Line #345 Main/NamingConventions


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8	->''"You won't find many Schuyler Vanderpools blowin' into a harmonica on death row; no one in need of brain surgery is breakin' down the door to see Dr. Lucky Lipshitz, and I'm sure only the most devoted aficionado would pay money to see a ballet dancer named Bruno [=McNulty=]."''
9	-->-- '''Creator/GeorgeCarlin'''
10
11	There are obvious basic trends in character names. Outside a BadassBookworm, you will probably never encounter a tough-guy character in a drama with the name "Eugene" or "Adelbert".[[note]]Except maybe [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX Adelbert Steiner]]. Or [[WesternAnimation/{{Tangled}} Eugene "Flynn Rider" Fitzherbert]].[[/note]] Outside a GeniusBruiser, you will probably never see a computer geek named "Rocco" or "Lefty". "Ethel" is always dowdy[[note]]Except maybe [[Literature/TheWorstWitch Ethel Hallow]][[/note]], while "Jennifer" is either a bombshell or a fresh-faced girl next door.
12
13	Society has stereotypes that go with most names, and television writers play to those stereotypes. Comedy -- especially broad or satirical comedy -- can play against type with names, and sometimes talented writing can spawn a new stereotype to go with an old name. The rest of the time, though, writers go with what is known or expected, or else they risk having the characters dismissed by the viewers for reasons that they only vaguely understand themselves.
14
15	Foreign and outright alien characters have more leeway, but even with them, certain practices have become standardized.
16
17	A primary example of gleeful inversion would be Terry Pratchett's ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' -- you would ''expect'' Death's white horse to have a formidable, dark-sounding name. Instead, [[FluffyTheTerrible it's called Binky]].
18
19	See also LanguageTropes, and of course FantasticNamingConvention. Compare TitleTropes.
20	----
21	!!Tropes:
22	[[index]]
23	[floatboxright:
24	'''Main topic:'''
25	* UsefulNotes/NamingConventions
26
27	'''See also:'''
28	* TitleTropes
29	]
30	[[foldercontrol]]
31
32	[[folder:Characters]]
33	* AccidentalMisnaming: Getting someone's name wrong by mistake.
34	* AdamAndOrEve: The names "Adam" and/or "Eve" are used symbolically.
35	* TheAdjectivalMan: A nameless character who's known only by an epithet.
36	* TheAdjectivalSuperhero: The superhero's name is preceded by an adjective.
37	* AerithAndBob: People with unusual names that come from another place, mixed with people with regular names.
38	* AdoptiveNameChange: A character gets their name changed after being adopted.
39	* AffectionateNickname: A nickname given out of affection.
40	* AICronym: Names given to AI/robots are often acronyms which cover for a much longer name pertaining to their function.
41	* AliceAndBob: Two hypothetical characters named Alice and Bob.
42	* AliceAllusion: Somebody named Alice is included in an ''Literature/AliceInWonderland'' ShoutOut.
43	* AnAlienNamedBob: Alien is given a mundane name.
44	* AlliterativeFamily: Every name in a family starts with the same letter.
45	* AlliterativeName: Someone's first and last names start with the same letter.
46	* AlmostFamousName: Someone with a similar-sounding name to a celebrity.
47	* AlternativeSelfNameChange: An alternate version of somebody else chooses to go by a different name to easily separate the two.
48	* AncestralName: A character is named after their parent, grandparent or a more distant relative.
49	* AnimalThemedSuperbeing: A superhero or villain based on an animal.
50	* AppropriatedAppellation: Character uses a nickname given by someone else as an actual name.
51	* ArtifactAlias: A character goes by their alias even after their real name is revealed.
52	* ArtifactName: A name that originally made sense, but no longer does.
53	* AsLongAsItSoundsForeign: A name made up to sound foreign.
54	* AtrociousAlias: A rude or funny-sounding alias.
55	* AwesomeMcCoolName: A name with cool words in it; in-universe examples only.
56	* BabyNameTrendKiller: A name suffers a dip in popularly due to being associated with something or someone controversial.
57	* BabyNameTrendStarter: Something in the news or in popular culture leads to an unusually popular name for babies.
