THE
SERPHELORIAN
NOMENLCLATURE |
Serphelorian first names are quite different from those of their neighbouring
tribes, and as such are quite easy to spot. Feminine names are typically long,
and somewhat sharp sounding, beginning with letters such as K, Q, X and Ch.
Names for men are much shorter and much rounder sounding, starting with letters
like B, G, M and A.
Traditional last names of this tribe indicated who the head of the person’s
family was by incorporating part of their name. This could refer to their
mother, their grandmother, or in the case of some older families (and in current
times, most families), a famous ancestor. For centuries now, many
Serphelorians
have had Avennorian blood, so it is also common
for Serphelorian families from Manthria
to have a last name which comes from that tribe, or is a mixture of the two
naming systems.
The Serphelorians have their own versions of the Tharian Mister, Missus, Miss
and Master, and a respectful ‘Sir’ equivalent, as well as titles which are given
to esteemed members of the community. These are all commonly used in areas where
Serphelorians predominate. While these are not the only titles used there, you
can even hear women being addressed as 'Va-kai' in
New-Santhala.
First Names.
First names of Serphelorians are composed as
follows:
Female Names. First names for
Serphelorian women usually have four or three
syllables; only rarely will they have fewer than this. Some examples of common,
less common and rare beginnings and endings are provided below. Some
conventional middle syllables are also provided, before a list of some whole
first names.
Female Names | Details (ordered alphabetically) |
Beginning Syllables |
Common Chy-, Chyli-, Chyla-, Ga-, Gaia-, Gae-, Ji-, Jie-, Jaia-, Jaiar-, Ka-, Kai-, Kaiaph-, Kaiacer-, Kala-, Ke-, Kai-, Kland-, Kla-, Kle-, Ly-, Lycha-, Lyce-, Lycze-, Qu-, Quat-, Ques-, Quia-, Quin-, Quera-, Ru-, Rua-, Ruka-, Ruam-, Ruman-, Rukam-, Rue-, Vez-, Veza-, Veze-, Vezi-, Vesa-, Xy-, Xyli-, Xyla-, Xyle-, Xa- Less Common El-, Els-, Is-, Isa-, Isl-, Kli-, Klind-, Kephi-, Kaiam-, Lycet-, Sal-, Salor-, Tar-, Taron-, Tarin-, Xaxo-, Xajo-, Xari-, Xyka-, Xypha-, Xypho- Rare Cj-, Cij-, Cjean-, Cja-, Cjeth-, Cijeth- (usually found in Enthronia) |
Endings |
Common -a, -ar, -ia, -lia, -aiar, -eia, -ria, -reia -vria, -eiar, -ian, -rian, -ath, -vath, -veth, -kath, -zath, -reth Less Common -isath, -onia, -oria Rare -qua |
Middle Syllables |
Some of the more typical middle syllables in the names of
Serphelorian women: -cath-, -kaz-, -lo-, -lor-, -loph-, -phri-, -rit-, -rez-, -tan-, -sav-, -rith-, -za- |
Examples |
Chyzaveth, Chylaeia, Chylaritha, Chylia, Cjaloritha, Cjeana, Cjakazath,
Cijoria, Chyrequa Elrianvria, Elsrazar, Elkath, Elaiar, Elophreza Gaezreia, Gaekazar, Garuzath, Gaonia, Gaoria Isaveth, Islian, Isloria, Iskaphria Jisaveth, Jilorqua Kareza, Kaisrian, Karezath, Karezeia, Kairevath, Klariveth Lycetana, Lyrezeia, Lyzath, Lyzophoria Querithia, Quinphrolia Ruamaiar, Rucathlia, Rukloveth, Rulia, Rurithar, Ruvath Salreia, Salera, Salorqua Tarkliria, Taronara, Tarezar Vezarphrian, Vezelia, Vezerita, Vezimoreia, Vezalia Xyphoriath, Xykavath, Xykazar, Xylavath, Xyleia, Xyliria, Xylophria, Xaphireia, Xaxoreia, Xajorian, Xajovria, Xylionia, Xakath |
Male
Names. First names for Serphelorian men
are short, usually of one or two syllables; rarely three. In ancient times
‘-ley’ was the only ending for male names, and it and its newer version ‘-lay’
are still very common. The ‘-ley’ ending now carries a somewhat diminutive or
endearing connotation which the ‘-lay’ spelling avoids; however, many women
will append the ‘-ley’ suffix to their man’s name, regardless of whether it
usually carries it or not, as an endearment (e.g. ‘Amin’ becomes ‘Amley’).
