Cat names

__NOWYSIWYG__ In the Warriors series, the naming of cats follows a certain pattern.

Clan Names
The names of Clan cats are constructed from two words (for example Bramble+Claw or Squirrel+Flight). Both of these words pertain to things or notions known to the Clan cats, and usually describe the appearance and / or the personality of the cat. These can be of the following:

Names are usually short, containing generally two or three syllables.
 * Colors and Patterns: White, Golden, Dark, Spotted
 * Attributes: Brave, Sharp, Sweet, Wild
 * Body Parts: Claw, Heart, Foot, Tail
 * Plants and Animals: Birch, Holly, Hawk, Tiger
 * Nature: Sky, Sand, Stream, Stone
 * Phenomena: Fire, Mist, Night, Storm
 * Action: Pounce, Running, Jump, Swift

First Part of the Name
The first part (prefix) is given by the kit's parents upon its birth. The names can be of the following:
 * Pertaining to the kit's appearance (Fox- for reddish coat, Tiny- for small size, Squirrel- for bushy tail)
 * In honor of another cat or ancestor (Leaf- in honor of Leafstar and Spottedleaf, Tiger- in honor of Tigerstar)
 * Other, seemingly unrelated to either (Holly-, Petal-)

Second Part of the Name
Kits, apprentices and leaders have -kit, -paw and -star respectively as the second part (suffix) of their names by tradition.
 * Examples: Hawkkit, Hawkpaw, Hawkstar

The suffix of warrior and medicine cat names are assigned by the Clan Leader (or Medicine Cat, respectively), though they can request a specific name for themselves, if they wish.
 * Examples: Hawkfrost, Hawkfur, Hawkheart

Reserved Words
The following notions are generally not used in Clan names (although some have been occasionally):
 * -Star, -Kit and -Paw are reserved as leader, kit, and apprentice suffixes (e.g. Thunderstar, Honeykit, Hazelpaw)
 * Spirit- and Moon-, as these represent sacred notions (e.g. Moonstone, Moonpool)
 * Shadow-, Thunder-, River- and Wind-, in honor of the Clan founders

Addressing Each Other
Clan Cats call each other by their full names, even if they are kin. They do not use pet names, shortened names or titles.

It is considered rude and disrespectful to address a cat by his or her former name (that referred to a lower rank), for example, to address a warrior by their apprentice name, or a leader by their warrior name.

Name Change
If a name does not suit a Clan cat anymore (generally because of an injury), the Clan leader can decide to change their name via a Name Changing Ceremony. For example, after Sparrowpelt had lost part of his tail in a fight with a badger, he was renamed Halftail.

Tribe Names
According to tradition, Tribe kits are named for the first thing their mother sees when they are born ; for example Brook Where Small Fish Swim or Star That Shines On Water. These are usually shortened in conversations (like Brook or Star).

Tribe cats' names do not modify through their lives, except for the Healer, whose name is changed into Teller of the Pointed Stones (Stoneteller) upon appointment.

Ancient Names
The names of The Ancients who lived by the lake and were the ancestors of the Tribe of Rushing Water are all two word constructions, relating to nature and often describing the cat's appearance as well. Examples are Jay's Wing, Dark Whiskers, or Stone Song.

Loner and Rogue Names
Similarly to Clan cats, loners and rogues have names pertaining to things or notions known to them (like Barley or Patch). Loners or rogues living close to Twolegs (or those who used to be kittypets) may assume the names given to them by the Twolegs (like Sasha or Smoky).

Upon joining a Clan, a loner or rogue may agree to change their name into a Clan name (like Hawk becoming Hawkpaw or Scratch becoming Sharpclaw), or not (like Boulder or Daisy).

A loner or rogue may change their own name by their own initiative, like Tiny changing his to Scourge.

Kittypet Names
Kittypets assume the names given to them by the Twolegs (like Jake or Susan). This hints that they understand Twoleg speech to some degree.

Upon joining a Clan, a kittypet may agree to change their name into a Clan name (like Rusty becoming Firepaw), or not (like Millie).