Copyright © 1995 - Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
A water-kelpie is a heraldic sea-horse with batwings. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 5
There is no heraldic rendition of a kelpie. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 10
A chief triangular truncated doesn't exist. That's a keystone issuant from chief. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 7
The ligature knot is period and reasonable for a surgeon to register. WVS [19] [LoAR 5 Jun 80], p. 2. [The ligature knot is also known as a surgeon's knot.]
A Bowen cross is a Bowen knot rotated 45 degrees to be in cross, with the loops straightened into straight lines and right angle bends. It looks like five mascles conjoined in cross. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 3
A Fidelis knot is a square knot opened into a heart shape. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 4
N. may register his father's device with a label added as one point of difference. WVS [2] [LoAR 16 Jul 76], p. 2
A label is a charge just like any other, and may be so used. In the SCA it is NOT a mark of cadency, as THERE IS NO CADENCY IN THE SCA! WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 11
As we are not using cadency per se it is acceptable to put a label on the mother's arms as well as the father's. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 13
Virgule has convinced me that I erred in restricting the argent label as a charge reserved for the British royal family. I henceforth release argent labels to general use. I would ask that people not use an argent label charged with small charges, as I feel that would be too close to the royal usage. WVS [64] [CL 18 Mar 82], p. 2. [The argent label was reserved in the Submission Rules of 01 Oct 81 [53], p. 11]
This is heraldic, but it is as close to a landscape as I will accept. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 6
This is a landscape. It looks like a picture of [a] bird against a hazy sunrise next to a mountain. This is not medieval heraldry, which deals in abstract charges arranged in conventional patterns. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 5
The badge itself is OK, but the household name is not. Baldly placing two words from two different languages together like this is non-period usage. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 7
This name uses four langu[ag]es ... The limit is three languages per name. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 9
By requiring that all names be in keeping with period usage, we automatically must restrict the number of languages in a personal name to two, as the use of more than two languages in a name would have been unheard of in our period. WVS [41] [CL 12 May 81], p. 5
You may not combine two languages in a single word. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 12
The correct word for "daughter of" is "bint," not "ibn." WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 7
[Aramir Elatar.] Your name consists entirely.of royal prefixes. Ara is a prefix attached to the royal names of the rulers of Numenor and the chiefs of the Dunedain in Arnor, who took their names in Adunaic. (Aragorn, Arathorn, etc.) Mir does mean jewel. It was used as a royal prefix by the Dunedain kings in Gondor and Arnor, and by many of the Elven nobility (Eldacar, Eldarion, Elendil ...). Tar was Quenya for royal king and was used as a royal prefix for kings of Numenor who took their names in Quenya. Start over and try something a little less regal. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 10
One makes the elision only when one has de followed by a word beginning with a vowel or an unvoiced 'h'. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 4
I have changed this from d'N. to of N. because N. is not French, and therefore the use of d' is not appropriate. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 2. [Reversed on appeal.]
In French, "de" is only used before place names. Therefore I have replaced "de" with "la." WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 2. [Although the correction was right, the explanation was not. The submission used the preposition de 'of' when what was called for was the feminine definite article la 'the'.]
Place names take de in all cases. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 1
Do not use d' before a consonant. The correct term is de. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 2
I am informed that Mc is out of period, and that Mac is the proper form. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 16. [George F. Black, in The Surnames of Scotland, states that Mac is "wrongly contracted M', Mc." He also cites a considerable number of manuscripts as using these spellings within our period. The implication is that the forms are frowned upon, and perhaps inaccurate, but historically correct.]
You have a surname, a patronymic, and a place name. It is highly unusual for a Gaelic persona to have all three. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 6
"For the general information of the College, the form O' (with accent and apostrophe) is indeed the form in Irish that means 'grandson of'. It is the abbreviation or condensation over the years of the form Ui or Ua. Thus the old form Ui Neill (grandson(s) of Niall) became O'Neill over the centuries." [EoE] WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 1
"In place-name usage the preposition meaning 'of/from' in both Irish and Welsh -- including Old Irish and Middle Welsh -- is 'o' -- small, no accent, no apostrophe. In Irish it takes the dative, as I recall, and think it aspirates the following consonant." [EoE] WVS [63]
The proper form for "daughter of" before a consonant is "ni," not "nic." WVS [72] [LoAR 14 Jun 82], p. 7
This was submitted as N. von M.[, called the Stupid Peasant]. The use of von indicates nobility. If you want to be of a place but not noble the word is aus. Since she has an illiterate peasant persona I have used aus. If she wants to use von she will have to drop the stupid peasant nickname. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 4
"Von" is acceptable for [use] in SCA names by anybody. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 2
Anyone may use the word "von" in a Society name, as it shall not mean nobility in the SCA. However, the use of "von" instead of "aus" means that the word following cannot be a mundane place name, as in Europe this would have been considered to mean that one was the Lord of that place. WVS [47] [CL 30 Jul 81], pp. 3-4
It would seem from [the preceding documentation] that the use of von plus a place name was the normal usage for an armiger of that place, equivalent to the English form John of London. The actual lords of a place used von und zu. Thus our current policy is incorrect ... I hereby remove the restriction on the use of von and allow its use without restriction. I also hereby restrict the use of von und zu. WVS [56] [CL 30 Nov 81], p. 2
In German, a compound word with a noun and an adjective has the adjective before the noun. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 6
"-no-kami" means the person is armigerous. It is not part of the name and may not be registered. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 2
The given name comes last in a Japanese name. You seem to have literally translated N. the M. word for word into Japanese. This isn't proper practice for Japanese names. They rarely had more than two names. Please consult someone who knows about Japanese names. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 12
The College tries to follow period naming practices. In our period, Japanese names were never inverted this way [with the given name preceding the surname]. That didn't happen until the late 19th century. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 10
Translating given names into Latin is acceptable. Her given name (N.) means [translation] in Hebrew. Translating [translation] into Latin and then putting it into a female name form produces M. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 1. [Given names do not possess meaning in the conventional sense, and therefore cannot be translated in this manner. The above reasoning is specious.]