58	* ABeastInNameAndNature: A frightening, monstrous or devilish character known as "The Beast."
59	* BurlyDetectiveSyndrome: The narration avoids using characters' names in favor of flowery epithets.
60	* CallingParentsByTheirName: A child calls their parent by their name.
61	* CanonIdentifier: Indistinguishable game protagonists are given names/titles to differentiate them.
62	* CanonName: An originally nameless video game character gets canonically named.
63	* CaptainColorbeard: Characters named after colours and/or body parts (e.g. Blackbeard)
64	* CaptainSuperhero: A superhero with "Captain" above their name.
65	* CharacterNameAlias: A character uses an in-series fictional character's name as an alias.
66	* CherryBlossomGirl: A character whose name and other characteristics makes reference to cherry blossoms and relevant symbolism.
67	* CodeName: Someone goes by a fake name to hide their identity.
68	* ColorCharacter: A person has a colour as part of their name.
69	* TheDanza: A character whose name is taken from their actor/actress.
70	* DarkAgeOfSupernames: A superhero's name sounds creepy.
71	* DayOfTheWeekName: A character is named after a day of the week.
72	* DeadGuyJunior: Naming someone after somebody else who's dead.
73	* ADickInName: Someone named Richard or Dick gets puns about the word "dick".
74	* DiseasedName: A character is named after a disease.
75	* DitchingTheDubNames: A certain character is referred to by a different name in another language, but starts being called by their English name in all languages after a while.
76	* DoctorDoctorDoctor: Several people of similar professional rank greet each other with their titles.
77	* DoNotCallMePaul: Someone doesn't want to be called by their given name.
78	* DontCallMeSir: Someone doesn't like to be called by a title.
79	* DrBrainpart: Genius characters named after the brain.
80	* DrGenericius: A MadScientist with a name ending in "us" or "ius".
81	* DubNameChange: Someone is renamed in a language dub.
82	* DubPronunciationChange: The way a name is pronounced is different in a foreign dub, but the name itself is still the same.
83	* DubSpeciesChange: An animal is identified as a different species in a language dub.
84	* EarnYourTitle: A nickname with a serious reason.
85	* EmbarrassingFirstName: Someone's first name embarrasses them.
86	* EmbarrassingInitials: Someone's initials spell out something that embarrasses the person with the initials.
87	* EmbarrassingLastName: Someone's last name embarrasses them.
88	* EmbarrassingMiddleName: Someone's middle name embarrasses them.
89	* EmbarrassingNickname: Someone is given a nickname which they find embarrassing.
90	* EuphemisticNames: A person's name sounds an awful lot like a SexualEuphemism.
91	* EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: Someone is known only as their title/occupation.
92	* FamousNamedForeigner: A character foreign to the writers who is named after a famous person from their country.
93	* FirstNameBasis: Addressing others just by their first name.
94	* FlintstoneTheming: A whole lot of characters with {{Punny Name}}s.
95	* FriendlyAddressPrivileges: A name or nickname that only friends are allowed to call them.
96	* FullNameBasis: Someone goes by their full name.
97	* FullNameUltimatum: A character is suddenly called by their full name. That means the character is in ''very serious trouble''.
98	* GenderBlenderName: Someone with a name of the opposite gender.
99	* GhettoName: Poor people with unusual names.
100	* GivenNameReveal: Someone goes by a fake name and their name is revealed.
101	* GiverOfLameNames: Someone gives people and things bad names.
102	* TheGreatWhodini: A makeshift magician whose nickname ends in "ini".
103	* HatesBeingNicknamed: A character hates being called by a nickname.
104	* HayseedName: Names associated with people from the sticks.
105	* HelloInsertNameHere: A game lets you name its protagonists.
106	* HeroWithAUniqueName: The protagonist stands out due to an unusual name.
107	* HeyYou: Addressing someone with less respect than normal.
108	* HippieName: A hippie (or someone [[HippieParents born to one]]) has an "out-there" name, usually pertaining to nature or enlightenment.
109	* HisNameReallyIsBarkeep: Someone named after their profession.
110	* HollywoodSpelling: In fiction, people will always spell a name correctly even if it has more than one spelling.
111	* HometownNickname: When a character is referred to as the place they're from.
