[MR] How to pick a name?

[Dave Montuori]

Scripsit Ashley:
> how does one go about selecting and registering (?) a name for the SCA?
> My membership card had this particular spot blank, and I am at a loss as
> to what the proper procedure is.

(Evan puts on the Former Kingdom Submissions Herald hat)

Well, first off, there is a difference between the blank on your
membership form and actual heraldic registration. I think it says that
somewhere on the form... yep there it is:

Society Name (Optional): (For reference only. Society names are registered
through the College of Heralds)

Basically, you don't have to put your SCA name on your membership form,
and putting a name there doesn't do anything towards registering it.

To register a name, you would find a friendly neighborhood herald, or
search out the heralds at an event, and ask for help with the process.
Ideally the herald will have the necessary form. (I confess that I myself
don't always carry my Little Box O' Forms with me...) At most large
kingdom events, and at some local events, the heralds will set up a
'consultation table' where they will have the necessary forms to fill
out, as well as research materials.

> Are there limits on
> what type of name might be used, given the particular time reference?

The range of good names pretty much depends on when and where you'd like
to set your persona; a good name for a 7th century Irishwoman would not be
a good name for a 15th century German lady, and vice versa. So the best
place to start is picking a time and place more specific than 'pre-17th
century Europe.' There are many ways to start narrowing your search, such
as what activities you like, what sort of garb you like to wear, what sort
of foods you prefer, and so on.

Here is one good general article on names for beginners:

http://www2.kumc.edu/itc/staff/rknight/Names.htm

(Okay, time to take off the FKSH hat...) Hope this helps some.

Evan