Naming Structures [General Lesson]

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Let us begin by exploring the basic components of a warrior's name.

• prefix: the first half of a cat's name. based on appearance.
  
• suffix: the second half of a cat's name. based on rank and the cat's personality or appearance.

Traditional Prefixes

A traditional prefix is based in nature and things that the warrior cats would encounter in their daily lives. They can also reference an aspect of the kit's birth. Kits are usually named after their fur color, as their eyes are not opened immediately after birth, and are blue until they are roughly one moon old. Kits are named immediately after birth.

Untraditional Prefixes

An untraditional prefix is based on an unrealistic reasoning, on natural plants/animals not found in the warrior's home, or on human concepts. Types of untraditional prefixes include:

• prefixes based on eye color
  
• prefixes based on emotion
  
• prefixes based on human spiritual concepts such as angels, the spirit, or the soul
  
• prefixes based on items or concepts only present in human society such as guns, glass, tin, or precious gems (ie diamonds, rubies, sapphires, opals, etc)
  
• prefixes that use Sun or Moon or a variation (solar, lunar)
  
• prefixes that include a Clan's name
  
• prefixes that are identical to a rank suffix (-kit, -paw, -star)
  
• prefixes based on or using verbs (running, dreaming, killer, shiver, etc.)

Traditional Suffixes

A traditional warrior's suffix is based on one of three things: a cat's personality, their skills, or a distinctive feature of their appearance. This can also be modified based on how the suffix and prefix sound together. Examples of exceptions include:

• using the suffix -step with a non-animal prefix is highly discouraged.
  
• using feminine suffixes such as -flower for a male.
  
• using the suffix -cloud with an aggressive or fierce-sounding prefix.
  
• using a suffix that is the same as the prefix (ie Streamstream).

Untraditional Suffixes

An untraditional suffix is a suffix that incorporates human concepts, emotions, an animal, human objects, or aspects of nature that cannot be converted to adjectives (words used to describe things, which generally end in -y-- generally is an example). Examples include:

• suffixes that use Sun or Moon or a variation (solar, lunar)
  
• suffixes that are verbs, such as run(ning), dance, echo (unless SkyClan), etc.
  
• suffixes that use human spiritual concepts such as angels, spirits, souls, etc.
  
• suffixes that use human items or concepts only found in human society such as glass, tin, precious gems (ie diamonds, rubies, sapphires, opals, etc.)
  
• suffixes that use emotions (ie love, hope, sorrow, etc.)

Rank Suffixes

Rank suffixes are mandatory suffixes given to cats who fall within a certain category. Kits, apprentices, and leaders are given rank suffixes.

• -kit: given to a cat at birth, this suffix is kept until the cat is six moons of age, at which time they are given an apprentice's suffix. (0-6 moons)
  
• -paw: given to a cat upon entering their apprenticeship, this suffix is kept until the cat reaches their warrior ceremony, which typically takes place at twelve moons of age (6-12 moons)
  
• -star: given to a cat at the leader's ceremony, which is kept secret from all other cats. It denotes leadership, and can be given to a cat of any age who has trained at least one apprentice.

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Traditional Suffixes

• -fur: a cat with no outstanding skills or features; a cat with a distinctive pelt
  
• -pelt: a cat with no outstanding skills or features; a cat with a distinctive pelt
  
• -stripe: a tabby with no outstanding skills or features; a cat with very prominent tabby stripes
  
• -spot(s): a spotted tabby with no outstanding skills or features; a cat with distinctive spots
  
• -face: a cat with distinctive facial features or fur
  
• -tail: a cat with good balance, a long tail, or with something distinctive about their tail
  
• -claw: a cat with good battle skills; a cat with long claws or something distinctive about their claws
  
• -fang: a cat with good battle skills; a cat with a sharp tongue or something distinctive about their teeth
  
• -whisker: a cat with unusual or long whiskers; a cat who is good at hunting or tracking
  
• -tongue: a cat with a sharp tongue; a fierce cat
  
• -tooth: a cat with good battle skills; a cat with a sharp tongue; a fierce cat
  
• -throat: a cat with a distinctive throat; a cat good with their voice; a cat with a soothing voice
  
• -foot: a cat who is swift or agile; a cat with distinctive feet; a cat who is a good hunter
  
• -step: a cat who steps like their animal prefix; a good hunter with an animal prefix
  
• -leg: a cat with long or distinctive legs
  
• -ear: a cat with exceptional hearing; a cat with something distinctive about their ears
  
• -eye(s): a cat with exceptional eyesight; a cat with something distinctive about their eyes
  
• -nose: a cat with a good sense of smell; a cat who is exceptionally curious
  
• -belly: a cat with something distinctive about their belly; a jovial or cheerful cat
  
• -jaw: a cat with something distinctive about their jaw; a talkative cat; a cat with good battle skills
  
• -flower: a cat who is feminine, one with a motherly or kind personality
  
• -storm: a cat who is temperamental; a cat with good battle skills
  
• -heart: a cat who is caring and/or loyal
  
• -stream: a cat who is graceful, sleek, or lithe

A Sample of Untraditional Suffixes

• -frost: a cat with a cold personality; a cat with light blue eyes
  
• -stone: a cat who is not easily perturbed; a calm cat
  
• -leaf: a cat with green eyes; a cat who is skilled as a medicine cat
  
• -blaze: a cat with a passionate personality; a cat with orange or light amber eyes
  
• -blossom: a cat who is feminine, one with a kind or gentle personality
  
• -cloud: a cat with no outstanding skills or features; a cat with long fur
  
• -flight: a cat who is swift; a cat with a flighty personality
  
• -wing: a cat who is light on their feet; a cat who is swift; a cat who is intelligent

note: all suffixes listed here are approved and do not need to be run by staff

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