112	* HousePseudonym: A PenName that could belong to anyone.
113	* IAmXSonOfY: Shouting out your name and one or both of your parents' names to boast.
114	* ICallHimMisterHappy: A man names his penis.
115	* ICallItVera: A character names his favorite item.
116	* IHaveManyNames: A character is known by several different names.
117	* IKnowYourTrueName: Someone or something's real name is important.
118	* IronicName: Someone doesn't live up to their names.
119	* IronicNickname: Someone's nickname doesn't describe them.
120	* InSeriesNickname: A character gets nicknamed.
121	* InsistentAppellation: Someone insists on calling another character something different from what they want to be called.
122	* InconsistentSpelling: A name or term from a work is spelt differently in different canonical contexts.
123	* InsultOfEndearment: An insult turns into an AffectionateNickname.
124	* IProduct: The letter "I" can prefix anything in order to be cool.
125	* JokeNameTag: A character's name tag displays a joke alias or obnoxious quip rather than their actual name.
126	* JustTheFirstCitizen: A powerful ruler with a simple title.
127	* AKindOfOne: Someone's species is named after them.
128	* {{Ladyella}}: A woman or girl whose name ends in "ella".
129	* LargeHamTitle: Someone has a dramatic title that they want to be called by.
130	* LastMinuteBabyNaming: A character gets named the moment they're born with no previous consideration.
131	* LastNameBasis: Someone goes by their surname.
132	* LawOfAlienNames: Stereotypical names given to aliens.
133	* LazyAlias: Someone uses a fake name that sounds lazily thought up.
134	* LazilyGenderFlippedName: Someone ''lazily'' and hastily feminizes a male name or masculinizes a female name; often seen with baby names when the parents expected a child of different sex, with pets that turned out to be the other sex or with cross-dressing characters.
135	* LetterMotif: Two characters are connected because they have one letter connecting their names.
136	* LetXBeTheUnknown: Naming something "X" makes it mysterious.
137	* LineOfSightName: Making up a name based on what you're looking at.
138	* LocalizedNameInANonLocalizedSetting: The characters names are localized, but the country of origin stays the same.
139	* LordCountry: The ruler of a country has the same name as the actual land.
140	* LukeNounverber: A surname that implies an action (like being called Alice Skyjumper).
141	* MadameFortune: A FortuneTeller will often go by the name "Madame [[Something]]".
142	* MagnusMeansMage: "Magnus" is associated with magic and wizards.
143	* MaliciousMisnaming: Someone intentionally gets someone's name wrong in order to cause trouble.
144	* MeaningfulName: Someone's name has an important meaning.
145	* MeaningfulRename: Someone gets renamed as their old name doesn't fit.
146	** ShedTheFamilyName: Someone gets rid of their surname.
147	* MeaningfulTitles: Someone's title defines them.
148	** AristocratsAreEvil: Fancy people are always evil.
149	** EvilChancellor: The ruler's assistant is antagonistic to them.
150	** TheGoodCaptain: A heroic captain.
151	** MorallyAmbiguousDoctorate: A morally ambiguous or evil character is called "Doctor".
152	* AMechByAnyOtherName: A HumongousMecha that's not called a mecha.
153	* MeetMyGoodFriendsLeftyAndRighty: Naming your arms (or hands, or fists).
154	* MeltingPotNomenclature: Everyone has diverse, unusual names for unexplained reasons.
155	* MiddleNameBasis: Addressing others by their middle name.
156	* MilitaryRankNames: TheHero or a villain is named after a military title like "Lieutenant" or "General".
157	* MissXPun: A character's name can be a pun on an honorific (for example, Miss or Sir).
158	* MisterDescriptor: Characters with only surname, which describes them.
159	* MisterStrangenoun: Characters with words as their names.
160	* MrSmith: Using the surname "Smith" as an alias.
161	* MyNaymeIs: A normal-sounding name with unusual spelling.
162	* MysteriousMiddleInitial: We don't know what a character's middle initial stands for.
163	* NamedAfterTheInjury: A character is named or nicknamed after an injury they've sustained.
164	* NamedAfterSomebodyFamous: A character is named after a real-life celebrity.
165	* NamedByDemocracy: A character is named because people voted on it.
