The Name Lore of Rhimn
What’s in a Name?
N
aturally, as Rhimn is a world of its own, its cultures have naming conventions quite distinct from the conventions common to Earth. Fo example, feyrie courts often have a different approach to names from human societies, Ullua and Gadhi each have their own ideas about how names are gendered, and individual regions of both countries have their own customs and traditions.
Common Feyrie Naming Conventions
While humans parents typically name their children, feyrie courts often leave children unnamed until they grow old enough to choose one for themselves. This usually happens once the child is old enough to talk. Before they pick a name, they’re referred to in general terms — “this kid,” “the baby,” “our child” — or by a temporary name, depending on their court’s traditions. The temporary name is usually known as a “baby name,” and a fey is expected to grow out of it once they're old enough to speak in complete sentences.
It’s also common for fey to grow out of the first name they choose for themself. Fey change their names for a lot of reasons; to match a new gender identity, to reflect a change in court allegiance, to convey a revelation about their personal interests, or to signal their dedication to a leadership position.
Because they choose it for themselves, a feyrie’s name can potentially tell you what they value. Many fey pick names common to the local human culture, but some fey name themselves after nouns, adjectives, etc (“Snow,” “Russet.”) It’s more common in the wildercourts, but city fey will do so just as readily if it strikes their fancy. However, certain courts, such as the Mirthful Ones, have stricter naming schemes that court fey are expected to follow.
Fey don’t typically take middle names, but most fey adopt their court as a surname. For example;
- Meparik of the Frostbitten Court
- Meticulous Research of the Mirthful Ones
- Eustais of the Lycarious Court
In the rare case of fey with more than one court allegiance, they typically take the name of their first court, or the court they are currently living with. Meanwhile, solitary fey might adopt residence or profession as their surname. Such as;
- Morekai of Hybirah
- Ainzel the Summer Herald
- Charlan the Shopkeep
Feyries with very close relationships, whether that be familial, platonic, or romantic, will often pair matching names as a sign of their devotion to one another. Children and young teens will pair their names readily in friendship. Adults see pair naming as more of a commitment, and rarely do so lightly. Paired names that show up during Heralds of Rhimn include;
- Iriah & Oriah of the Matrius’ Consultation
- Merlie & Verlin of the Frostbitten Court
- Whimsie & Mystique of the Mirthful Ones
Common Gadhian Naming Conventions
Gadhian surnames, much like surnames in English, are taken from one’s parents. Unlike English surnames, Gadhians usually take theirs from the parent with the most prestige rather than from a parent of a particular gender. But since Rhimn's power structures are mostly martriarchal, that parent is usually the mother.
In marriages between nobility, the family with the most lauded hairjeweling is typically the one who passes down their surname. Peasants do not have hairjeweling — in fact, it’s illegal to wear if you don’t have a title of nobility — so they get more flexibility in determining who has more prestige. “Prestige” can be social capital such as property rights, material accomplishments, or careers in respected professions. Sometimes, it’s just whoever’s got a wealthier family. If one name is prettier or more desirable than the other, the parents might make up something as a justification for giving that child their name!
Giving a child their first name is considered a cooperative, bonding effort between the parents. Typically, one parent will select one defining aspect of the name; beginning letter, must have a divine meaning, must be a kind of flower, etc. Then, the other will use this aspect to choose a more specific name.
First name trends are often highly regional. However, rural households often give children harvest-based names for good luck and abundance. Nobles favor names that reference gemstones and metalwork, as well as names with holy histories with Gardhe. Names of previous Herald-Regents and virtue-based names are particularly common. Light is associated with cheerfulness, and hence “illuminated” names are considered virtuous as well.
Common Ulluan Naming Conventions
Ullua is much larger than Gadhi and sports more cultural variety, meaning that its naming conventions are far more varied than in Gadhi. But there are some commonalities between provinces.
For instance, Ulluic surnames are typically passed down matrilineally. That may sound simple, but a matrilineal surname system can have its complications. Most of Ullua is polygamous, meaning that a child will usually have at least three parents. Usually, they take on the surname of their birth mother. But, should their birth mother or her family name be objectionable for any reason, the child might be given the surname of one of their mother’s huvri-wives (i.e. wife-in-law, via marriage to the same person) instead. This is more likely than passing down the name of a birth father. Adult children with strained relations to their birth mother might intentionally adopt the surname of another parent.
Ullua also is more willing to acknowledge nonbinary identities — known as the “ungendered” or “feral” genders, and highly associated with the fey. Mothers’ surnames take the highest priority, followed by that of ungendered parents, and then father’s surnames should there be no other options.
If both birth parents identify as the same gender, they typically get to pick which name gets passed down.
It’s worth noting that there are rare edgecases where a dwindling noble family only has sons left to continue the line, and pass down their surname patrilineally. This is expected to be the case for Prince Alaezel, the Matrius’ only child.