During the patriarchal years the variety of men’s names increased greatly.
Although there still are not as many different options for naming male children
in the Serphelorian style as there are for
female children, there are certainly more than there once were.
Examples of common, less common and rare beginnings and endings, also split by
how traditional they are, are provided below. Some conventional middle
syllables are also provided, before a list of some whole first names.
Male Names | Details (ordered alphabetically) |
Beginning Syllables |
Common, Traditional Br-, Brug-, Brut-, Burj-, Ru-, Rut-, Ral-, No-, Not-, Nol-, Me-, Met-, Med-, Mej- Less Common, Traditional Raj-, Barj- Common, Modern Ge-, Get-, Gej-, Am-, Art-, El-, Eld-, Elg-, Elb-, Ko-, Kor-, Kol-, Kog-, Mi-, Mid-, Tal-, Ti-, Tib-, Tig-, Tag-, Taj-, Mert-, Meart-, Mort- Less Common, Modern Vo-, Vor-, Vog-, Voj-, Et-, Etj-, Elj-, Mig- Rare, Modern Cj-, Cij-, Cje- |
Endings |
Traditional, Common -ley Modern, Common -lay, -d, -g, -ard, -arg, -arb, -in, -on, -an Modern, Less Common -es, -os, -j |
Examples |
Amley, Ames, Amin, Artes Brugley, Brutley, Burjley, Bruley, Barjos, Barjes, Burjos, Burjon, Brug, Brard, Brelon, Brugard, Bruglay, Brutin, Brutisard, Bruton, Burjard, Burjin, Barjley Cijes, Cjarb, Cjon, Cjele Elin, Ed, Etley, Etjarb, Etjon, Eljamon Gejlay, Ged, Geley Kolard, Kolay, Kolquos, Korard Migarb, Mertin, Mortlay, Morton, Meartin, Medarg, Mejarg, Mertley, Migos, Mikilay, Mortesard, Mej, Metley, Mejley Noley, Notley Ruley, Rutley, Raley,Rajley, Ralarg, Ralon, Ruxyon, Reg, Rud, Rajard, Ruchyos Talon, Talquin, Tagley, Tagard, Tajain, Tajarb, Tajin, Tajley, Tibard, Tiblay, Tilay, Tag, Tilyarg, Tagardon, Tajaron Volceley, Vorley, Voron |
Non-gendered
Names. Cj- is a rare non-gendered beginning, sometimes written Cij-. It
is believed to have originated in the group of Serphelorians
who became part of the Caltharians. Cj is
pronounced like “zh”; Cij is pronounced quite differently, with a soft ‘c’.
Last
Names. Serphelorian last names
are constructed of two parts. The first part (the ‘prefix’) is most commonly
the name of a female ancestor, but it can sometimes be a male name, or an
Avennorian title. Whether a name or a title, they
usually refer to a long-dead ancestor, and as such are family names which have
been with the family for many generations. However, they can also refer to a
recent ancestor such as a parent or grandparent, epecially when that person is
particularly well respected where they are from. These first halves are often
abbreviated, sometimes rather haphazardly!
The second half of a Serphelorian last name is
generally one of the normal Serphelorian
suffixes; a list of these is provided below. All these suffixes have meanings,
indicating the relationship between the person who originally took the name to
the person whose name is used in the prefix. The area where the person who
originally took the name came from can also often be discerned from the suffix
of a last name.
The two halves are usually just run together into one word, but older names
often have the traditional hyphen to join the parts.
Last Names | Details (ordered alphabetically) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginnings (by commonality, area) |
Common, all: Any Serphelorian female name, almost always abbreviated. Rare, all (although more likely south of New-Santhala): Any Serphelorian male name, usually abbreviated. Common, Manthria: Any Avennorian name, often abbreviated. Less common, Manthria: Any Avennorian Friering title, often abbreviated. |
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Endings (by area of origin |
It must be noted that meanings given here were relevant to the person who
took or was given the name: they do not necessarily carry that meaning
now. Gender splits refer to the person who was originally given the name,
not necessarily the person who now bears it. Meaning ‘female/male belonging to’. Used for female servants or invalids, or any male:
Meaning ‘sister’.
