Name worldbuilding fuckery
So, I have this naming system I've designed without any worlds I plan on using it in at the moment, so I'm sharing it here. I don't know if anyone has come up with something similar, but I think it's cool, so that's good enough for me.
So when a child is born, they're given a child name. Child names are usually one syllable, typically 3-4 letters (ex: Mel, Alex, Em. They're generally considered gender neutral, although some do have more gendered connotations (ex: Anne, Liam). These names are generally less popular because part of the idea of giving the kids child names is that they choose their identity, including their gender/gendered connotations of their names.
This leads me into adult names. An adult name is an upgraded version of a child name, a longer version of it. If we use my initial three examples, Mel can become Melissa, Melvin, or Ammil, Alex can become Alexandra, Alexio, or Calexson, and Em can become Emily, Ember, or Fyerem. This lets people socially transition easily as they become adults.
Adult names are generally chosen between the ages of 18 and 21, although some choose their adult names as early as 14 or as late as 25. Generally, if someone still hasn't chosen at 25, their name is just legally cemented as their child name. This is heavily frowned upon as people view it as someone being unable to grow up. Similarly, people who want to change their names after picking their adult names also have to jump through hoops. If someone under 25 does it, it's viewed as proof that person is immature and cannot handle big decisions. If someone over 25 does it, it's treated as midlife crisis behavior- clearly the person is just confused/struggling with their identity because why else would they want to change their name?
This stigma, despite being largely inaccurate most of the time, is reinforced by the school system, which heavily emphasizes choosing your adult name carefully. Parents often choose their childrens' child names pretty recklessly, frequently just picking syllables they think sound cool (ex: Shix, Ress, Forn) and the children have to come up with ways to make those names sound like actual names. There are name consultants who can help kids come up with a good name and, for a price, will hand kids a list of names with connotations, meanings, etc. Some of these lists are published in newspapers, and look something like this:
Shix Ress Forn Anna Liam
Performer: Shixia Lyress Fornaris Annalia Caliamni
Merchant: Shixis Fressto Fornum Jannari Bryliam
Academic: Marshix Wyress Alforne Ighannan Ulliam
Soldier: Shixar Resswyn Fornellis Annarti William
Farmer: Shixie Cayress Fornoll Annacia Liamna
Parent: Shixara Ressall Forneus Annanetta Elliam
Lover: Ashixy Caresse Lyforni Arianna Myliam
Names have various themes, with careers, goals, and personality traits being common. Note that many of these (even when the child name is not a suffix) rhyme. Despite the fact that many name variations are available, many names have a handful that are heavily recommended (William for Liam, Annalia and Arianna for Anna). The random syllable movement seeks to combat that and seeks to create room for more really out there names. However, some of these can go too far, leading to some people swearing off their child names.
Swearing off your child name is no minor event. It's considered disowning your parents/heritage, even if it's just something as small as having your child name be Anna and choosing the adult name Annette. Most people will assume that some crazy stuff happened, and that you have a terrible relationship with your parents if you did so, which is generally treated about the same as it is in the real world. If you have a terrible child name/want to transition before you've picked an adult name, it's kind of tough luck. Most child names are gender neutral, but if a kid asks you to use different pronouns for them you use the different pronouns. It's viewed as essential for them forming their identity and picking the right adult name.
That kind of brings me to taboo names. Gendered child names are frowned upon, but giving your kid the part of your adult name that was added to your child name (ex: your child name was Liam, you become William, you name your child Will) is viewed as removing autonomy from the child. Same with giving a kid a name that's "too long". A kid named Terrence is the subject of pity from all of their peers because clearly Terrence has overbearing parents who can't let them flourish. A kid named Terra is assumed to have parents who struggle to toe the line between loving an overbearing. There's a fine line, and most people follow the one-syllable rule. The other naming taboo is words. It's viewed as branding the kid with some kind of destiny or revolving theme in their life, tying them down before they've formed a proper sense of self. Many adults avoid word names for similar reasons, and some will just change a letter or two to "cast out" the unwanted aspects of that name while "welcoming in" the wanted ones (ex: Caresse).
Generally, people won't question someone's adult name. If your name is Pystallxen, great. You'll have to explain how to spell it a bazillion times, but adult names are meaningful and are not chosen willy nilly. Insulting someone's name (as an adult) is a great way to start a fight because it's attacking your ability to define your own personhood, and often something else that is very important to you. But sometimes, people will pick something obviously terrible, like a swear or a slur. In this situation, people will default to the person's child name. This is the insult I just described above with the addition of being infantilizing. If you're doing it when someone has a fairly decent, but unusual name (like calling Pystallxen Xen) it will often result in a fight, complaints of harassment, or hazing.
Having said that, names like Pystallxen are a mouthful. This culture thrives on long names. It's only natural that nicknames show up. But a nickname needs to be carefully crafted. It needs to respect both the chosen and child aspects of the name. Pyxstallxen might be shortened to Pyxen or Pysten. Generally, you'd ask Pyxstallxen about this nickname before beginning to use it, and Pyxstallxen would be well within their rights to refuse it.
Of course, this brings us back to child names. Who is allowed to use a child name for an adult once they've reached adulthood? For some families, child names are a term of endearment, but they're only used in private because it's a) misleading to anyone who randomly overhears and b) is considered rude by those who don't use them as such. If you knew someone as a kid, and meet them as an adult, using the child name is generally okay, but you need to swap adult names asap or you'll look like a dick. Sometimes, childhood friends will use them in jokingly mocking ways (like how you might call your friend a crybaby or a rat bastard) but again, that's only specific friendships. And while child names are by no means some great secret, most people don't broadcast them. People usually only ask about them to gauge a nickname or to find stuff about the person from their childhood, leading to a lot of people not wanting to answer the question.
And yeah!! If anyone has any questions please ask I love talking about this