[Fredasdotter.] The correct Old Norse Patronymic form of Freda would be Fredudottir, since -a becomes -u in the genitive. What you have is a reasonable Anglicized variation, but if you want to be correct for Old Norse, you should use the other form. (We will accept such a change without extra fee.) WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 4
Your name is in the modern Russian style of three names (given name, patronymic, family name). This is out of period for a Jew. They didn't use three names like that until they were required by law to do so, which occurred after our period. Either be Jewish and drop the [Russian family name] or be Russian and replace [Jewish given name] with a Russian given name. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 8
Russian names always had a given name, a patronymic, and then a surname. WVS [72] [LoAR 14 Jun 82], p. 10
In Welsh, the adjective follows the noun. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 1
You can have a Welsh name, or an Anglicized Welsh name, but not something halfway in between. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 11
Merch is the proper term for daughter of." WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 1
"In place-name usage the preposition meaning 'of/from' in both Irish and Welsh -- including Old Irish and Middle Welsh -- is 'o' -- small, no accent, no apostrophe. In Irish it takes the dative, as I recall, and I think it aspirates the following consonant." [EoE] WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 1
The arms of branches must have at least one laurel wreath as a major charge. Nothing else may, including badges and flags of branches. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 14
The arms of a branch must have the standard laurel wreath. No substitutions. Laurel leaves are long and pointed with no curves like an oak wreath. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 16
You cannot place a laurel wreath proper on azure or vert, as there is not sufficient contrast. WVS [8] [LoAR 19 Nov 79], p. 5
[Acorn wreath fructed.] The acorns must be enlarged by a factor of two to three to be in keeping with medieval practice and to remove the similarity to a laurel wreath. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 4
The laurel wreath must be a major charge on the shield, not a little crown. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 9
This looks too much like a branch device, as the two sprigs are too close to a laurel wreath. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 8
The arms have insufficient contrast. Proper is mostly used for charges with non-heraldic tinctures. A laurel wreath is vert and should be treated as such. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 8
Exactly which kind of oak leaf they are is a matter for the artist, not the blazon. Heraldically, a leaf proper is always green unless otherwise indicated, in which case you might as well say vert. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 1
We have to differentiate between the heraldic leopard and naturalleopards. If you just want a basic natural leopard, call it a natural leopard in the blazon. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 6
see ABSTRACT SYMBOL
A pharos is any lighthouse, and is thus not specific enough for use in a blazon. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 1
Any creature with four limbs can be rampant if the limbs are arranged in that specific artificial position. Wings count as limbs, as do fins. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 6
[Winged lion.] The default position for the wings of a creature like this is addorsed. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 3
To save space, a cat is a domestic cat. If you want a mountain lion it is a catamount. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 2
What you have is a Lion of St. Mark holding a cross. This symbol is used for sacred purposes to typify St. Mark, such as the arms of a convent. What is your rationale for using it? WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 9
I have decided that lozengy with each lozenge being actually a delf saltirewise (i.e. a diamond with 90 degree angles), which used to be blazoned as checky per saltire to difference it from the lozengy that is normally more elongated palewise, is really just a minor variation of lozengy. If you did the arms on a square banner lozengy would become a diamond pattern. Therefore I consider it a matter of artistic license as to the exact angles of lozengy. A note to the scribe in the file is sufficient, it need not be in the blazon. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 3
A lymphad is a stylized galley. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 4
There is only one species of lynx (Lynx lynx). WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 1
There is enough ill feeling about the pentagram to keep it out under the offensive[ness] clause. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 10
Too close to the Hand of Glory. This smacks so much of Satanism that it would be offensive to a large fraction of the populace. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 7
The badge [containing an oak leaf and a sickle] is too Druidical in nature. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 5
[Gules, mailed Or.] The field is covered with interlaced annulets in a chain-mail pattern. It is a new type of treatment of the field, so we named it for SCA usage. WVS [70] [LoAR 24 May 82], p. 5
see HAMMER
A Mamluk rosette is a charge from Saracenic heraldry. Rosettes come in various numbers of petals, with the Mamluk rosette having six petals and the Rasulid rosette having five. The Mamluk rosette looks like a variant of a sexfoil. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 7
see COMPASS ROSE
[Fox sable, marked argent.] Marked means it has white markings, in this case on the tip of the tail and the chest under the chin. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 2
The device is a form of dimidiation by quartering. No [marshalling] is allowed. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 14
You have submitted the quartered arms of your parents, N. and M. In the mundane world for you to use such a combination would imply that both of your parents are dead, which they are not. However, in the Society we do not have inheritance of arms, and we do not allow [marshalling]. Each person should register their own personal device. Quartering of Society arms would violate the rule of simplicity in too many cases to allow it. It is the opinion of the College of Arms that quartering of arms in the SCA is not allowed, nor may a device appear to do so. Therefore a device may not be Quarterly or per pale, unless it is obvious that the device is not quartered or impaled arms. Quartering also cannot be used for badges, as impaling is allowed there and that is sufficient. There is nothing to stop you from wearing a costume with the quartered arms of your parents. Just do not try to register such as your device with the College. Choose your own device. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 17
see also QUARTERING, SHIELDS ON SHIELDS
The only cases for internal lines in heraldry are masoned or chased. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], per 4
The only cases for internal lines in heraldry are masoned or chased. Anything else, such as the Doric meander, is diapering and is not listed in the blazon. Changing the meander to silver on white would be proper diapering. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 4. [The charge, which was submitted as a Doric meander, was eventually registered as an Ionic column.]