Meaning ‘daughter’.
Meaning ‘weakling of’.
These Avennorian suffixes are found in people who were originally from Chrondra or other southern areas.
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Examples |
Readers, please note that, like the first names, this is by no means meant
to be an exhaustive list of family names. If your name is not on this
list, it is no slight to your family! Bruglejouvan Chyjenar, Chykhxau, Chykjnar, Chyrukhabinxau, Cijeivarn, Cijervarn Elinka-khajinar, Elszajuvarn Jiri-jervarn Fjorekjouvan Gaiarbinxau, Gerrhildkhaxau Jepprekjouvan, Jigekhabeinxau, Jiliskjunn Kelophjenar, Kle-jija Lycetbeinxau Nolejeinar Reikhajnar, Rejilivarn, Rutlejinar Sala-bxau Veirekskan, Vej’van, Vezijouvan, Vezime-jouja Xarikajivarn, Xarjnar, Xyleaskamm, Xylibenxau ![]() |
Titles.
While the Serphelorians now speak Tharian, they
have retained a number of words from the old
Sophronian tongue in their daily speech. These words nearly all relate to
concepts which are different in Serphelorian
society to the way things are in Santharia
generally. Perhaps it is no surprise then, that titles, particularly
gender-based titles, are one of these sets of words.
Earned titles, also known as honorifics, are a similarly a legacy of the old
language. Serphelorians may become Gravens,
Duchesses and so on just as in other tibes, but there are some titles which are
exclusive to this tribe. ‘Kaiarxur’ is a particular example of a title which has
stuck because it is difficult to translate.
There is a strong emphasis on using the appropriate title for each person in
Serphelorian culture, which may seem strange in such a relaxed, carefree
society as that of Serphelorians. However it
must be remembered that the Serphelorian culture
is also a culture of warriors, particularly in the past. Because of this it
became important to be able to give the proper respect to members of this tribe,
especially the women, thereby hopefully avoiding them wishing to attack you. The
system of titles described here has arisen over thousands of years to enable the
proper respect to be given to the strongest people, while also enabling, in the
spirit of katmoh, respect to be given by any member of the tribe to the
smallest, least powerful member.
Gender | General Titles |
Female |
Va (of age) Vaje [va-ZHEY] (not yet of age) |
Male |
Vajou [va-ZHOU] (attached) Vaser [VASer] (unattached) |
Generic title of respect | ‘-kai’ appended to gender- and age-appropriate title, or to name. |
The title ‘Va’ is usually appended to a
woman's first name (as opposed to the last name as in Tharian). Va is never
used by itself: calling a woman ‘Va’ without her name sounds childish or
uneducated – beggars and poor children use it. ‘Va-kai’ is more appropriate
when the woman's name is not known.
Serphelorian women tend to prefer the
traditional title ‘Va’, or ‘Va-kai’ to the Tharian equivalent ‘Missus’. The
title Va-kai has even become somewhat well-known across the continent, with
many women from other tribes, particularly those with a martial bent, using it
instead of ‘Missus’ or ‘Miss’.
The traditional children’s titles (Vaje and Vaser) are still used for
Serphelorians who are under the age of majority
(around fourteen years of age in this tribe). Also however, men of this tribe
who are unmarried must continue to use the child’s title, Vaser, in the
traditional form. This has led to a marked preference for the Tharian ‘Mister’
to the traditional title for unmarried men of age; the two titles are now used
interchangably. When ‘Mister’ is used, it is used with the first name, and the
suffix indicating respect, ‘-kai’, is appended to it when necessary, just like
with the traditional titles.
Below are some examples of the proper use of Serphelorian gender titles.
Honourific Titles. There exist several honourific titles among the Serphelorians:
Kaiarxura (pl.