Some naming traditions that crop up in Edah Fyr include naming firstborns after a grandmother, or asking Alluari or the Romne for suggestions at a local shrine. In Edah Fyr, Terhou and Hybirah, gifting the child a water-based name is thought to bring good luck.
Nobility from Edah Fyr are known for announcing their birth order and birth mother’s first name as part of their full name — for example, “Katrya of House Jyatari, First Son of Huvai” or “Hyumi of House Jyatari, Second Daughter of Mauryn.” They will also invent short, witty titles that follow their name. It’s a way of showing off their virtues and their education.
Name Glossary
Ainzel (ain-SUL) — A name of mixed origin, often translated as “one hero,” and known best from “Ainzel feyrietales” orally recited by Ulluic courts. An Ainzel tale features an anonymous feyrie protagonist, always dubbed “Ainzel,” who tricks someone unpleasant and lives to tell the tale. Folklorists debate endlessly about which tales are grounded in real events, which tales are morality lessons, and which tales are pure fancy.
Airasia (ay-RAH-see-ah) — An Ulluic name which means “divinely favored.” This name is considered gender-neutral and is popular in the Hybirah region.
Alevar (al-LEH-var) — A Gadhian name associated with butterflies.
Alaezel (al-LAY-zel) — An Ulluic name best translated as “miraculous one.” A common name for children who were not expected to survive birth.
Alluari (ah-LOO-ah-ree) — An Ulluic name meaning “of the stars.” It belongs to the goddess of starlight and rain who is worshiped broadly across Ullua.
Atevia (ah-TEH-vee-uh) — A commoner’s surname with origins in the Old Gadhin word “Attiva” or “attic-dweller;” someone who lives in a rented attic.
Ayowen (EYE-oh-WHEN) — The surname of Gardhe’s First Herald, passed down to all who adopt her title and role.
Charlan (SHAR-lin) — A Gadhian interpretation of the Ulluic word “jharlian,” a descriptor which can mean “expensive,” “luxurious,” or “lavish.” When applied to nouns, it’s usually translated to “wealth” or “valuables.”
Crimsworth (KRIMS-worth) — A Gadhian surname, often indicative of a warrior ancestor far down the line. In old Gadhin, “crimswoerth” was a synonym for “bloodshed.”
Crislie (CRY-slee) — A relatively common Gadhian name which means “fire-tender.” It’s considered feminine in this form, but can be made masculine as “Crisly” or ungendered as “Crisli.”
Daughi (doggie) — A name referencing a sea drakon of yore, said to have terrorized the seas between Lyreth and Saereya for fifteen years before vanishing mysteriously into the deep again. The name can be translated as “fanged horror.” Often used for pets, sometimes sarcastically.
Delise (del-EYES) — A Gadhian name meaning “anchored,” or “reliable.”
Dhira (DEER-rah) — A common Ulluic name meaning “brown-eyed.”
Eguimond (egg-WHEE-mond) — The surname of one of Talimour’s older yet dwindling noble houses. Historically, the Eguimonds have been a priestly lineage, full of temple-minders and diplomats. The name is said to be derived from “echmond,” an Old Gadhin name for topaz.
Eiryal (AIRY-yahl) — A very old Ulluic name, meaning “liquid-voiced,” or more poetically, “rainsinger.” Held by a benevolent priestess from a prominent Ainzel tale, and a common name passed down to Heralds of Alluari.
Elloise (eh-LOYS) — Like “Elowen,” this is a more modern name derived from “Elowise,” which meant “golden-gifted tunneler.” Scholars theorize that this name’s history stretches back to a pre-Reckoning dwarvish society.
Elowen (eh-low-WHEN) — A common name in Gadhi, derived from the name “Elowise.” It means “golden valley.”
Evain (eh-VAIN) — A relatively common Gadhian name which means “humble.” Considered masculine.
Eustais (you-STICE) — An unpopular spelling of the Gadhian name “Eustys.” It’s said to mean “needle-bearer,” but the lineage of this name is from an under-studied northern dialect of Old Gadhin, so this is uncertain.
Fealah (fee-LAH) — A name descended from the Old Gadhin “Fealaighe.” Scholars disagree on whether the name meant “of feyrie magic,” or if it superseded “fea” as the Old Gadhin spelling of “fey” and instead means “of dead magic” (as adopted from the Ulluic “feh.”) Many fey choose this name for its lyrical quality.
Fraihz (frays) — A name derived from the Old Gadhin spelling and pronunciation of “freeze.” Belongs to the winter twin of the Romne, the two gods of the seasons.
Gardhe (GAR-dah) — A name derived from Old Gadhin which means “protector.” Belongs to the god of sunlight, iron, and forging.
Gildhe (GIL-dah) — Derived from the word “gild,” this name is associated with prosperity and good-favor.
Havinia (ha-VIHN-ee-ah) — The surname of the Havinia clan of nobility, a noble house of Talimourian politicians and bureaucrats. It means “steadfast.”
Heiworth (HIGH-worth) — A common sirname, but also the sirname of a few low-ranking Moreic noble families. “Heiworth” is derived from the Old Gadhin “hewnsworth,” or “woodcuttings.”