Mermaids are affronty by default. They are also Caucasian by default in the SCA. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 6
This was passed with an argent field for Society use on scrolls. She may drop the field for personal use as a mon. A device must have a field. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 4
Japanese mon are consistently shown as either light on dark or dark on light. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 3
In mon color doesn't count, just light on dark or dark on light. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 4
There is no such thing as a Wyvern's head proper, because a Wyvern is a mythical beast, and did not exist. You must specify the tincture. A wyvern's head is an eagle's head with ears. WVS [8] [LoAR 19 Nov 79], p. 6
A made-up monster can be proper if the individual pieces all have a natural coloring. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 4
It was standard practice in period European heraldry to create new monsters by combining pieces of common animals. The College of Arms allows the use of those monsters created before 1601 and allows the creation of new monsters in this fashion by Society members. These monsters must be made from pieces of common animals known to Europe in our period. The use of highly unusual or unknown animals is not allowed. Thus one could not make an animal out of a platypus's head, a gnu's body, a coelacanth's tail, and the legs of a penguin. The College has from time to time allowed the registration of new monsters created out of whole cloth that are not blazonable as parts of common animals. These are exceptions treated on a case-by-case basis. The College often assigns a new name to these new monsters rather than listing then as a long combination of various parts of animals (e.g., the Bog Beast). At this time, the College refuses to register as out of period those monsters which were created between the years 1601 and 1966, even if they are completely in keeping with and compatible with period usage. The College does not allow them either under their actual name or as a list of parts of animals. Thus, if you create a new monster out of pieces of animals that has never been thought of before, it is acceptable, but if it turns out that somebody else thought of it in 1758, then it is not allowed. WVS [37] [CL 10 Mar 81], p. 2
Henceforth there will be a moratorium on the normal registration of out-of-period monsters and of made-up monsters. Instead, we will allow people to petition the College of Arms for acceptance of a particular monster, on a case-by-case basis. Such proposed monsters may be made up or out of period monsters. The question will be whether the monster is in keeping with period practice and whether the College feels it would be a good idea to allow its use in the SCA. Once approved, the monster is available for use by anybody in the SCA. All monsters already registered now are still available for general use. WVS [41] [CL 12 May 81], p. 5
Moons with faces are now acceptable. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 4
It is best to specify the tincture of moons and suns. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 4
An increscent moon is an increscent with a face and is in period as it was used in statuary in our period. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 2
A moon in her plenitude has a face. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 4
Like a plate, a moon in her complement is argent by default unless otherwise specified, just as a sun in splendor is Or by default. If you wanted a moon in her complement within a bordure, both azure, then you would have to say a moon in her complement azure within a bordure azure. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 3
For the benefit of the scribes, who often must work from blazons and black-and-white photocopies, hereafter we will blazon the tinctures of all charges, including those with default tinctures. This is a reversal from my statement last month. Suns in splendor will be specified as Or and moons in their complement will be specified as argent. If you have Or, a sun in splendor within a bordure azure, this will now mean that the sun is azure. This does not affect the special names of gouttes and roundels. A bezant is still Or and need not be specified as Or. WVS [62] [CL 27 Feb 82], p. 1
Mortant is a term from Outlandish heraldry, and is not acceptable for official use in the SCA. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 6
see ACHIEVEMENT
A hill is a triple mount. A hill proper is grass covered, and therefore green. WVS [27] [LoAR 20 Oct 80], p. 2
Atop means the [charge] is standing on top of the mount. Upon means the [charge] is charged on the mount. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 1
There is no such thing as a mount proper in SCA heraldry. It is vert. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], pp. 5-6
You cannot have a mountain proper, as dirt comes in many colors. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 9
Hereafter mullets of any number of points may be voided and interlaced, except for five points, which is still forbidden. They should be blazoned in this manner. There is enough ill feeling about the pentagram to keep it out under the offensive[ness] clause. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 10
A compass star has alternating greater and lesser points, with a greater point to chief. To be proper the number of points should be divisible by four. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 6
A sun is just a mullet of alternating straight and wavy points, usually at least sixteen points. The number of points can be specified as a lesser number, though, as in this case. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 1
Hereafter suns and estoiles shall have rays and mullets will have points. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 3
It is better to call these mullets [of four points] than star-crosses, because that way they are grouped with mullets in the Ordinary rather than crosses. We already have another use for star-cross, anyway. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 5
Musical notes cannot be used in devices, but can be used in badges. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 10
A sheet of music is not an acceptable charge. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 9
The modern treble clef is out of period. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 10
Musical instruments with strings like a rebec are affronty palewise by default. Harps are sideways. If it has strings, the strings are shown, and so the instrument is turned to show the strings. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 5
Musical instruments are invariably shown as they are held, face on, with the strings or holes showing. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 8
Appeal accepted. The College has previously registered ... a lute edge on. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 3
Ermine spots are called musketours [sic] when used as charges. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 8. [Parker lists French hermine, moucheture, and mouchetor as occasional variants of the more common English term ermine spot.]
see HAIR
Heraldically, both closing nails and passion nails are just nails. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 8
You cannot have parentheses in a Society name. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 4
N. is out of period and this sort of joke name is not acceptable anyway. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 10
We must have a surname for our records. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 9
You cannot use a Linnean name as part of a Society name. They are all out of period. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 4
We only allow one name per person in the College files. You can change this official name, but you cannot register two names. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 9
Epithets and sobriquets are words with specific meanings instead of general names, and so will have to be correct for the intended meaning, and the language used will have to be in period. WVS [41] [CL 12 May 81], p. 4
The badge looks OK, but must wait for the name to be approved. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 11
This [name] is not acceptable under current rules. If he can show that this submission was submitted several years ago and was lost by the [kingdom] College of Heralds, then I will accept the name under a grandfather clause. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 5
You may not have a name consisting only of one word. I have therefore added N. to the currently registered name, as a nickname. Normally we do not register nicknames but since he was knighted with the name, I will allow it. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 4
Submitting a device or badge with a Society name known to be unacceptable is a waste of the College's time. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 8
Name approved as a hardship case. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 3. [No additional explanation was provided.]