166	* NamedByTheAdaptation: A character with no name given acquires a name through an adaptation.
167	* NamedInTheSequel: A (usually minor) character who had no name is given one in a later installment.
168	* NameFromAnotherSpecies: Someone's species doesn't match their name.
169	* NamedLikeMyName: Someone has a generic name that becomes well known when someone sharing the same name does or is involved with something famous.
170	* NameMcAdjective: Someone's moniker has a surname with "Mc" and then an adjective.
171	* NameMeaningChange: The name of a person or thing is given a new meaning as time goes on.
172	* NameOrderConfusion: Misunderstandings related to foreign names (e.g. whether to have the surname first or last).
173	* NamesGivenToComputers: Computers are given names.
174	* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: Intimidating names.
175	** TheButcher: A villain nicknamed something like "The Butcher".
176	** DarknessVonGothickname: A gothic-sounding name.
177	** DrFakenstein: A MadScientist whose name is a ShoutOut to ''Literature/{{Frankenstein}}''.
178	** GunmanWithThreeNames: Murderers get called by their full names.
179	** LouisCypher: A demon in disguise uses an alias that hints at their identity.
180	** TheMaster: An intimidating character called "The Master".
181	** MyHeroZero: A protagonist named "Zero".
182	** NameOfCain: Bad guys named "Cain" or a variation.
183	** OneBadMother: The word "mother" is used in a villain's name.
184	** RedBaron: A cool character with an equally cool nickname.
185	** SpellMyNameWithAThe: Someone goes by "The [Nickname]"
186	** TheyCallHimSword: Nicknaming somebody after a weapon.
187	** AVillainNamedKhan: [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin A villain named "Khan".]]
188	** AVillainNamedZrg: A sci-fi villain named "Zrg" or a variation.
189	** VillainBaal: Anyone named "Baal" is bound to be evil.
190	** XMakesAnythingCool: The letter "X" in a name is cool.
191	* NamesToTrustImmediately: Names that imply the person with the name is trustworthy.
192	* NameThatUnfoldsLikeLotusBlossom: A person's name is a description.
193	* NameTron: Machines are named "Something-tron".
194	* TheNameless: A character without a name.
195	** NoNeedForNames: A nameless character doesn't think they need a name.
196	** NameAmnesia: Someone forgets their name.
197	** NamelessNarrative: A story in which nobody has a name.
198	** NeverGivenAName: A character who doesn't have a name since they were never given one.
199	** NoNameGiven: A character whose name is not revealed.
200	*** EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: Someone's name is not revealed as everyone calls them by their job.
201	*** NoFullNameGiven: Someone's full name is not revealed.
202	*** UnnamedParent: Someone's parent's name isn't revealed.
203	** TheScottishTrope: Someone is afraid or not allowed to say a certain word.
204	** WithholdingTheirName: Someone hides their name to keep a secret.
205	** YouAreNumberSix: Somebody's name is a number.
206	** YouKnowTheOne: Something or somebody that the writers want to keep secret is referred to only by pronouns or ambiguous nouns.
207	* NamedWeapons: A weapon with a specific name.
208	* NamingYourColonyWorld: Traditions on naming a place.
209	* NearAndDearBabyNaming: A character who is named after a living person who their parent is close to or otherwise affiliated with.
210	* NomDeGuerre: A soldier with a nickname.
211	* NomDeMom: Someone takes their mother's maiden name.
212	* NominalImportance: Characters important to the plot are given names, while others remain nameless and are more likely to die.
213	* NounVerber: A title is made up of a noun and a verb (like the word "firefighter").
214	** VerberCreature: Creatures named after verbs.
215	* TheNounWhoVerbed: A title consists of the main character's name and what they do.
216	* OddNameNormalNickname: An unusual name is shortened to something more common relative to the story's setting.
217	* OddNameOut: A group of people which shares a theme in their names that one of them deviates from (e.g. Alice, Albert, Aiden and Jane).
218	* OminousMundanity: A mundane name is used to be dramatic.
219	* OneLetterName: Someone's name has only one letter.
220	* JustForFun/OneMarioLimit: Names associated with celebrities and fictional characters.
221	* OneSteveLimit: No two characters share the same first name.
