Onshian Names

Over the course of their millennia-long existence, the Onshians have developed and retained a distinct system of nomenclature that differs from that used by the rest of Inecuria. Every other Inecurian civilisation, across multiple species, broadly follows the formula of a personal name and a surname - usually with the personal name coming first, but not always - where the surname is either a family name or is derived from the name of the father or mother.

Onshi is the lone exception in that people have numerous names; at minimum three, but depending on circumstances and status they may have more. Onshian nomenclature is often compared to ancient Roman nomenclature, as they share many conventions and follow broadly the same formula, consisting of a *soita* (*praenomen*), *zetusoita* (*nomen*) and at least one *ansoita* (*cognomen*). Where Onshian nomenclature differs from that of the Romans is that those with some kind of position of authority have the title of their office, status or rank adjoined to their name as a prefix, known as a *temoita* or *temu*.

## Temoita

Deriving from *temu-soita* (title-name) and also simply referred to as *temu* (title), the *temoita* is an optional component that refers to one's office, status or military rank that always comes first in an Onshian's name. The very first *temusoita* was that of the Kings of Onshi; *Ona*.

There is conflicting evidence on whether other *temusoita* existed prior to the Republic, but the mainstream consensus amongst modern historians is that there were a limited range of *temusoita* that could be used by others if they were explicitly bestowed by the King - however, it was always forbidden to refer to a subject with a *temusoita* in the presence of the King. The evidence is unclear on whether this rule held true in the presence of foreign rulers. Some sources clearly show Onshians referring to foreign kings as *Ona* in the presence of the King; other sources do not and have Onshians refer to foreign kings simply as "rulers", but they also do not mention a rule forbidding referring to foreign kings as *Ona*.

## Soita

One's *soita* (simply "name") is their personal name, given to them by their parents to identify them. It is often described as equivalent to the *praenomen* in Roman nomenclature.

Although historically it was typical for each *zetu* (dynasty or *gens*) to use a fairly short list of names unique to their *zetu* as a *soita* for their children, this practice began to fall out of favour in the 17th century AD and was essentially extinct by the turn of the 20th century. Modern Onshians simply name their children whatever *soita* they like, though the ancient *soita* do remain the most common names.

Though nearly all Inecurian languages display unusual stability over time, the tradition of constantly using the same *zoita* has resulted in an unprecedented degree of linguistic preservation in personal names; modern Onshians still mostly use the same *soita* as those who founded the Republic over two millennia ago.

It is generally considered impolite to use the *soita* of someone who is not known well, especially if they are higher in status. Even in the modern day - though generally only in formal settings - it is necessary to be given explicit permission to use one's *soita* without appearing rude. As such, Onshians generally do not know each other's *soita* until they have already established a friendly relationship.

## Zetusoita

Deriving from *zetu-soita* (dynasty-name), the *zetusoita* refers to one's *zetu* - a word generally translated as "dynasty", but is more alike the Roman concept of a *gens*, referring to patrilineal descent from a particular ancestor. It is often described as equivalent to the *nomen* in Roman nomenclature.

Though the *zetusoita* was useful for distinguishing individuals in the early days of Onshi, literary sources show that each *zetu* had already ballooned to a massive size by the time of the foundation of the Republic of Onshi in 642 BC (858 INC). The *ansoita* took over as the primary means of distinguishing individual households (*mori*) and persons as it became increasingly common for people from the same *zetu* to share a *soita*, especially given the tradition of *zetu* to stick to a limited selection of *soita*.

However, this did not mean that the *morisoita* or membership of a *zetu* became unimportant, as it remained (and still remains) a crucial part of an Onshian's social and political life; it simply ceased to be a particularly useful means of differentiating individuals.

Whereas it is considered impolite to use a *soita* without establishing a friendship or receiving permission, it is considered impolite to *not* use a *zetusoita* between those who are not close, and it is often regarded as impolite even between friends in formal settings. If someone is the only member of their *zetu* present, it is standard to refer to them solely using their *zetusoita*; but if there are multiple people from the same *zetu* - which is likely, as each *zetu* is very large - the addition of *ansoita* is necessary.

The exception is with those who have an *ansoita* they may be especially proud of and especially pleased to be referred to as, in which case it is normal to refer to them just by this *ansoita*. Because of the general uncertainty surrounding this tradition, it is rarely done, and usually requires the public consent of the person in question. The archetypical example is the legendary founder of Onshi, King Ichekara Karashima Eshitepa, who was referred to in his lifetime and by subsequent Onshians simply as *Ona Eshitepa* ("King Eshitepa") in situations where maximum formality was not required; the *ansoita* "Eshitepa" translates literally as star-child but is more culturally akin to the epithet "the Great". The only other individuals to receive the *ansoita* of Eshitepa in their lifetimes were Atsoku Kesadawo Zaite - who explicitly and publicly rejected the name to avoid associating with the kings of old - and Emperor Athdus III (Onshian: *Edona Asedas Kapiru Eshitepa*), who himself almost certainly did not actually comprehend the meaning behind the name.

## Ansoita

Deriving from *anji-soita* (glory-name), and referred to in full as *anjisoita* in some dialects, the *ansoita* can refer to a variety of attributes, and depending on their circumstances and station a person may have multiple *ansoita*. It is often described as equivalent to the *cognomen* in Roman nomenclature.

The *ansoita* began its existence as a nickname, which may reflect a characteristic of the person or refer to a great deed the person is known for - hence glory-name. *Ansoita* of this type are almost exclusively created by others and applied to an individual, sometimes resulting in individuals becoming known by rather unflattering *ansoita* - though it was not uncommon for individuals labelled with negative *ansoita* to ironically embrace the name and apply it to themselves, which Onshians throughout history have generally regarded as a respectable response to mockery or denigration, showing humility and a good nature.

By the time of the Republic, the *ansoita* had taken on the secondary role of serving as what is sometimes termed a *morisoita* (house-name), referring to a specific household or dynastic branch to distinguish from others in the same *zetu*. The vast majority of *morisoita* began as nicknames - in other words, a normal *ansoita* - which was then adopted by the children of the bearer of the *ansoita* and used as a name for their specific branch of the *zetu*. *Ansoita* that are used as *morisoita* always come before other *ansoita*, resulting in the order *soita*-*zetusoita*-*morisoita*-*ansoita*.

*Ansoita*, particularly those already used as *morisoita*, can also become the basis for a new *zetusoita* if an entirely new *zetu* is formed - though the creation of new *zetu* has always been an exceedingly rare ocurrence throughout Onshian history, as Onshians are generally proud of their *zetu* and of their heritage; it takes extraordinary circumstances to make an Onshian abandon the history of his ancestors and the ties of his living kin to take on a new *zetusoita*.