Naming Rules & Traditions
Naming conventions and traditions vary worldwide, depending on many factors. Below, you can read about them sorted by either species, by nationality, or by special category.
Species-Specific
Dracanis
The Dracanic language has no "q"s, and the first set of "k"s is always double (if there is a third or more "k", it is singular). Names cannot start with "y". A Dracanis has three to four names: a clutch name or given name, a childhood nickname, a personal name they may choose when they reach adulthood, and a Khyimi (family) name. Dracanis of single birth have a given name assigned by their birth parent; dracanis born in a clutch are all given the same clutch name by their birth parent, though it may have variations by gender. Examples: Sarmit, Arnat/Arnati, Tatakk/Tatakki, Edlyen/Edlye Many Dracanis, especially those who have a clutch name instead of a given name, are given a childhood nickname by their family and may go by it even into adulthood, especially with close friends or family. Dracanis may choose to take or be given a new such nickname or use name as adults, especially if the name no longer fits. Often (though not always) these are inside jokes, adjectives, or descriptors. Examples: Tikki, Mischief, Beryl, Courage, Skkal The family name of the Dracanis is that of their Khyimi, which is their matriarch's name plus the suffix "sul". When an individual leaves their childhood Khyimi and joins a new one, this name changes accordingly. Examples: Hanatisul (family of Hanati), Martuksul (family of Martuk), Tansumsul (Family of Tansum) Thus, an individual's full name might be Edlyen Mischief Beryl Martuksul. They do not usually give this full name except in extremely formal situations or when first meeting other Dracanis. Amongst outsiders and casual acquaintances, they will generally choose to use one first name (Given/Clutch Name, Nickname, or Usename) and their Khyimi name (i.e. Edlyen Martuksul or Beryl Martuksul).Faedin
Faedin have no strict naming conventions or traditions. They tend to be trying to "blend" and adapt the culture and traditions of those they live amongst. Those who live in the Veil have a variety of approaches to naming.The Folk
The Folk have no strict naming conventions or traditions remaining. They tend to be trying to "blend" and adapt the culture and traditions of those they live amongst. Those who live in small, secretive communities may have rules in their communities about naming.Humans
Humans do not have overarching species-specific naming conventions. For human naming conventions, refer to their related nationality, religion, or other relevant status.Marelis
A Marelis has a given name and pod (family) name(s). Whenever they leave a pod to join another pod at any stage of life, they generally simply add the new pod name; so while they have a minimum of two names, they may have several more than that. For inspiration, consider Celtic (any variation), Scottish, or Inuit names.Examples of Given Names: Nauman, Imele, Taluit, Namik, Hellis
Examples of Pod Names: Aberviegin, Seralloch, Cabercly, Bomberllere, Abersoch
Vasati
Naming conventions amongst the Vasati vary by tribe but usually include a given name and a tribal name, and sometimes in a large tribe or by personal preference, also a family name (which functions as a middle name when they have it). Tribal or family names usually follow one of two conventions: the suffix "din" (mean "of") or a compound word that describes something about the tribe or family.In the Vasati language, and so also in names, an apostrophe replaces the second of the same vowel (for example Mar'en = Mareen) and is pronounced as the long form of that vowel. Mare'n would be pronounced mare-een; Kha'r would be pronounced Care.
Examples (Given Names): Teva, Enaker, Nahdah, Rathual, Kriva, Alisar, Velhah
Examples (Tribal or Family Names): Trallkardin, Wildwalker, Elde'thdin, Menetatdin, Amborlantyr, Flystraight
For inspiration you might try Algerian, Arabic, Egyptian, Ottoman, or Persian names but feel free to branch way out.
Nationalities/Ethnicities
Delrynian
Kingdom of Delryn, Principality of Arion
Humans generally have a given name and a family name, and possible one or more middle names. Family names are passed along patriarchial lines, with rare exceptions, and spouses generally take the male partner's name at marriage. For inspiration, you might consider Cypriot, Greek, or Hellenic names.
Eschien
The Brilliant Empire, Principality of Heirin, Principality of Staton, humans in Protectorate of Oskksul
Humans generally have a given name and a family name, and possible one or more middle names. In a marriage, the partner with a higher rank or more prestige is usually the one whose family name will be preserved in the partnership and passed to children, though the second parent's name will commonly be used as a middle name. In the imperial/royal family, adopted children can be given the adoptive parent's name and hereditary titles, and that practice has trickled down into lower nobility somewhat as well.
If a child is given the same name as someone else, such as an older relative, the child would be known with the suffix "the younger" (such as Berak Talat and Berak Talat the Younger; this naming convention is only required if the child has the same first AND family name as the original. Some believe that is is good for both the namesake and the child to carry on a legacy, especially if the namesake had unfinished business in life or a life cut unexpectedly short. It is considered unlucky for there to be a third person of that name within the same family line, most especially if anyone alive remembers either of those so named. Once everyone who knew either of the named has died, the cycle could start again, but it's not a favored practice.
For inspiration, you might consider Hellenic, Roman, or Renaissance names.
Heirin
Generally follows Eschien (Empire) naming traditions and conventions. They make liberal use of the vowel combination "ei", pronouncing it as a long a/ai; for example: Teimos pronounced as tay-mos, Heirin pronounced as hay-rin.Staton
Generally follows Eschien (Empire) naming traditions and conventions, but with a propensity for very short and straightfoward names.Folk
Triumverate of Nikandros, The Veil
Those living in Nikandros (Nikans) and the Veil have no specific naming conventions, varying widely from person to person and family to family.
Free City of Galanthis
Humans in Galanthis don't follow any formal name conventions or traditions, but have a tendency to follow the traditions of places they may have immigrated from.Tribal
United Tribes of Mare'n
The tribal people, both Human and Vasati, follow the naming traditions and conventions of the Vasati (see species-specific).
Oskksulian
Dracanis of Oskksul
The Dracanic people follow Dracanis naming traditions and conventions, and therefore so do most place names as well. Eschien (Empire) expatriots may follow Eschien naming conventions, or may choose to use names and sounds from the Oskksulian language.
Marchien
Marches of Ranoke, Risand, and Ryfile
Because all place names in the Marches begin with R, including most waterways and natural landmarks, the humans of the Marches do not use "r" as a first letter for any names. Likewise, it is generally avoided by the Marelis who share the land with them. Otherwise, Marelis follow Marelic naming traditions and conventions. Humans in the Marches generally have a given name and a family name. Family names are not passed matriarchally or patriarchally; rather, whichever individual in the union moves locations to the new family's territory takes the new family's name and so will the children. Marchiens are often given their mother's middle name, or some close variant, to help in tracking family trees, as there can be quite few family names in some areas and it gets confusing; but these matriarchal middle names are not often given out to strangers for other reasons. For inspiration, consider Celtic (any variation), Scottish, or Inuit names.
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