[Merloren the Hermit.] Your name is too similar to Merlin the Hermit, which was one of the names of Merlin Ambrosius, the Druid Magician advisor to King Arthur. Your device heightens this similarity by using many of the symbols associated with druids and Merlin specifically, such as the owl. You can use Merlin if you difference it sufficiently, such as Merlin the Blacksmith, and if your device does not look like that of a druid. If you chose a different name the device would pass. WVS [S], p. 15
[N. Hightower.] The name conflicts with Randall of Hightower, the first Principal Herald in the Society and formerly Clarion King of Arms. You would have to get Lord Randall's permission to have such a similar name. Hightower was the name of his household. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 7
[Melusine N. the M.] She found a historical use of Melusina in 1667. Inasmuch as she submitted three years ago, I am willing to give the benefit of doubt that it might have been used earlier and grant her the use of the name ... Notice that there is both a surname and a modifier to difference the name from the original Melusine. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 4
Names which are not unique may be used so long as the surnames or sobriquets or place names adequately difference the given name from the famous holder of that name. Names which are unique to a famous entity may not be used, particularly if the entity is non-mortal. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 4
If a famous figure is famous only under one name, and has a child name which only scholars have ever heard of, then the child name is not barred while the famous name may be. If the famous name has only been used once in all time, namely by that famous person, then the name is unique and forbidden. If most people will only have heard of this one use, and most people will in fact have heard about it, then, even if there are other obscure uses of it, the name is essentially unit and restricted. WVS [20] [CL 21 Jul 80], p. 4
The surname conflicts with the N. household, who protest. Try something that sounds different. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 10
[Macsen.] The name of any mortal can be used so long as it is not a title or absolutely unique, and so long as it is adequately differenced from the famous usage by the rest of the Society name. The names of non-mortal beings may not be used unless they were used by people in the real world in our period ([e.g.] Jesus, Gabriel, and Diana). Examples of titles are Charlemagne and Amenhotep. An absolutely unique name is one that was only used by the one famous person and is not derivable from other common names. Cuchulain is an example. Macsen is the Welsh form of Maximus, a common Roman name. Although there is only one recorded use of Macsen, it could easily have happened more than once if another Maximus had moved to Wales. Macsen is therefore derivable from Maximus. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 6
[Pellinore.] The device is acceptable but the name is not in conjunction with the device. You must either change the word Pellinore or else use a different charge other than the questing beast. The combination of Pellinore and a questing beast is too much of a conflict with King Pellinore. If you want to use a famous name of a mortal you must not only difference from the famous person by the rest of the Society name, but also you must avoid any further reference to the famous person in the device. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 7
[N. Hightower.] You must still get permission from Randall of Hightower to use his household name. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 7
With regard to conflicts between the names of orders ... the feeling was that the addition of an adjective was too close. Thus, the Order of the Green Tree would conflict with the Order of the Tree ... The difference of an adjective was marginally acceptable depending on the case involved. Therefore, the Order of the Rowan Tree and the Order of the Madrone Tree are not in conflict, but the Order of the Red Tree and the Order of the Madrone Tree would conflict, as they refer to the same thing under two different names. One method of avoiding conflicts between similar but not identical orders is to add the name of the branch. Thus, the Order of the Tree of Allyshia (O.T.A.) would be sufficiently different from the Order of the Black Tree (O.B.T.), assuming its full name was always used. WVS [35] [CL 24 Feb 81], p. 3
You cannot be the son of Brian Boru. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 10
The household name conflicts with the Order of N. in the Kingdom of the East. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 5
[Merloren the Hermit.] She dropped the druidical symbols she had before (moon and owl). Since she is a woman, this plus the different spelling is now just barely enough difference from Merlin, who was a famous hermit. I would not have allowed a man to have this name. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 2
The Amati were one of the principal artisan families of Cremona, second in fame only to the Stradivarii. While you can be of the family, you are not the head of the family, and so cannot use House Amati. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 6
Household names may not be the names of actual places, as that would imply the head of the household was the ruler of that place. Household names may not be the surnames of actual families or clans, as that would imply that the head of the household was the head of that family or clan. Household names do not have to be registered, but if they are not registered, they are not protected. In order to be registered, a household name must not conflict with any other household names in the SCA or with any SCA Society names. Two household names conflict if they differ only by minor spelling variants or sound essentially the same ... A household name conflicts with a surname or place name of a Society name only when it is identical or a spelling variant ... The reverse is true for Society names conflicting with household names ... The principle is that there should be more difference between two household names than between a household name and somebody's last name. WVS [71] [CL 18 Jun 82], pp. 2-3
Only a mundane M.D. [can be] "the Healer." WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 3
Halftrollson is an accepted Viking nickname indicating fierceness, and not parentage. Halfelfson would not be acceptable. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 5
You cannot be of Evenstar as you can no longer be of a planet or star. In the case of Evenstar it can be used as a descriptive, so it would be acceptable to use N. Evenstar. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 3
He cannot be De Cruce de Rosas, as he is not a member of the Rosicrucians. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 4
You cannot be N. Starfarer as that does come too close to implying non-mortal abilities ... I suggest that you consider the name N. Starfollower. which sounds similar, means essentially what you want your name to mean, and is acceptable to the College. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 14
You cannot be a centaur. You cannot use centaur as a surname. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 7
Clovenhoof is not an acceptable sobriquet, implying one is a satyr or devil. You cannot justify unacceptable sobriquets by saying your enemies gave it to you. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 10
[Melusine N. the M.] She found a historical use of Melusina in 1667. Inasmuch as she submitted three years ago, I am willing to give the benefit of doubt that it might have been used earlier and grant her the use of the name ... Notice that there is both a surname and a modifier to difference the name from the original Melusine. WVS 113], p. 4
The N. is a famous thing, and cannot be used as a given name, unless she can provide documentation showing that it was used as a given name in our period. WVS [19] [LoAR 5 Jun 80], p. 4
I need the language, translation, and/or source for the name. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 10
If I followed your form of reasoning I could not reject any place name, as the person could then just say that that was the name of the mythical estate they had just made up for their persona. Or they could hang a sign on their doorstep with that name and say that was the name of their household. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 14
