Selkes: Names

True Names

The Selkes have only one name. They choose this name for themselves at the age of 15.

That name is very important to them and usually reflects what they like or who they are.

However, names in Selkes' society are often made up to sound pleasant to a Selke's ear and do not always mean anything special.

Before that a Selke is referred to as a Youngster of their 'insert parents' name'.
For example, the pup of a Selke named Boulang, will be talked to or addressed as Boulang's pup, or even Boulang's younger/older/middle pup.

Tribal Names

Once they have received their true name, a Selke will also use a tribal name, usually pronounced after their true name.
However tribal names are only used when a Selke meets another Selke from a different tribe or troop or in very formal ceremonies.

Secret Names

As well as receiving a true name, the Selkes will have a protective deity they will choose to pray to and follow for the rest of their lives.
In Selke society, the shamans, the Shalik, dedicate their lives to facilitating the relationship between the gods and their people.

A Shalik will serve one deity in particular. A young Selke at the point of becoming an adult will visit the shaman whose god they want to follow, and through a secret ceremony, the young Selke will dedicate themselves to the divinity.

During the ceremony, the Shalik hands in a secret name to the young Selke, who uses it to talk to their god.
No one will know of that name, only maybe a mate perhaps.

Examples

The Selkes are keen on some sounds that are common in their language and will tend to use those same sounds when making up names or naming objects around them.
They are particularly fond of 'o' and 'oo' sounds, as well as 'Mmm' and 'Guuu' sounds. Liquid letters like 'L' and 'Y' are also very popular now.
Selkes are born males and females and will not have separate genders for their names.


Here are twenty Selkes names. The second name is the tribal name. The letter 'A' introduces the provenance.
Names are usually no more than two syllables long.

Baloo A Guona
Meril A Lina
Coora A Yalli
Dorsa A Koomo
Felang A Doos
Poora A Noyo
Vilma A Orbol
Samillin A Oosong
Vashi A Pala
Nossed A Oki
Lalsa A Yusta
Isan A Ventil
Nalan A Huloo
Wosi A Dooll
Norli A Voodle
Madres A Jossa
Sarsang A Loose
Stiss A Moore
Fan A Coosha
Ness A Danga