"It's a joke name, sir."

[William Ronald]

I'd be much happier with a "Hardli Ben Sober" in my campaign than some nigh-unpronounceable Klingon name. Klingon? I mean, I like Star Trek, don't get me wrong....

As I recall, there is still a Star Trek RPG. Some Klingon names that were used in the various series, such as Kahless, Martok, and Kor are fairly easy to work with. I think one additional guideline for names is to make sure you can say it.

There was a wonderful skit in an old Doctor Who episode that explained why names need to be pronouncable -- and quick to pronounce in an emergency. It went something like this.

The Doctor: What is your name? (This was in the first episode of the Key to Time series, when the Doctor learns that the White Guardian has decided he will have a female Time Lord as a companion.)

Female Time Lord: Romanadvoratrelundar.

The Doctor. That won't do at all. I'll call you Romana.

Female Time Lord: Why?

The Doctor: Because by the time I say "Romanadvoratrelundar, behind you!", something horrible could sneak up behind you. So, I will call you Romana. Or Fred.

Female Time Lord: I like Fred.

The Doctor: Come along, Romana!

 

[Lasher Dragon]

LMAO Good point

 

[Particle_Man]

1) Catch-22 The name was Major Major Major before he joined the army. Then he gained his rank and become Major Major Major Major.

2) I nearly named an elf Keebler but wimped out.

3) My DM wanted a paladin name that meant swift of foot. Pedo- means foot, right? So, without him knowing what it meant, the campaign had an NPC paladin named Sir Pederast.

4) My sister Sarah has a boyfriend whose last name is Lee. She will not be taking his name.

5) My one and only Everquest character (the computer game -- found out I get "carsick" so stopped) was a Barbarian named "Duncan Donuts".

6) I has a cleric named Boing. I was 10. It was my first character that did not die in one session.

 

[VirgilCaine]

Mozzell Toff (I think), wood elf lineman

Of course, don't forget his half-brother, the half-orc Mollo Toff, a well-known drunkard [hard liquor only, though].

 

[Mark CMG]

Any new ones? I could use a laugh or two...

 

[Agback]

I woman I used to work with had a client named Richard Head. He named his son Richard Head, Jr.

The head prefect in my year at high school was named Richard Head. He was also captain of the First XV and the First XI, and no-one ever called him 'Dick'.

 

[Bront]

The head prefect in my year at high school was named Richard Head. He was also captain of the First XV and the First XI, and no-one ever called him 'Dick'.

Ok, what is the First XV and First XI?

 

[shilsen]

Since Agback's from Australia, I'm guessing the First XI is for cricket. First XV I'm not sure of. Rugby? Australian Rules Football?

 

[Aris Dragonborn]

The last time I ran Star Wars, one of my players wanted to play a Jawa Dark Jedi, dressed as Darth Vader, and name him 'Mini-Me'.

 

[Tarangil]

In my Asian campaign, I simply made it a rule--no names that are silly plays on words (Wong Wei was the example I used in my Player's Guide), or are profane or insulting. Thus far no one's submitted anything egregious.

I had a Buddy of mine in an Asian Campaign (back in the 1E 2E days) play a monk in which he aptly named: Yamanakesamanakechowmein. As silly as the name was he was a pretty kick ass monk.

The Bard in our group was: Fugi The Wonderful