222	* OnlineAlias: A username someone uses on TheInternet.
223	* OnlyKnownByInitials: Someone is referred to almost exclusively by their initials.
224	* OnlyKnownByTheirNickname: Someone is referred to almost exclusively by their nickname.
225	* OnlyOneName: A person with no surname.
226	* OutdatedName: A name that was commonplace at the time the work was written or set is rare now.
227	* OutgrowingTheChildishName: A character no longer uses a diminutive form of their name, or a nickname, as a sign of maturity.
228	* OverlyLongName: Someone has a whole lot of middle names.
229	* ParentalTitleCharacterization: A child's relationship with their parent being displayed in what they call them.
230	* ParodyNames: Replacing the characters' names with something silly that sounds similar in TheParody.
231	* PenName: A writer goes by a different name than their real one.
232	* PersonWithTheClothing: A character is referred to by some iconic thing they wear.
233	* PornNames: Someone goes by a nickname as a sex worker.
234	* PrefersProperNames: A character prefers to call people by their full given and/or surnames.
235	* PreppyName: Names that are stereotypically associated with wealthy people.
236	* PrestigiousPlayerTitle: Players are given a fancy title that fits in with the game's theme.
237	* PretentiousPronunciation: A name is pronounced in a "posh" way.
238	* ProfessionalMaidenName: A married woman continues using her maiden name for her professional career.
239	* PronouncingMyNameForYou: Clarifying on the pronunciation of one's name.
240	* PropheticNames: Someone is destined to live up to their names.
241	* PsmithPsyndrome: Someone can tell if someone else is spelling something wrong even if the second character just says it.
242	* PunnyName: A name is a pun.
243	* RaceNameBasis: Someone calls someone else by their ethnos instead of their name.
244	* RealJokeName: Someone's name is mistaken for a joke name.
245	* RealNameAsAnAlias: Someone messes up the order of their names (using a middle name as a first name, etc.) to make an alias.
246	* RenamedTheSame: A person's new name is almost identical to their old one.
247	* RepetitiveName: Someone's first, middle and last names have something in common.
248	* RhymingNames: Someone's name rhymes with itself.
249	* RidiculouslyLonglivedFamilyName: Members of a family retain the same surname through unbelievably many generations
250	* RobotNames: Robots named after what they do.
251	* ASaintNamedMary: A benevolent or saintly female character is named after Mary the mother of Jesus.
252	* SameFaceDifferentName: The artist goes by a different name when writing different kinds of art.
253	* SameSurnameMeansRelated: If two characters share a surname, that can't be a coincidence.
254	* ScreenName: A username.
255	* SdrawkcabName: A name is a word or another name spelt backwards.
256	** {{Alucard}}: The name Alucard (Dracula spelt backwards).
257	** SdrawkcabAlias: An alias is the real name written backwards.
258	* SecretPublicIdentity: A superhero uses their real name.
259	* SelfAppliedNickname: A character refers to themself by their own nickname.
260	* SesquipedalianSmith: Someone has a long given name and short surname.
261	* SevenIsNana: In Japanese, the number seven is pronounced "Nana".
262	* SheIsTheKing: A woman who reigns under a masculine title like "Mister" or "King".
263	* SignificantMonogram: Someone's initials mean something.
264	* SIPrefixName: Someone whose name starts with "Mega" or "Techno" or something along those lines.
265	* SirVerbALot: A knight's name ends with "elot" or "a lot".
266	* SobriquetSexSwitch: A character goes by a similar name to their old one when they change gender.
267	* SomebodyNamedNobody: A character is given the name "Nobody" (or a translation thereof) to make them seem stranger and/or more mysterious.
268	* SomeCallMeTim: Someone with a complex, crazy name and a simpler nickname.
269	* SomethingPerson: Superheroes named after a trait and gender.
270	* SuperheroSobriquets: Superheroes have a nickname.
271	* SpeakOfTheDevil: If you say the villain's name, he will appear.
272	* SpecialPersonNormalName: Someone has a relatively common name but he's not a normal person.
273	* SpellMyNameWithABlank: Removing or blanking names to avoid lawsuit.
274	* StellarName: Someone's name is something to do with the sky.
