"Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. The old way of naming was already starting to fade by the time of the founding of Monemvassia, and with the sudden influx of new people, and the fact that the Jaras themselves chose not to name their children in the old way..." Corvinus shrugs resignedly. "Nowadays the tradition is rare, mostly used by very old families trying to remember the past, or very new families trying to put on airs. But the names themselves are common. There were half a dozen boys named Gaius in my neighborhood at home, and I've even met a few people using Corvinus as a surname in the modern style. It's the way of putting them together and how they're used that makes the old way distinct. Multiple names ending in -us is a good clue for men, and -a for women, but there are names that don't fit the pattern, and, as I've said, many of the names ending in -us are common now. The best clue is if you can get them to introduce themselves formally. For instance, had I spoken in the Council, I would have introduced myself as Gaius Valerius Corvinus, Sergeant of the Monemvassian Guard, retired. It's the three names taken together that are the key. But, practically speaking, it's always safe to address someone in the same way that they introduced themselves, and let them tell you if they wish to be addressed less formally. There are a few people who will deliberately introduce themselves the wrong way just to have a chance to make a scene, but..." he makes a dismissive gesture.
