Naming Traditions

Introductions - Fifty Common Male Names - Fifty Common Female Names

Common Names Derived from the Gods - Common Arasconian Family Names

Names are important in Arascon, not only family names, but also given names. Often, people have two or three names. It is tradition to have the family elder give a newborn its first name 12 days after it is born. (On a side note, 12 is considered a holy and lucky number in Arascon.) This is called the 12th Day Naming Ceremony. It is a grand event and considered to be a great blessing. If a family Elder is unavailable, the duty falls to the next oldest family member and so forth.

A person gets their second name upon reaching their 12th Birthday. This name is given to them not by a family member, but rather by a friend. It is said that a true friend will give you a good name. This tradition is taken very seriously despite the fact that most people are named by another 12 year old. If you are chosen to give someone their 12 Year Name, you are considered bonded for life no matter how far you drift apart. The 12 Year Naming Ceremony is a huge celebration. Often times the naming itself is followed by a celebration that includes gifts, games and sweet cakes. Different village around Arascon have different traditions for the party afterward, but most are joyous and fun occasions.

It is possible to have two 12 Year Naming Friends. You may have been chosen to name more than one preson. Generally, people do not do this. However, it is semi-common to have two 12 Year Naming friends. You could name someone and then have a different person name you. In the rare case of twins, it is general practice that they grant each other their 12 Year Names and that they are the same.

There are exceptions to the rule of the 12 Year name. People born on the Divine Day that happens once every 12 years don't have a birthday and therefore do not have a 12 year name (unless they live to the ripe old age of 144).

The final name, not everyone receives. The final name is given to you by the Third of the Three Sisters on the Holy Isles. The process for gaining the third name has become part of the Pilgrimage of Truth. This pilgrimage isn’t taken by everyone in their lifetime, but a good many people do take it. The pilgrimage begins in the City of Kach at the Shrine of Gavin and ends at the Holy Temple of the Third Sister who grants pilgrims their third name.

Introductions

What name a person chooses to go by is up to them, some go by a combination of their names. It is common to take the first syllable of their 12 day name and the last syllable of their 12 year name as a nickname. Some people go simply by their 12 Day name, others by their 12 year name. It is fairly rare for someone to go by their Pilgrimage name, but it is not unheard of.

In proper introduction, people introduce themselves by their Family name, followed by their 12 Day name, followed by their 12 Year name and lastly their Third name. Not many are so formal anymore, but there are situations where it arises.

Example:

Family Name = Smith

12 Day Name = John

12 Year Name = Michael

Pilgrimage Name = Bob

Formal introduction:

"I am Smith John Michael Bob but I go by Johel."

Informal Introduction:

"Hi, I'm Johel."

If someone has a title, the title goes in front of the entire name. It is not uncommon for someone with a title simply to be known as that title and their family name.

Example:

Family Name = Potter

12 Day Name = Susan

12 Year Name = Tiffany

Pilgrimage Name = Nina

Noble Title = Marxes

Formal introduction:

"I am Marxesa Potter Susan Tiffany Nina but I go by Anny."

Informal Introduction:

"Hi, I'm Marxesa Potter."

or "Hi, I'm Marxesa Anny."

Common Male Names

These are the fifty most common male names for both 12 day and 12 year names that are not deity related. Being named after heroes, legends and famous people is a form of respect and very common. The people of Arason also consider the meaning of a name when giving it to someone. Aside from these fifty name, many people are given names associated with various gods in the hopes that they will be blessed.

Common Female Names

These are the fifty most common female names for both 12 day and 12 year names that are not deity related. Being named after heroes, legends and famous people is a form of respect and very common. The people of Arason also consider the meaning of a name when giving it to someone. Aside from these fifty name, many people are given names associated with various gods in the hopes that they will be blessed.

Common Names Derived from the Gods

Names derived in some part from the various Gods are extremely popular in Arascon. They are some of the most common of all names given to children. They are especially popular in cities where there are many temples.

Common Family Names of Arascon

Family names often stem from a family's profession or the joining of two names. Some names are derivatives of the Noble's names as their family matriculated into gentry. Some people in Arascon have chosen to shorten or lengthen their traditional Family Name to signify a difference between them and the main line of the family. Others take a name that has deep meaning to them- though this practice is uncommon as family ties and names are very important. however, in extreme cases, people have been known to change their name to cut ties with their family.