275	* StevenUlyssesPerhero: A character's name hints at their abilities or role.
276	* StockForeignName: A character has the most common or stereotypical name from their country.
277	* SueDonym: An alias that's similar to the real name.
278	* TakeAwayTheirName: Magically taking someone's name away from them.
279	* TermsOfEndangerment: Affectionate nicknaming from an enemy.
280	* ThemedAliases: A character has several aliases, that all have something in common.
281	* ThemeNaming: A group of people whose names share something in common.
282	** FamilyThemeNaming: A family whose names share something in common (apart from their surname).
283	** ReligiousAndMythologicalThemeNaming: A character or group is given a relevant name from religion and mythology.
284	** ShoutOutThemeNaming: A work's characters are named after another, older work's characters.
285	** ThemeInitials: Several characters have the same initials.
286	** ThemeTwinNaming: Twins with similar-sounding or themed names.
287	* TheTheTitleConfusion: Trouble with how to alphabetise titles that start with the word "the".
288	* TheyCallMeMisterTibbs: A character insists on being called something in particular.
289	* ThingOMatic: A machine that's called what it does plus "o-matic" or "inator".
290	* ThisIsMyNameOnForeign: A character chooses an alias by using a foreign version of their name.
291	* ThoroughlyMistakenIdentity: Someone is insane or whatever and thinks a character is another one they know.
292	* TieredByName: A stronger version of a being has an alteration to its name.
293	* TomboyishName: A girl or woman has a boy's name to emphasize how masculine she is.
294	* TomTheDarkLord: A villain with a normal name.
295	* TookTheWifesName: A man takes his wife's surname rather than the other way around.
296	* TheTropeFormerlyKnownAsX: Someone is known as "the X formerly known as Y".
297	* TheTropeKid: An outlaw has "Kid" in their nickname as they earned it when they were children.
298	* TheTropeWithoutATitle: Something nameless is only referred to by a description.
299	* TryToFitThatOnABusinessCard: A person with a very long title.
300	* {{Tuckerization}}: A character is named after someone the author knows.
301	* TwoFirstNames: A character has a first name as their last name.
302	* UnfortunateNames: A name that sounds rude or funny.
303	* UnusualPopCultureName: Someone has a very obvious pop culture reference for a name.
304	* TheUnpronounceable: Someone's name is really hard to pronounce.
305	* UnpronounceableAlias: To protect their true identity, a character invents a bizarre, unutterable false name on the spot.
306	* VerbalTicName: A character is named or nicknamed for the only thing they say.
307	* ViewerNameConfusion: Audiences get a character's name wrong.
308	* TheVonTropeFamily: A surname that consists of "von X" to emphasize how a character is stern, powerful, militaristic, villainous, foreign, aristocratic, or otherwise carries cultural or stereotypical associations.
309	* WackyAmericansHaveWackyNames: An American character with a wacky name.
310	* WealthsInAName: A rich person has a name that has to do with being rich.
311	* WhoNamesTheirKidDude: A response to hearing an unusual name.
312	* WinterRoyalLady: A lady uses a winter-themed royal title.
313	* WordOName: A (code)name created by simply taking an appropriate word and slapping an O or A on the end.
314	[[/folder]]
315
316	[[folder:Ensembles]]
317	* EgocentricTeamNaming: Someone names a team after themselves.
318	* IdenticallyNamedGroup: Everyone in a group has the same name.
319	* TheLawFirmOfPunPunAndWordplay: A law firm with a silly combination of names.
320	* MyspeldRokband: A band which misspells its name.
321	* TheNotableNumeral: A group named after a word plus the number of members.
322	** OneExtraMember: A group named after the number of members has one extra.
323	* PortmanteauCoupleName: A couple is referred to as a portmanteau of the characters' names.
324	* TheSomethingForce: The word "force" at the end of a group's name, added for RuleOfCool.
325	* SquadNickname: A group of soldiers nicknames their group.
326	* UnifiedNamingSystem: Everything important is named following a certain theme or trend.
327	* TheWildcats: A generic name for a sports team.
328	[[/folder]]
329
330	[[folder:Locations]]
331	* AdjectiveAnimalAlehouse: A bar that's called "The [Adjective] [Animal]".