If a name is in use today or if any source can be found of its use in the real world at some time, then it may be used and assumed allowable unless we can find something wrong with it or prove that it is out of period. Most, but not all, names in use today are in fact period names. Therefore, if you can cite a source for a name, you get the benefit of the doubt on that name. If somebody shows that such a name violates one of our rules, then it shall not be allowed. If it is shown that such a name is out of period, then it shall not be allowed unless it has been previously used and registered by the College more than once. I feel that if a name is otherwise acceptable and is only inadmissible because it is first cited in the late 1600's and if it has been previously registered several times, [then] we should go on using it. Registered use in the SCA is therefore almost as good as use in period. WVS [35] [CL 24 Feb 81], p. [34]
If a person submits a name for which no source is given or can be found, then it is up to that person to convince us that the name is in period or is compatible with period usage if it is a modified name. If someone created a name by translating something in English, then the burden is on them to show that their translation is correct and that the form of the name is period usage. It is quite acceptable to mutate an existing name if you can convince us that the mutation is proper to our period. Some changes were done and some were not. Changes in spelling that do not change the pronunciation are acceptable, as names were a verbal tradition and were spelled phonetically during much of our period. Changes in spelling that change the pronunciation of the name are different. Here one must demonstrate that this sort of change could have been done in our period. WVS [35] [CL 24 Feb 81], p. 4
I have dropped the nickname "the N.," as no documentation of meaning was given. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 3
One must provide evidence for the acceptability of a given name. A citation in a name book counts as evidence (but not conclusive evidence). Such a citation is sufficient unless an objection can be found in period, such as use of the name as a surname in period. Then it is up to the submitter to show that the name was used as a given name in period. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 8
I am rejecting the name of the household due to lack of documentation. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 4
You cannot be of Imladris (also known as Rivendell) as that was a place where only elves dwelt, with the notable exception of Aragorn. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 8
You can be of the Dunedain, as we allow place names from Middle Earth. The Dunedain were the descendants [of] the Numenorians, and this included much of the human population in Arnor and Gondor. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 2
It is the consensus of the College of Arms that we continue to allow the use of names and place names from fiction and mythology. So be it. The fantasy source must be compatible with our period. A culture with post sixteenth century technology is not compatible. The fiction must be about a place where mortals dwelled and the name or place used must not violate the prohibition against claiming to be non-mortal. If the fiction deals with events on Earth it must be using a pre-1600 time period. Barbarian tales of the far future are not compatible. WVS [26] [CL 20 Oct 80], p. 2
You cannot use "of Amber" as a surname, as it implies you are a member of the royal family of the Land of Amber, in the Amber series by Roger Zelazny. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 9
Groups (territorial branches, offices, guilds, clans, brotherhoods, etc.) that are not personal households may not make use of names or words or languages from fantasy sources in the name of the group. Specifically, a group name may not make use of the languages of Middle Earth ... This does not in any way restrict the use of words or names from fantasy for use by individuals or for the names of personal households. WVS [37] [CL 10 Mar 81], p. 1
Este is the name of [one of the] Valar in Middle Earth and thus may not be used. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 7
Names from Darkover are not acceptable. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 11
Your name isn't a name it's an epithet ... You need a given name. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 17
A person can always use their first name, as long as they difference it properly. Nobody else can use N. as a name unless they also have it as their first name. This is a specific exception to the normal rules, granted only to her. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 5
The N. is a famous thing, and cannot be used as a given name. WVS [19] [LoAR 5 Jun 80], p. 4
It is allowed, although discouraged, for a lady to use a man's given name, and vice versa. The applicant must note on the information sheet the fact that they know that the name is of the opposite gender and that they do desire it that way. Otherwise it will be corrected to the proper gender. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 7
N. is a place, not a given name. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 11
N. is out of period as a given name. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 12
[Macsen.] The name of any mortal can be used so long as it is not a title or absolutely unique, and so long as it is adequately differenced from the famous usage by the rest of the Society name. The names of non-mortal beings may not be used unless they were used by people in the real world in our period ([e.g.] Jesus, Gabriel, and Diana). Examples of titles are Charlemagne and Amenhotep. An absolutely unique name is one that was only used by the one famous person and is not derivable from other common names. Cuchulain is an example. Macsen is the Welsh form of Maximus, a common Roman name. Although there is only one recorded use of Macsen, it could easily have happened more than once if another Maximus had moved to Wales. Macsen is therefore derivable from Maximus. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 6
N. is not a given name, but instead is a soubriquet. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 9
"Earl" cannot be used with a place name, as it implies the title of Earl. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 11. ["Earl" was being used in this case as a given name.]
Given names and place names may be used as surnames, with or without prepositions or patronymics. However, place names and surnames may not be used as given names. There are some cases where a name is both a given name and a surname, and so may be used as either one. When a name is known to be a surname or a place name and is not known to also be a given name, then it may not be used as a given name unless the submitter proves that it was actually used as a given name in our period. This is one case where the use of the name as a given name in modern times is not sufficient, since we have period evidence of its [use] as a non-given name. WVS [35] [CL 24 Feb 81], p. 5
Erin (Erinn) ("from Ireland") could be used as a surname, but its use as a given name is out of period. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 7
N. is a variant of her first name, M., so she can have it. N. seems to be out of period, so this is a specific and not a general approval of the name. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 4
Although the name Fiona is out of period, we have three uses of it already registered. Unless the College objects, I will let three previous registrations of a name in the SCA constitute period usage in the SCA, so long as the name does not violate any of the other rules. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 5
With a few exceptions, it is our opinion that the names of birds were not used as given names in our period. WVS [42] [LoAR 12 May 81], p. 9
One must provide evidence for the acceptability of a given name. A citation in a name book counts as evidence (but not conclusive evidence). Such a citation is sufficient unless an objection can be found in period, such as use of the name as a surname in period. Then it is up to the submitter to show that the name was used as a given name in period. WVS [44] [LoAR 24 Jun 81], p. 8
N. is out of period. I have therefore changed it to the period form of M. If his legal name is actually M. ... then he can have M. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 9
[Regina.] You cannot use titles as given names, even if it is your given name. The given-name exception allows names that are otherwise out of period, but does not provide exemption from the other rules on names. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 13
[Regina.] Appeal accepted on the grounds that Regina is her mundane given name. This name is not available for general use, as it is a title. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 7
Translating given names into Latin is acceptable. Her given name (N.) means [translation] in Hebrew. Translating [translation] into Latin and then putting it into a female name form produces M. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 1 [Given names do not possess meaning in the conventional sense, and therefore cannot be translated in this manner. The above reasoning is specious.]
