Lalafell Naming Conventions
Both Plainsfolk and Dunsefolk Lalafell names are ruled by rhythm, repetition, and rhyming (as well as a little alliteration). Syllable count also plays a large part. There are four unique sets of rules, and these rules are rarely deviated from. Once the rules are learned, one will be able to discern a Lalafell’s clan and gender by simply looking at a name.
The Lalafellin language (used by the clans before they arrived in Eorzea) originally only possessed five distinct vowels: a e i o u. The pronunciations are as follows:
a (“ah†as in
arm)
e (“eh†as in b
et)
i (“ee†as in b
eet)
o (“oh†as in h
ome)
u (“ooh†as in d
ude).
Surnames are only surnames in placement, as they are not taken from the mother or father and are unique to the individual.
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PlainsfolkMale
1. The phoneme pattern used is AB - CB
2. The A and C phonemes do not have to rhyme.
3. The A, B, and C phonemes are usually limited to one or two syllables.
- Zorido Manarido
- Kopel Yorpel
- Alka Zolka
- Waguda Mabaguda
Fun Fact: In everyday speech, Plainsfolk males will usually always use their full names, rarely ever breaking them down into solely first or last.
Female
1. The phoneme pattern used is ABB - AB.
2. The A and B phonemes are always one syllable, and most often a single consonant paired with a single vowel, or simply a single vowel.
- Mimomo Mimo
- Tokiki Toki
- Ulala Ula
- Honmeme Honme
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DunesfolkMale
1. The phoneme pattern used is AAB - CCB
2. The A and C phonemes are 1 syllable, the B phoneme 2.
3. The A and C phonemes may rhyme, but do not have to.
4. Syllables are most often a single consonant paired with a single vowel, or simply a single vowel.
- Jajariku Nanariku (rhyming)
- Momomena Lolomena (rhyming)
- Nunulupa Tatalupa (non-rhyming)
- Fafajoni Kukujoni (non-rhyming)
There are rare cases when the B phoneme will ‘seemingly’ have one syllable such as Zozonan or Nanalai. The ‘n’ and ‘i’ here are, in fact, the remnants of sounds that were once paired with a Lalafellin vowel that, over time, has disappeared from speech, and therefore become silent in names.
Female
1. The phoneme pattern used is AAB - AB
2. The A and B phonemes are 1 syllable (with the A phoneme always repeated in the forename).
3. Syllables are most often a single consonant paired with a single vowel, or simply a single vowel.
- Jajano Jano
- Kokobi Kobi
- Yayamo Yamo
- Chuchumu Chumu
Fun Fact: Members of the Ul'dah and Sil'dih royal families also bear the names of their respective sultanates.
- Nanamo
Ul Namo
- Lalawefu
Sil Tatawefu