Each of us comes to the SCA by a different route. Some of us discovered the SCA at a science fiction convention, some learned of it at a renaissance festival, some ran across a crowd gathered on a lawn, dressed in armor, banging each other over the head with sticks. The knowledge and skills we bring with us into the current Middle Ages are equally varied.
Given this diversity, it is hardly surprising that so much confusion surrounds one aspect of joining the SCA: choosing a name that we will be known by in the Society. Nameless, eager, without preconceptions or prejudices, we turn to our first friends for advice. "What should I call myself?'.' we ask. "What is an SCA name?" Too often the answer is "whatever you want," and too many newcomers end up calling themselves names that are not names, or aren't medieval, or aren't permitted.
Why a Medieval Name?
How much easier life would be if we each started out on the right track! We decorate our halls medievally; we dress in medieval clothes; so we should choose our names to enhance that atmosphere. Society names should be real names, medieval names, taken to fit our personae and to fit the world we try to create.
Often the advice will be, "Your name should be one that could have existed in our period, but didn't. (600 - 1600 AD) The second idea in this statement, that one should not use the name of a famous person in history or fiction, is usually well-understood in the SCA. However, the first idea, that the name could have existed, is often missed.
Names form a strange and distinct category of words in any language. In most cultures at most times, the stock of available names was limited: some words were personal names, and the rest were not. In modem America, this is blatantly not true. We live in a culture where everything from Moonunit to Yahoo and Zowie may be considered personal names, but in the world of medieval Europe, this was not the case. Therefore, a new SCA member choosing a name should be certain to choose a period name.
How to Choose a Period Name
Although it is reasonable to consider the meaning of the name you choose, it is more important in the SCA to have an authentic name.
1. Determine where and when your persona will be from. This will make finding an appropriate medieval name much easier.
2. Talk to your local herald and tell him/her that you are interested in finding a name for your persona. Your herald will direct you towards help you find a name.
3. Find historical materials from your place and look around for names. Don't use baby name books because the names in them usually are not medieval.
4. One you find a name that you like and are comfortable with, discuss it with the herald.
