Naming Rules for A New Path
Introduction
I set certain rules into place for cats, using two very handy tools I used for my own cats. I realized that it seems like a hassle for others, so I will write the basic rules here. Please, out of respect for us here at ANP, use these rules! -Crow. PS: We will know if these rules were not followed. If you don't follow our rules, we will not accept your cat. |
Need help naming your cat?
I've created a list of suitable prefixes and suffixes. It has some canon prefixes, and some suitable suffixes. You don't need to use this list, but if you were asked to change your cat's name, we reccommend you use it. -Crow.
|
General Naming Rules
- Do not use Star- or Moon- as a prefix. Moon as a suffix also. Star- must have been pretty obvious, but Moon- may confuse you. The basic reason for this: The Moonpool. Moon- as a prefix is banned on ANP, and -moon the suffix is banned as well. Please don't bring Moonflower or Ambermoon into an argument. Canon as they may be, this rule is still in place.
- Prefixes for appearance, suffixes for traits. This is one of the easiest rules, and it should be a rule everyone follows; it makes naming easier. Let's use Crowdream as an example. Crow- implies he is a black cat- which is exactly what he is. -dream means he has a strong connection with StarClan- and also implies he is a medicine cat. Which he is- for both of those.
- Don't use a clan name as a prefix or suffix. It's a bit silly- and could be seen as insulting- if a clan is used in naming a kit. Clans should not name their kits after their rivals! And kits cannot be named after their own clan; that makes the cat seem more important, which they are not. Variants are accepted- for example Shadowthorn is bad, but Shadethorn is good!
- Use no synthetic items! Names like Knife-, Rubber-, or Glass- are not welcome here! While you could argue that most cats on this site were once in twolegplace, and perhaps know what these are, cats in general have no clue what a knife is. This also applies to metals and gemstones- even though they are found naturally, cats do not know what the names are. The exception is Amber and Silver- which pertains to the colors. This rule also counts if your name becomes a synthetic item with combined prefix and suffix.
- Function over form. While names like Rosepetal, Honeybee, and Stormcloud are appealing to read, they tell us nothing about the cat. Names like Burrstorm, Cardinaltail, and Timberfur tell us the cat's talents or traits are. Sometimes, though, when a prefix and suffix fit together, it- well- fits; such as Snowstorm; a white cat with an unpredictable personality. Just try to avoid those names, please!
- Please keep names simple- to a point. This means: Names like Butterflyrunner or Ladybugchaser are too long and difficult to say. if you need to use -runner or -chaser, please consider Mothrunner or Beetlechaser. See? Makes a difference, doesn't it? Keep prefixes short and sweet, and let the suffixes do the explaining.
- Don't name cats after traits. A kit is basically a fuzzy bean. Typically, kits are named once they are born, or to a quarter moon after. Names like Runningkit, Strongkit, or Bravekit have no meaning. Mothers, no matter how long they wait, will not know if their kits are fast, strong, or brave. A kit named Runningkit because their paws kicked in their sleep can grow up to be a slow, bulky cat. A kit named Bravekit who explored more of the den at two weeks can grow up to be a coward. Best wait for the associated suffixes, -runner, -strike, -heart, and variants, and stick to fur. Traits also includes eye color! No Greenkit or Bluekit if it means eye color- as kits' eyes change.
- Never use a name change prefix a the original name. Sorry, if your kitten is born with a stumpy tail or a twisted paw, under no circumstances will you name it Nokit or Twistedkit. That is cruel and rather disgusting- and you aren't allowing the kit to develop a personality. Can we all agree that what Yellowfang, Rainflower, and Heatherstar did was a bit harsh?
Color Rules
- Match the prefix and the fur. Don't name your cat Snow- if they're a ginger tabby. And if your cat is a reddish brown, don't use a name that means a ginger cat, like Amber- or Tawny-.
- A prefix ideally means color and markings, but can just mean markings. Names like Brindle- or Speckle- are fine, as long as your cat has those markings. You can use -stripe, -patch, or -splash to imply markings as well, if your cat has a notable pattern. Do not use Tabby as a prefix or suffix. If a color stands out with a cat- such as a brown tabby with notable tortoiseshell spots, that may be better than naming it after the primary coat color- but it needs to stand out.
- Keep it simple with colors. You don't need to name your cat Crimson-. Remember, prefixes stay simpler in that sense. Certain shades a cat will not know about, or care about. Crimson- can be replaced by Red-, or even something like Rose- or Cardinal-.
- With trees, flowers, and birds, be more specific. Birdclaw, Flowertail, and Treedawn don't say anything about the cat. Ravenclaw, Daisytail, and Birchdawn are more specific- but remember to not pick a long flower- Chrysanthemumclaw is not a suitable name.
Suffix Rules
- Make sure the suffix and traits match. This mostly applies to suffixes like -shade, -heart, ect., but you wouldn't call a solid white cat -stripe. A cat who is loud and clumsy would not be called -shade, or anything that implies stealth and finesse. A cowardly cat, or a cat who is a bit jaded, would not have -heart in their name.
- Do not use names that don't match the rank. This means warriors and medicine cats. Medicine cats, unless they were warriors previously, would not have combat/hunting-based suffixes (-strike, -claw, -fang, -shade, ect.) and a warrior, unless previously a medicine cat, would not have medicine/dream-based suffixes (-leaf, -berry, -dream, -root, ect.) There may be special cases, but do not assume without our permission.
- Don't use a prefix as a suffix- and vice versa. No Heartbirch or Clawrain. This is a bit odd, isn't it? The only exceptions are names that can be both appearance and personality; Hawk (Brown cat or a fierce hunter/fighter), Storm (Gray cat or unpredictable, fierce personality), Blaze (Ginger tabby or a good fighter and/or an unpredictable personality), Frost (White cat or cold and focused personality), ect.
- -fur and -pelt aren't bad! People mostly think that means a boring, uninteresting character- but what it really means is a cat who's a fairly well rounded; good at both hunting and fighting. Clans do well with cats who do good at both. As the saying goes; Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one.
Other Rules
- Don't use any form of gore in a name. Blood-, Gut-, Brain-, Bone-, ect. are bad. The exception is, obviously, -heart. If we see these names, we won't even give you a reason why we didn't accept the name, because it's obvious.
- Naming your cat after a canon cat is fine. If your cats' appearance fits the prefix, and personality fits the suffix, it's fine. Honest. We might be a bit unhappy if your character is exactly the character, though.
- Try not to have the same name as someone. It's a silly thing, but it's pretty relevant. It's a bit upsetting to log on, and see someone who has the same name as you; it makes yours a bit less special. So please make sure!
- Use the code Caudiform to show you have read and agree to all our rules.