[Regina.] The College is opposed to the use of titles in names. We have received documentation that Regina specifically was a common given name in our period. Therefore, we will allow the use of Regina as a given name so long as there is no indication in the name that a claim to royalty exists. This means that Regina must be the first word of the Society name and that the Society name may not be in Latin, and that the word Regina may not be followed by any translation of "of X," where X is a place name, as that could indicate that the person was queen of that place. This use of Regina does not imply permission to use any other titles as names (e.g., you still can't have Earl or Rex). WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 7
The name has no given name, only two sobriquets. (This would not even have been acceptable in 1979.) WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 10
It is acceptable to have an adjective precede the given name, so long as you do not try to use an adjective as the given name. WVS [72] [LoAR 14 Jun 82], p. 4
The surname conflicts with the N. household, who protest. Try something that sounds different. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 10
[N. Hightower.] You must still get permission from Randall of Hightower to use his household name. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 7
The badge itself is OK, but the household name is not. Baldly placing two words from two different languages together like this is non-period usage. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 7
The household name conflicts with the Order of N. in the Kingdom of the East. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 5
The Amati were one of the principal artisan families of Cremona, second in fame only to the Stradivarii. While you can be of the family, you are not the head of the family, and so cannot use House Amati. WVS [61] [LoAR 17-18 Jan 82], p. 6
The name is a joke name and is thus not acceptable for registration. WVS [65] [LoAR 15 Mar 82], p. 3
I am rejecting the name of the household due to lack of documentation. WVS [67] [LoAR 19 Apr 82], p. 4
Household names may not be the names of actual places, as that would imply the head of the household was the ruler of that place. Household names may not be the surnames of actual families or clans, as that would imply that the head of the household was the head of that family or clan. Household names do not have to be registered, but if they are not registered, they are not protected. In order to be registered, a household name must not conflict with any other household names in the SCA or with any SCA Society names. Two household names conflict if they differ only by minor spelling variants or sound essentially the same ... A household name conflicts with a surname or place name of a Society name only when it is identical or a spelling variant ... The reverse is true for Society names conflicting with household names ... The principle is that there should be more difference between two household names than between a household name and somebody's last name. WVS [71] [CL 18 Jun 82], pp. 2-3
It is acceptable to make up a name. you don't have to contrive derivations for made-up names, just say that it is a made-up name. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 6
Society names must either be made of names that were used by mortals in our period or that are created names that are acceptable variants of period names or are in keeping with period name construction. Names were coined in period, and so they may be coined now, but only in keeping with period practices. Names from fictional sources may be used if they satisfy the requirement of being in keeping with period practices. Names which are out of period but are in keeping with period practices should also be allowed, as the date of creation shouldn't matter if the name is in keeping. WVS [41] [CL 12 May 81], p. 4
Made-up names must now be consistent with period naming practices and must satisfy all of the other rules on names. Therefore, if a person makes up a name and it turns out that, quite by coincidence, it is also the name of a god, a place, or a surname, then the made-up name will not be acceptable. It doesn't matter how you arrived at the name: it still must pass all of the other rules. WVS [49] [CL 13 Aug 81], p. 3
I believe that the use of middle names like that in English is out of period. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 2
The use of four names like this would have been very rare in period, especially since N. is not a saint's name and so would not have been confirmation name. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 10
A person may use her mundane given name, but is not guaranteed use of her middle name. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 2
[N., called M.] If M. is a nickname this is acceptable usage, but if M. is an alternate persona it should not appear in the name. Personally don't like the [use] of "called" and "known as" as it clutters the formal name with nicknames, but I'm not ruling on personal likes and dislikes. I think it would have been better to have said "called the M.," as that is more proper usage. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 1
I have omitted the words "called N." The College of Arms is only interested in registering the formal Society name of a person. We are not interested in nicknames and do not register them. To do so would be to give official approval for the use of a nickname, which is a separate name in itself. N. is called M., which means that he is addressed at times as "M." A person may have many nicknames, but these do not belong in the formal name unless they are to become a fixed part of the name itself. One's formal Society name is a complete unit. This is what will be used for scrolls and other official uses. One's nickname is what can be used by acquaintances in informal usage. Therefore the forms "called X" or "known as X" may not appear in a name submitted to the College. It is nice to have them in the file, which is why there is a line for them [on] the form, but they are not a part of the formal name. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 4
Nicknames are not part of the formal name and should not be submitted. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 6
You may not have a name consisting only of one word. I have therefore added N. to the currently registered name, as a nickname. Normally we do not register nicknames but since he was knighted with the name, I will allow it. WVS [57] [LoAR 30 Nov 81], p. 4
You cannot be of Imladris (also known as Rivendell) as that was a place where only elves dwelt, with the notable exception of Aragorn. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 8
[Melusine N. the M.] She found a historical use of Melusina in 1667. Inasmuch as she submitted three years ago, I am willing to give the benefit of doubt that it might have been used earlier and grant her the use of the name ... Notice that there is both a surname and a modifier to difference the name from the original Melusine. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 4
Be cannot be of N., because the N. was a creature and you cannot be of a creature unless you are an offspring of it, which I do not think M. is claiming to be. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 1
You cannot claim to be a non-mortal, and the wraith of an elf is definitely non-mortal. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 11
You cannot be N. Starfarer as that does come too close to implying non-mortal abilities ... I suggest that you consider the name N. Starfollower, which sounds similar, means essentially what you want your name to mean, and is acceptable to the College. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 14
The rule of the College is that a place name must be a place primarily inhabited by ordinary mortals, not a place where occasionally a mortal was invited to visit. I point out that Dante visited Hades and Arthur dwells on Avalon, and yet neither is acceptable. Caer Pedryvan is a famous Castle of the Otherworld, and so is not acceptable as a place name in the SCA. The claim to come from such a place would be to imply either that you were non-mortal, or that you were a hero, since in Celtic mythology anyone coming from such a place would be treated as an extra-ordinary person worthy of great respect. This is too presumptuous. Please take the name of a real place. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 7
You cannot be a centaur. You cannot use centaur as a surname. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 7
You cannot use the name of a Norse god or goddess. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 8
You cannot use names of Middle Earth or Norse dwarves. They were not human. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 9
Este is the name of [one of the] Valar in Middle Earth and thus may not be used. WVS [40] [LoAR 20 Apr 81], p. 7
Diana was the goddess of the moon and of wild animals (including the horse). Rhiannon was a Celtic goddess also linked to the moon and specifically to a white horse. Coupled with the white horse's head, crescent and stars, this is a clear claim to divinity, and is thus not allowed. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 11
Pryderi was a demi-god, the son of Rhiannon and either Pwyll or Manawyddan, all of whom were immortals. You cannot use Pryderi unless you can show that it was used as a given name in period. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 12
Clovenhoof is not an acceptable sobriquet, implying one is a satyr or devil. You cannot justify unacceptable sobriquets by saying your enemies gave it to you. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 10
You may not use the name of a deity unless it passed into common use as a given name in period. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 7
Rhiannon is the name of a goddess and does not seem to have been used as a given name in period. Therefore, it may not be used under the new rules. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 10