332	* BusinessOfGenericImportance: A location or a business that does not have a unique-sounding name.
333	* CampWackyname: Summer camps having silly names.
334	* ChezRestaurant: A fancy restaurant (likely French) starting with the word ''Chez.''
335	* {{Countrystan}}: A country name ending with "-stan". Strongly associated with Central Asia.
336	* CutesyNameTown: A town with a cute or silly name.
337	* {{Egopolis}}: Naming a place after yourself.
338	* DescriptivelyNamedSpecies: An alien whose name is based on their looks or behaviour.
339	* {{Descriptiveville}}: A town with a name that sums up what the town is like.
340	* GenericanEmpire: a government with a broadly encompassing, only loosely descriptive name
341	* IDontLikeTheSoundOfThatPlace: A place with a scary name.
342	* IstanbulNotConstantinople: An alternate Earth that has names of places based on real place names.
343	* NamedworldAndNamedland: A place with "world" or "land" on the end.
344	* NamesakeInstitution: Naming a location after someone you admire.
345	* NamingYourColonyWorld: Space colonies tend to follow a lot of different naming conventions.
346	* NewNeoCity: A place is called "New [Otherplace]".
347	* NumberedHomeworld: A planet named after the sun they orbit and a number.
348	* OneFederationLimit: There's only one federation or republic or whatever.
349	* APlanetNamedZok: Alien names that use rare consonants like "Z" and "X".
350	* PleaseSelectNewCityName: A location's name is changed.
351	* {{Premiseville}}: A city with a MeaningfulName.
352	* {{WPUN}}: A radio or TV station has a call sign with a pun.
353	[[/folder]]
354
355	[[folder:Occasions]]
356	* AdoptiveNameChange: A character adopted into a new family also gets a new name.
357	* ChildNamingRequest: The parent or expecting parent of a baby lets someone else choose a name.
358	* NamingCeremony: A party to name someone.
359	* SignificantNameShift: A character changes what they call someone.
360	* YouMeanXmas: A holiday that's basically a regular holiday with a different name.
361	* YouCalledMeXItMustBeSerious: Being called by a particular thing means something serious is happening.
362	[[/folder]]
363
364	[[folder:Things]]
365	* AdvancedTech2000: Make a piece of technology sound exciting by giving it a big number after its name.
366	* CallAHumanAMeatbag: A non-human uses a derogatory word to describe humans.
367	* CallARabbitASmeerp: Alien creatures that are practically Earth creatures with a different name.
368	* CallASmeerpARabbit: Fantasy creatures that get called by the names of regular creatures.
369	* CuteAsABouncingBetty: Calling something scary by a cute name.
370	* ExcaliburInTheStone: The erroneous belief that Excalibur was the sword that was in the stone.
371	* FooFu: The suffix "fu" added to a thing to make it cooler.
372	* HumansByAnyOtherName: Another species has their own name for humans.
373	* LegacyVesselNaming: A vehicle is named after a destroyed vessel.
374	* MagicByAnyOtherName: Magic is not called that.
375	* MyVerbinNoun: Calling body parts your [Verb] [Body part] due to what they do.
376	* NamesakeGag: Pretending something is someone or something's namesake or messing it up some other way.
377	* OperationBlank: A plan called Operation: X.
378	* PersonAsVerb: Actions or behaviors named after someone known for doing them.
379	* ProductPlacementName: Something is named after a product due to a sponsorship.
380	* PunBasedCreature: Creatures with {{Punny Name}}s, or based on literal interpretations of wordplay and jokes.
381	* ReportingNames: Names given to units whose real names are unknown.
382	* SciFiNameBuzzwords: Word components added to words to sound more sci-fi-ish.
383	** PhotoprotoneutronTorpedo: A sci-fi weapon named after a subatomic particle or similar.
384	* {{Somethingitis}}: Fictional disease names end with -itis.
385	* StockWeaponNames: The most common names for NamedWeapons.
386	* VirusAndCureNames: A virus has a fancy name and the cure has a related name.
387	* WeWillUseWikiWordsInTheFuture: CamelCase happens a lot in works set in the future.
388	* WeaponOfPeace: Weapons that have names which sound peaceful.
