:
        return False
    else:
        for index in range(min(len(str1), len(str2))):
            if str1[index] == str2[index]:
                continue
            elif str1[index] < str2[index]:
                return "overpassed"
            else:
                return "searching"