[Rhiannon.] A Book of Welsh Names, by Trefor Rendell Davies (London: Sheppard Press, 1952), lists Rhiannon as a common Welsh given name. Therefore, even though it is the name of a goddess, it may be used so long as the name and the device sufficiently differentiate the person from the goddess. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 6
[Michael Maggotslayer.] This is as close as I have come to rejecting a name as offensive and still letting it go through in the end, on the basis that at least that's the right thing to do to maggots. Please try to keep people from registering names like this, as it causes indigestion to anyone else hearing it. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 4
Melkor was the Middle Earth version of Satan. This name may not be used. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 7
The name is too offensive for formal registration. Just register a badge for the household. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 8
With regard to conflicts between the names of orders ... the feeling was that the addition of an adjective was too close. Thus, the Order of the Green Tree would conflict with the Order of the Tree ... The difference of an adjective was marginally acceptable depending on the case involved. Therefore, the Order of the Rowan Tree and the Order of the Madrone Tree are not in conflict, but the Order of the Red Tree and the Order of the Madrone Tree would conflict, as they refer to the same thing under two different names. One method of avoiding conflicts between similar but not Identical orders is to add the name of the branch. Thus, the Order of the Tree of Allyshia (O.T.A.) would be sufficiently different from the Order of the Black Tree (O.B.T.) r assuming its full name was always used. WVS [35] [CL 24 Feb 81], p. 3
The household name conflicts with the Order of N. in the Kingdom of the East. WVS [52] [LoAR 15 Sep 81], p. 5
Halftrollson is an accepted Viking nickname indicating fierceness, and not parentage. Halfelfson would not be acceptable. WVS [9] [LoAR 22 Jan 80], p. 5
N. is a surname. You are not the son of the father's surname, but the son of the father's given name. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 11
You cannot use two given names in a patronymic. You can be "nic M." or "nic N.," but not "nic M. N." WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 6
Patronymics must use a period patronymic form and the father's name must itself be in keeping with period practice. WVS [41] [CL 12 May 81], p. 4
Having a surname and a patronymic is improper in English usage. In particular, the patronymic uses only the father's given name. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 4
You do not use your father's epithet as a patronymic. You use his given name. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 10
"You can be daughter of someone, you can be of or from a place, [but] you cannot be daughter of a place. Period. It is poetic and wrong." [EoE] WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 1
To use a surname to form a patronymic can indicate bastardy. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 7. [I am not aware of any reputable source that bears out this claim.]
You cannot be of Imladris (also known as Rivendell) as that was a place where only elves dwelt, with the notable exception of Aragorn. WVS [5] [LoAR 24 Oct 79], p. 8
You cannot be of Evenstar as you can no longer be of a planet or star. In the case of Evenstar it can be used as a descriptive, so it would be acceptable to use N. Evenstar. WVS [13] [LoAR 18 Mar 80], p. 3
I have changed this from d'N. to of N. because N. is not French, and therefore the use of d' is not appropriate. WVS [17] [LoAR 15 May 80], p. 2. [Reversed on appeal.]
You cannot be of a letter, and you cannot say that that is an estate because it would not be obvious to anyone else that that is the case. However, what you can do is to make it clear in your name. I will accept N. of [letter] Island, but not N. of [letter]. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 12
If I followed your form of reasoning I could not reject any place name, as the person could then just say that that was the name of the mythical estate they had just made up for their persona. Or they could hang a sign on their doorstep with that name and say that was the name of their household. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 14
N. is a place and so cannot be used as a surname. I have added "of". WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 2. [The above statement is completely contrary to medieval practice. Place names were commonly used as surnames.]
The rule of the College is that a place name must be a place primarily inhabited by ordinary mortals, not a place where occasionally a mortal was invited to visit. I point out that Dante visited Hades and Arthur dwells on Avalon, and yet neither is acceptable. Caer Pedryvan is a famous Castle of the Otherworld, and so is not acceptable as a place name in the SCA. The claim to come from such a place would be to imply either that you were non-mortal, or that you were a hero, since in Celtic mythology anyone coming from such a place would be treated as an extra-ordinary person worthy of great respect. This is too presumptuous. Please take the name of a real place. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 7
Do not misspell a place name just for the fun of misspelling it ... While spellings were somewhat variable in our period, this is not one of those cases. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 8. [Reversed on appeal. According to P. H. Reaney, in The Origin of English Surnames, the spelling of place names varied even more when they were used as surnames, because they were "just names," with no special significance.]
You cannot use "of Amber" as a surname, as it implies you are a member of the royal family of the Land of Amber, in the Amber series by Roger Zelazny. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 9
Tir Mell is the same land as Tir na n'Og, the Celtic paradise. You cannot use that as a place name or surname. WVS t38], p. 7
Skorch is the land of Blackwolf the Wizard in the film "Wizards," and being technological, it is out of period. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 10
N. is the Ducal House of M. You will need to pick a different surname which is not a royal or high noble house. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 6
From now on, surnames of royal households may not be used, but those of noble households without claim to thrones may be used. Thus although N. is the Ducal House of M., it is not a Royal House, having no claim to the throne. In using a name of a noble house one must be careful to avoid using any of the given names used by known members of that house. One still cannot be a Hapsburg or a Tudor, but Dever[eu]x is acceptable so long as you aren't also a Robert. These houses are generally large, and contain a number of non-noble members. Royal Houses contain only noble members in that everyone has some claim to the throne. WVS [25] [LoAR 16 Sep 80], p. 3
Stuart is a very large clan in Scotland, and we have already allowed some people to use the name, so Stuart is a specific exception to the rule against using the surnames of royal families and clans. WVS [30] [LoAR 28 Nov 80], p. 4
The Tokugawa Shogunate was a special case where the warrant and the title of Shogun became hereditary. Only the Tokugawa shoguns could be considered kings. The clan name of Tokugawa, therefore, qualifies as a royal house name and may not be used. While the Minamotos and Fujiwaras do not really qualify as royal houses, they are close enough to it that, as a special case, they are also restricted. The surname of Minowara used in the novel Shogun by James Clavell is a step removed from reality and does not have the reference in the real world given to the three shogunate families. Therefore it is not restricted. WVS [32] [LoAR 29 Dec 80], p. 3
I have learned that the surname for the imperial clan in Japan is Yamato. I therefore restrict its use as a surname in the SCA, along with that of Taira, a clan which briefly achieved the shogunate. WVS [33] [CL 27 Jan 81], p. 3
The rule is that the surname of a royal family or clan, membership in which means one has a claim to the throne, however tenuous, is not to be used in the SCA. An example is Yngling, the royal house of Norway. WVS [33] [CL 27 Jan 81], p. 3
You cannot use "of Amber" as a surname, as it implies you are a member of the royal family of the Land of Amber, in the Amber series by Roger Zelazny. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 9
While O'Neill was the surname of many Irish kings, like Stuart it is also an extremely large clan name, and it has already been registered to N.'s mother. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 2
The prohibition against the use of royal surnames applies to the surnames of all royal houses that ruled an independent territorial entity. Thus empires, kingdoms, and independent principalities (such as Monaco) are covered, but not duchies within kingdoms or principalities within empires. The shogunate families are specifically added to the protected list because they were the de facto rulers of Japan. Certain of these protected names, such as Stuart, are allowed for use on the grounds that they are also the name of very large clans, so to use the name does not constitute a statement of royal descent. WVS [47] [CL 30 Jul 81], p. 4
Groups (territorial branches, offices, guilds, clans, brotherhoods, etc.) that are not personal households may not make use of names or words or languages from fantasy sources in the name of the group. Specifically, a group name may not make use of the languages of Middle Earth ... This does not in any way restrict the use of words or names from fantasy for use by individuals or for the names of personal households. WVS [37] [CL 10 Mar 81], p. 1
It is more period to put shire at the end of a name, like Rieslingshire, than to have a Shire of something. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 6
You cannot use the name of a mundane city as part or all of a branch name. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 8. [Reversed on appeal.]
