What's in a Name? Or, Find Your Onizard Name!

Someone once asked me where I got the names for my characters, as they were confused by the structure of Onizard names. While some of the names can be daunting when written out (Deybralfi's name sounds as harsh as she is), their naming structure follows a very simple system.

There are two syllables in the first part of an Onizard's name. Usually, one syllable is chosen by the mother, and the other syllable is chosen by the father. Though to humans they may seem like random letters that sound cool when placed together, these syllables are actually words in the old language of Senbralni's time.

The arrangement of these words can give a different meaning to a name. For the best example, there was once a Leyrkan named Mesenni. The first syllable, me, means "hope". The second syllable, sen, is a very common naming word which now means "star" (no one really knows what it meant during Senbralni's time, when stars didn't exist). Placed together, the name Mesen means "hope star", as in the star others are placing their hope in. Senme, on the other hand, means "star hope", as in someone placing hope in the stars.

Stars are precious to Onizards, as are children. Is it any wonder, then, that Del, which is the Onizard equivalent of "Jr.", is one of the other more common naming words? Delbralfi, Deldenno, Delculble and Delsenni are just some of the Onizards with this name! Senraeno originally wanted to join the "Del" party, but a great friend wisely pointed out that Senraeno would sound better than Delraeno.  Del is the only naming word that must come first in an Onizard's name. It is a sign of respect for the friend or ancestor the child is named after.

Onizard parents have to be cautious when giving their children names, as the last part of the child's name is out of their control. This last syllable identifies what element the Onizard is.

no = Child of Water
na = Child of Earth
ble = Child of Wind
fi = Child of Fire
san = Child of Light (Day)
ni = Child of Light (Night Kingdom)

While both of Teltrena's parents were Children of Earth, there was no guarantee that she would be one as well. Luckily, she did not end up being called Teltrefi for the rest of her life. Delbralfi's name if he were a Child of Earth is only slightly better.

In summary, two syllables of name followed by one syllable of an Onizard's element equals one proper Onizard name.

Now, to give you a bit of fun, here are some Onizard naming words and their meanings. Figure out who you would be, and post in the comments! In the unlikely event that you happen to pick the same name as a character in one of my future novels, I'll laugh at the coincidence and e-mail you a short, major spoiler-free description of said character to see how closely you match. Onizards can repeat names in later generations, so don't feel too bad about it. You might find out something no one other than myself knows about the next novels! If your name is truly unique and it inspires me, you may find yourself in possession of an original hand-drawn Onizard. In other words, please leave your e-mail in the comments.

Note that some of these names clearly came from the time when the Onizards were separate clans, while others are later editions. Also note that the Onizards chose interesting things to divide along gender lines.

Am(female)/Em(male) = beloved
Blom = of the lost
Bral = long-lasting fire
Brul = a quick fire
Cul = thunder
Del = the younger ("Jr.")
Den (male) / Dan (female) = one who loves
Dey = great in power
Er = two (in this case, usually given to one of a pair of twins)
Fas = son
Fal = daughter
Gra = healer
Hur = storm
I = proud
Kan (male) / Que (female) = heart
Ma (female) / Me (male) = hope
Rae = renewing wave
Ran = unlooked for (mostly given to "WHOOPS!" babies. :P)
Rul = bright
Sae = one who sees
Sai = eyes
Sen = star
Stai = legs
Tai = wings
Tel = steadfast
Tor = gust of wind
Tre =  tree (the Onizards worked hard on this one. It's pronounced "treh" and it has one less letter e!)
Xol = lightning

Let the fun begin!