Kaiarxurai)
The title ‘Kaiarxura’ is generally bestowed upon people who have, over the
course of their life, ‘proven’ themselves to be great in a way that the
Serphelorians venerate. This can be by
becoming a great warrior or a leader of the people, by being a particularly
wise advisor to the community, or by becoming a scholar of great wisdom. Mages,
clerics, or nobles are no more likely than others to be acclaimed to the title,
except insofar as they have a greater chance to show their bravery, wisdom, or
to be seen protecting those who are vulnerable. It should be noted that the
title ‘Kaiarxura’ is never bestowed by authority – it is always something that
is acclaimed by the people who know the person: her village or social group.
The word ‘Kaiarxura’ originally meant ‘proven warrior’, but now means something
more like ‘proven leader’. One may have the quality of being ‘kaiarxur’, but
one is greeted as ‘Kaiarxura’. The word comes originally from the light blue
colour a warrior’s blue tattoos fade to when she has seen many battles. Men can
also be called Kaiarxur in some cases, although this is rare and one of the
highest honours the
Serphelorians pay to their men.
Vaxytha (pl. Vaxythai)
This title is usually translated to the Tharian equivalent ‘wise woman’.
Vaxythai are elders who take an active interest in the welfare of their
community, often being part of a council of vaxythai where these exist. The
title ‘vaxytha’ has more of a connotation of active use of power for the good
of the community than the strictly honorific ‘Kairxura’.
There is a great overlap between this title and the title Kairaxura, but they
are not equivalent. Wise women are often, but not always, also kaiarxur;
Kaiarxurai may become vaxythai, but not all do.
Jakat (pl. Jakats)
Meaning ‘protector’, in a very active, aggressive sense, Jakat is usually
translated as Queen (or King). The title is now only used in the historical
context to describe rulers of the
Serphelorian kingdom, or of one of the
various sub-states that have existed in the past.
These titles always supersede the
gender-appropriate titles, and '-kai'. To call someone 'Va-kai' or 'Vajou' when
you are aware that others are calling them 'kaiarxur' is to deny their right to
that title; it means that you do not think they should be called kaiarxur. This
is only an insult when you have previously called them kaiarxur. At other times
it is a legitimate protest against the designation, and the person has no right
to take offence.
These titles can be used in the old form, where they are appended to the end of
the name, or, as is now common, they can be used in the Tharian form and put
before, or used in place of, the name.
In formal situations or literature, the traditional form should be used. In the
case of multiple titles, other Serphelorian
titles should be appended in their order of importance in formal situations.
Informally, it is not necessary to mention more than the highest title.
Any Tharian titles should always be placed at the front, as normal, both
formally and informally. These can be used instead of the
Serphelorian title.
As with the gender-based titles, honourific titles are appended to the person’s
first name. Where the last name needs to be used it is either appended to the
titles with a hyphen in the formal or traditional usage, or merely written
after the last name when the Tharian form is used. Last names are to a great
degree de-emphasised in Serphelorian culture
however, so this is not usually an issue.
Below are some examples of the proper use of
Serphelorian honourific titles. Where other titles are used, it should be
remembered that these are independent of the title being discussed, but are
examples of how these other titles might interact with the title in question.
Title | Interaction Example |
Formal, discussing a Queen | The Serphelorian tribe owes much of its present form to Quesvath-Jakat-vaxytha-kaiarxur. |
Informal, discussing a Queen | The Serphelorian tribe would be completely different if it hadn’t been for the Jakat Quesvath. |
Formal, introducing a wise woman | Let me introduce the Baroness Salreia-vaxytha-kaiarxur, Lady Onved. |
Formal, addressing a wise woman |
Thank you for seeing me,
Salreia-vaxytha-kaiarxur. Thank you for seeing me, Baroness Salreia. Thank you for seeing me, Lady Onved. |
Informal, addressing a wise woman |
Good morning Salreia-vaxytha. Good morning Vaxytha. Good morning Vaxytha Salreia. Good morning Baroness. Good morning my Lady. |
Formal, introducing a Kaiarxura | Let me introduce the Duchess Quezreia-kaiarxura, Lady Xythria. |
Formal, addressing a Kaiarxura: |
Good evening, Quezreia-kaiarxura. Good evening, Duchess Quezreia. Good evening, Your Grace. Good evening, Lady Xythria. |
Informal, addressing a Kaiarxura |
Good morning, Quezreia-kaiarxura. Good morning, Kaiarxura. Good morning, Kaiarxura Quezreia. Good morning, your Grace. Good morning, Duchess. |
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