Names and Personas
Society members create a persona, the person who they would like to have been had they lived in the Middle Ages. Some SCA members have chosen only a name. Others have fully developed personas and can talk to you in detail about their medieval "lives". When you meet someone, they will ask your name. If you have not chosen a medieval name you can use your modern one until you decide. If you have no idea what you would like to be called, then ask the local herald or pursuivant if he or she has a book of medieval names you can look at. Similar books are in most of the local libraries. Avoid using "name-the-baby" books; many of these names were coined after the Renaissance and the authors often do not tell you which names are modern ones.
You need to pick at least one names that parents would haven given a child during the period the SCA studies, and at least one other name or descriptive phrase to set you apart from everyone else withthat given name. Some things to remember when choosing a name: You may not take the name of any historical or legendary person, nor may you use the full name of a person in fictional literature. You may not use or imply a title such as Sir, Duke, Count, Earl, Lord, Lady, Master, or Mistress. These titles must be earned. You may not use the full name of someone else in the Society. Try to keep your name only one language; two at the most. Your local herald can give you further information on choosing a name and persona.