"N." is a modern spelling. The period spelling is "M." WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 7. [The name was registered using the period spelling.]
The sound "N." may not be used as a name, regardless of spelling, as spelling was variable in our period. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 8
Do not misspell a place name just for the fun of misspelling it ... While spellings were somewhat variable in our period, this is not one of those cases. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 8. [Reversed on appeal. According to P. H. Reaney, in The Origin of English Surnames, the spelling of place names varied even more when they were used as surnames, because they were "just names," with no special significance.]
Changes in spelling that do not change the pronunciation are acceptable, as names were a verbal tradition and were spelled phonetically during much of our period. Changes in spelling that change the pronunciation of the name are different. Here one must demonstrate that this sort of change could have been done in our period. WVS [35] [CL 24 Feb 81], p. 4
N. was the one spelling that was not used in period. I suggest you use one of the period forms, if you care about authenticity. WVS [611, p. 1
As a member of the College of Arms, you should observe spelling accuracy. WVS [70] [LoAR 24 May 82], p. 5
N. is the Ducal House of M. You will need to pick a different surname which is not a royal or high noble house. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 6
[N. Hightower.] The name conflicts with Randall of Hightower, the first Principal Herald in the Society and formerly Clarion King of Arms. You would have to get Lord Randall's permission to have such a similar name. Hightower was the name of his household. WVS [11] [LoAR 13 Feb 80], p. 7
The word N. was coined in 1853, and is thus out of period. Please choose a different surname. WVS [19] [LoAR 5 Jun 80], p. 4
The surname conflicts with the N. household, who protest. Try Something that sounds different. WVS [21] [LoAR 21 Jul 80], p. 10
N. is a place and so cannot be used as a surname. I have added "of." WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 2. [The above statement is completely contrary to medieval practice. Place names were commonly used as surnames.]
You cannot be a Saint. You cannot use the word Saint in a name except for the case of a place name. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 7. [Names of the form N. Saint M. can be found in period. M. in each case represents the name of an actual Christian saint. It does not imply sanctity on the part of the bearer of the name. The form is probably derived from the use of place names as surnames, a common medieval practice.]
We must have a surname for our records. WVS [23] [LoAR 27 Aug 80], p. 9
Given names and place names may be used as surnames, with or without prepositions or patronymics. WVS [35] [CL 24 Feb 81], p. 5
Appeal accepted. Place names can be used as surnames without the word "of." WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 1
You do not put a surname between two given names. WVS [36] [LoAR 23 Feb 81], p. 6
Having a surname and a patronymic is improper in English usage. In particular, the patronymic uses only the father's given name. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 4
You cannot have two clan names. Pick one and drop the other. WVS [50] [LoAR 13 Aug 81], p. 10
"Earl" cannot be used with a place name, as it implies the title of Earl. WVS [34] [LoAR 23 Jan 81], p. 11. ["Earl" was being used in this case as a given name.]
Titles such as Rex, Regina, or Sir cannot be used, even if they are given names. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 8
[Regina.] You cannot use titles as given names, even if it is your given name. The given-name exception allows names that are otherwise out of period, but does not provide exemption from the other rules on names. WVS [48] [LoAR 29 Jul 81], p. 13
The College of Arms does not register titles of any sort along with the Society name. WVS [49] [CL 13 Aug 81], p. 3
The word khan was omitted, as it is a title and may not be used in a name. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], p. 3
[Regina.] Appeal accepted on the grounds that Regina is her mundane given name. This name is not available for general use, as it is a title. WVS [55] [LoAR 26 Oct 81], par 7
I have deleted Thaine because Thaine is a title, not a name. WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 4
[Regina.] The College is opposed to the use of titles in names. We have received documentation that Regina specifically was a common given name in our period. Therefore, we will allow the use of Regina as a given name so long as there is no indication in the name that a claim to royalty exists. This means that Regina must be the first word of the Society name and that the Society name may not be in Latin, and that the word Regina may not be followed by any translation of "of X," where X is a place name, as that could indicate that the person was queen of that place. This use of Regina does not imply permission to use any other titles as names (e.g., you still can't have Earl or Rex). WVS [63] [LoAR 26 Feb 82], p. 7
You cannot differentiate a newt's arm from any other reptilian arms ... Resubmit ... as a reptile's arm. WVS [59] [LoAR 21 Dec 81], p. 6
To the medieval herald more than six of anything is many, and so there is no difference heraldically between seven charges and semy of those charges. WVS [15] [LoAR 14 Apr 80], p. 4
Heraldry does not count beyond ten. Hence, this is barruly instead of barry of fourteen. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 5
More than ten charges is semy of those charges. WVS [38] [LoAR 10 Mar 81], p. 6
see also ABSTRACT SYMBOL
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