389	* WhatDidYouExpectWhenYouNamedIt: Someone names an item by a name that, due to a bad example, is doomed to fail.
390	* {{Whatevermancy}}: Specialized magic is called something-mancy or something-kinesis.
391	[[/folder]]
392
393	[[folder:Animals and Pets]]
394	* AnimalNamingConventions: Common ways animal characters name each other.
395	* CreaturesByManyOtherNames: The work refers to types of beings by various names.
396	* DeathbringerTheAdorable: A cute animal with a scary name.
397	* ADogNamedCat: An animal that's named after a different species.
398	* ADogNamedDog: An animal that's named after its own species.
399	* ADogNamedPerro: An animal that's named after its own species in a different language than the work's primary one.
400	* FluffyTheTerrible: A scary animal with a cute name.
401	* FormallyNamedPet: An animal with a formal name like "Mr. [Something]".
402	* ALizardNamedLiz: An animal with a name that hints at its species.
403	* PetsHomageName: Naming a pet after someone famous.
404	* APigNamedPorkchop: An animal is named after the meat, food, or other animal products that could come from it.
405	* PokemonSpeak: An animal that can only say its name.
406	* SpeciesSurname: An animal whose last name is their species.
407	* StockAnimalName: Names stereotypically associated with animals.
408	* VerberCreature: An animal or creature is named after their primary action.
409	* WeNamedTheMonkeyJack: Naming an animal after a human.
410	[[/folder]]
411
412	[[folder:Any]]
413	* AgeOfTitles: A title called "Age of X".
414	* AllThereInTheScript: A name only exists in the script.
415	* ConstantlyChangingName: Sometimes it's hard to stick to just one name.
416	* DebatingNames: Characters try to decide what to name someone or something.
417	* DescriptivelyNamedSpecies: A species of alien is referred to by a descriptive nickname consisting of their physical traits and/or behavior.
418	* DoubleX: Something with two "X"s in its name to be cool.
419	* ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin: A name that's exactly what the thing is.
420	* FantasticNamingConvention: A culture with a unique naming system.
421	* FrankenX: An abomination is called "Franken-something".
422	* GenericName: A name that basically means "generic".
423	* IKnowYourTrueName: Someone's "true name" is significant.
424	* InsistentTerminology: Someone insists on something being called X, not Y.
425	* HeartOfTheMatter: Something so vital, it's likened to a living heart.
426	* TheMagnificent: Someone is called [Name] the [Adjective].
427	* MonikerAsEnticement: A work that wants to teach a mundane skill tries to make it sound cooler by saying that you earn a snappy label if you learn it (e.g. "You're a Street-Crossing Champion if you look before crossing the street!").
428	* NamedAfterTheirPlanet: The name of an alien comes from the name of their planet.
429	* {{Namedar}}: Something named by what it does.
430	* NaturalizedName: Someone immigrates and changes their name to a name native to their country.
431	* NonindicativeName: Something or somebody's name doesn't indicate them.
432	* NowIKnowWhatToNameHim: Someone names a kid after finding out their future.
433	* PlanetOfSteves: A planet where everyone has the same name.
434	* PowerOfTheGodHand: Something called the God Hand.
435	* ProductionNickname: A Trivia for when a FanNickname originated with the show's production team.
436	* PunctuationShaker: Alien names with l'ots of a'postr'ophes.
437	* {{Portmantitle}}: A name from two other titles meshed together.
438	* RenamedToAvoidAssociation: A character is renamed because of another character or real-life person sharing the same name.
439	* RiteOfPassageNameChange: An entire culture or race assigns one name at birth and the child earns or chooses another name when they reach a certain milestone
440	* SignificantAnagram: An anagram of a name is important.
441	* SignificantNameOverlap: Two or more characters are given the same name for plot-related reasons.
442	* SquatsInAName: A seemingly MeaningfulName isn't.
443	* StageNames: A nickname used by an actor or an actress.
444	* SuddenNameChange: A character's name suddenly shifts with no explanation.
445	* TemporaryNameChange: A name is changed, but later changed back.
446	* XtremeKoolLetterz: Replacing some letters with others in order to be cool.
447	[[/index]]
448	[[/folder]]

Context Main / NamingConventions