Naming conventions

Names are very important to the witches of United Britannia and Hibernia. Names must be ready once a baby is born (this is likely a remnant of the previously high infant mortality rate). Most parents go through an arduous process to come up with a name because names (and surnames, especially) are a source of great power (or lack thereof) in United Britannia and Hibernia.

First names

First names are often based on religion, mythology, and history; many names are Latinized versions of aforementioned names, but other languages are used in naming as well.

Council rules

One thing a family must consider is Council rules. The Council requires that two family members of the same generation cannot share a first name; furthermore, a member of the current generation cannot share a name with anyone of the previous three generations. As such, there are no juniors, thirds, etc. To honor family members within three generations, some families use a variation of a name (e.g., Mary/Marie/Maureen). When honoring family members older than three generations, it is considered an honor to name a child after that family member.

Birth records are meticulously kept by the Council and names must be approved by the Council before being used. The Council usually has no pushback about a name unless it breaks a rule or is offensive.

Middle names

There are rarely middle names; those that utilize them are usually followers of Nova Religio.

Surnames

Surnames are generally one syllable. As mentioned, they can be a source of great prestige (or the opposite).

Nicknames

Nicknames are only used amongst a person's family or most intimate of friends. Otherwise, a person must offer the nickname, or the person using it is considered rude.

Character examples

Vesper: Roman equivalent of the Greek Hesperos ("evening"). Hesperos is also a figure in Greek mythology

Cian: means "ancient" in Gaelic; also used in Irish mythology

Celia: comes from the old Roman family name Caelius