Astorian Names

Astorians originally use names for self-identification within a tribe, and initially an individuals name was a single word, however due to an increasing population, Astorians began using two or more words to compose their ***full name***.

Although there are differences between cultures this full name generally it is made from a forename, which is the name of the individual, and a surname, which is the name of the individual’s family lineage.

## **Forenames**

The origins of most forenames stem from local populations and may have one, or multiple meanings depending on where it originates. Most parents select names for their children at their birth based either on their cultural meaning, or more likely how the name sounded. This form of naming has been present across the three Kingdoms even before recorded history.

An individual may have multiple forenames, although in most instances the first forename is the name which an individual will be called by. Within the Earth Kingdom individuals must have at least two forenames in their full name as part of their standardized method of lineage recording.

Regarding changing ones forename, the practice is generally uncommon, but within the Earth Kingdom as of 022AT an individual may request a name change from the local authorities. This practice will also become available in the Sun and Moon Kingdom around 030AT, and further developed in 031AT in the three Kingdoms for quicker and easier request documentation.

## **Surnames**

Surnames and their origins are where each Kingdom differs, as they hold different cultural meanings despite functioning similarly in tracing an individuals lineage.

### **Sun Kingdom Surnames**

Originally surnames were only given to the lower classes around 004AT, as they were the most prominent social class population. By 030AT all social classes adopted surnames in an effort to standardize record keeping across the three Kingdoms.

Sun Kingdom surnames are composed of the combination of two words, the first being a form of colour and an object. Typically the colour used in the surname correlates to the family's social class, and a symbolic meaning within the class, and the object symbolically embodies the core trait expressed by the family.

When a couple joins, typically the family with the higher social influence will be become both partners surname. If they are equal in social standing then the surname is combined, with the colour from one surname and the object from the other, although this combination must be agreed upon prior to the couple joining.

* **Surname Examples:** Scarlet-Flint, Jet-Peak, Violet-Iron, Blue-Thorn

If a divorce is issued then each partner will revert to their old family name, however children born before the divorce will keep their parents joint name.

### **Earth Kingdom Surnames**

Surnames within the Earth Kingdom have been present for the middle and lower classes unofficially since 006AT, by 011AT all classes were required to adopt surnames as land ownership and inheritance laws were introduced more officially.

Earth Kingdom surnames are composed of what profession the individual works in, children not old enough to work or without a profession will adopt the surname of their parents with a prefix of 'Esq'.

While it is typical for couples to work in the same profession, when a couple joins and they work in two separate professions the highest earning profession is listed first then the other profession is joined at the end. The only exception to this method of surname is in royalty where the title is presented before their forename and their surname is a number relating to how many instances of their forename have been used in their family lineage.

* **Surname Examples (Standard):** Hunter, Tailor, CandleMaker
* **Surname Examples (Dual Profession):** Painter-Messenger
* **Surname Examples (Children):** Esq-DogBreeder
* **Surname Examples (Royalty):** Queen Gretta the Fourth, Consort Ivan the Second, Noble Jaydi the Seventh

If a divorce is issued with a dual profession surname in place, or an individual changes profession then their surname will change to that profession. This change is only made official through applying for the local authorities to update their information, and as such is often done ahead of the profession change/divorce.

### **Moon Kingdom Surnames**

Since recorded history the Moon Kingdom has used surnames to identify which tribe an individual originates from and their family's general purpose within it was. Typically a surname is composed of two words which match thematically with their tribe, although after the unification of the main tribes within what is now the Moon Kingdom, tribal themes are less important.

In more recent times when a surname is created rather than inherited, the surname will utilize symbolism to allow the surname to present what the family wishes to embody.

When joining a couple will need to decide which surname to adopt, or in some rare instances adopt both.

* **Surname Examples (Standard):** SwiftStrike, LongFeather, DragonBlaze
* **Surname Examples (Double):** LoveGuardian-EverFinch

If a divorce is issued then either partner may choose to either keep the joining name or revert to their surname before their joining, however children born before the divorce will keep their parents joint name.

## **Ringnames**

Ringnames are the Astorian equivalent to nicknames, they are are surrogate titles or names given to an individual by another individual based on a number of factors, such as based on their talents, achievements, or an attitude.

This form of naming originates from the Sun Kingdom where one form of punishment involved criminals being stripped of their original name, or '***free name***', and are imprisoned in a facility called a ***prison pit***. All individuals within a prison pit would be only referred to as a prisoner until they do something of note, after which a warden may give a prisoner a ring name.

Originally ring names were to aid in setting bets for both the inmate populations and the wardens, as fighting within the prison pits was common due to the only method of earning freedom was through becoming the ***pit champion***. After being released many ex-champions kept their ring names as a badge of honor along with their free name, over time ring names became a popular among the general population.

## **Trivia**

* In 029AT the Moon Kingdom adopted the Earth Kingdom method of naming of royalty, as previously the monarch was only referred to as the Queen, and other royals held typical Moon Kingdom surnames.