Hita (he-TAH) — A very common Ulluic name. It’s lineage is muddled, but it’s thought to mean either “neighborly” or “well-intentioned.”
Hyumi (high-YOU-me) — A popular name for human girls in northern Ullua. The name is associated with hymiri, which are resilient, blue-flowered plants that pop up after wet season rains.
Ilaina (ill-LAY-nah) — A feminine name said to mean “illuminated.” Orphans in Gadhi are often renamed after light, virtue, or gems in order to make them more appealing to prospective adopters from noble houses.
Inkantik (IN-can-tick) — An old-fashioned name once favored by Gadhian nobility from houses with priestly lineage. It is said to mean “lucky” or “blessed.”
Iriah (ear-REE-yuh) & Oriah (oar-RY-uh) — Paired Ulluic names commonly used in the nomadic feyrie courts. “Iriah” refers to a friend kept on the left-hand side, while “Oriah” refers to a friend kept on the right.
Irongardhe (iron-GUARD) — Meaning “iron-clad protectors,” this is the order of knights and nobles organized around Gardhe's church. Though “-gardhe" is derived from Gardhe’s name, its pronunciation has gradually modernized, and “-he” is now silent.
Ispen (ISP-ehn) — The surname of the Ispen clan of nobility, a younger noble house mainly made up of knights. It means “gleaming.”
Jeidhe (JAI-dah) — The surname of the Jeidhe clan of nobility, with deep roots in Old Gadhin. It means “just.”
Karah (car-RAH) — A common Gadhian name with connotations of swiftness.
Katrya (CAT-tree-yah) — A masculine Ulluic name; it’s considered very attractive in this era, and lucky for attracting wealthy brides. The name once meant “bountiful harvest.”
Latqua (LAHT-kwah) — An Ulluic name native to Edah Fyr. It means “iridescent.”
Lethea (leh-THEE-ah) — A Gadhian name, meaning “pale;” it’s translated from the Ulluic name “Lethyah,” which means the same.
Lind (lynd) — A Gadhian name; this is a more “cute” version of the name “Lindoryth” from Old Gadhin, which is thought to mean “splendid.”
Lonnie (lohn-KNEE) — A Gadhian name, derived from the Old Gadhin name “Lonnyr.” Usually seen in its masculine form, Lonny or Lonys. Its origins are mostly forgotten, but in the modern era, it’s associated with rabbits because it sounds a little bit like “bunny!”
Lykari (lie-KAR-ree) — An old name, derived from the same naming conventions as “Alluari,” which were brought into modern Ulluic. It means “of the pale moon.”
Meparik (meh-PAR-ick) — A Gadhian name that has long gone out of fashion. One still finds it in old books and stories. It means “bold.”
Merlie (mare-LEE) — Considered to be feminine counterpart to “Merlys” and “Merlin,” which are derived from “Mher-lot,” the Old Gadhin word for a plot of land given to peasants to farm for the nobility. Most interpret these names as “gardener.” It can form a popular feyrie name pairing with “Verlin.”
Morekai (MORE-reh-kai) — An Ulluic name which means “open-handed.” Considered a friendly and highly masculine name.
Navaeli (nah-VEY-lee) — An unusual name, which some might argue is not a proper name at all. It’s a combination of several Ulluic words, roughly translating to “enemy of sunlight.”
Neerah (near-RAH) — An Ulluic name common near the borderlands of Edah Fyr. It means “defender,” or “shield.”
Orlen (OR-len) — A Gadhian name derived from the Old Gadhin word for oak trees; it means “stoic.” It was more popular seventy years ago.
Rhiallon (ree-AH-lohn) — An Old Gadhian name that only crops up in feyrie courts, meaning “above the earth,” or as fey prefer to interpret it, “alive.” This name is in danger of dying out entirely.
Romne (rohm) — An Old Gadhin name for Fraihz and Thah which means “earthen,” derived from the world’s name of “Rhimn.” Sometimes used as a first name by fey, where it takes on a connotation of patience and piety.
Silamir (SILL-uh-MEER) — A name derived from a language wiped out during The Immortal Reckoning. Its meaning is forgotten.
Stelleh (STEL-lah) — This name shares origins with the word “stellar,” as derived from “Stellari,” a group of constellation gods that once served under Alluari.
Thah (thaw) — A name which is derived from the Old Gadhian spelling of “thaw.” Belongs to the summer twin of the Romne, the gods of the seasons.
Tyde (tide) — A straightforward respelling of the word “tide.” Seafaring fey sometimes choose this name.
Verlin (VARE-lin) — A name derived from “Vher-lot,” the Old Gadhin word for a plot of land given to peasants to tend to animals for the nobility. Most interpret this name to mean something like “shephard.” It can form a popular feyrie name pairing with “Merlin.”
Vivian (vih-VEE-ahn) — A Gadhian name. It means “lively,” and is often used for pets with assertive personalities.
