Klingon Name Breakdown

In most organizations, a Klingons name shows a lot about the individual. It can show their rank and status in the group and their family ties. The following is an example of a Klingon name and the label for each part of it. Each label will be described in greater detail further down.

Names may vary between groups. Some use different systems and some do not use the whole concept shown above. Even in the series, only one name is heard. They have use an additional phrase, like "son or daughter of (insert name)" to show family ties. The above example is one used in Klindom.

First Name

Throughout Klindom, there are a variety of ways to determine a Klingon's first name. No one method is correct and if an individual want to create a Klingon first name, then it should be one that they are comfortable with and suits the their needs. When deciding a Klingon name, especially if you are going to use it in Klindom, choose a name that can be pronounced. If you choose something that is hard to pronounce then there is the chance of it being mispronounced shorted or just not used. Also be careful not to choose something that you will regret later, like "Krap" or "Petaq'" particularly if you get involved in Klindom. Some individuals take time in considering their name because you want to have it remembered with honor.

One method is taken from John M. Ford's book "The Final Reflection" and the FASA Klingon Role-playing system, which is out of print. Upon a Klingon's "Rite of Ascension" to adulthood, a Klingon chooses a name beginning with a letter specific to his choice of service. If they choose the Imperial Navy, their name usually starts with a "K" and if they choose the Imperial Marines, it would begin with a "M". These are the more common aspects of this method but there is also the administrative branch that means usually their name will start with a "A". This is a concept and not a specific rule.

Another method is to choose a name from the "Klingon Dictionary" by Marc Orkand. By going through and choosing a Klingon term that suits the individual, they can have a specific meaning to their name. Of course some care should be taken with this method due to the fact having a Klingon name that means, let's say like "baH" which means "fire" in Klingon could be inconvenient if you were standing on the bridge of a battlecruiser and someone yelled for you. Again, this is not a rule.

The above methods can be used in combination or separately. This is totally left up to the individual whether they are choosing a name for themselves or for a character in a Klingon story. The goal is to have something that sounds Klingon when it is read or spoken.

Addressing an Officer by Rank or Honorific.

When rank is used, it will always be placed in front of the first name. When the honorific is used, it will be attached to the line name with a hyphen. Admiral Kroesh zantai-Septaric.

There is a pocket novel called "The Final Reflection" written by John M. Ford. It is mainly about a Klingon character back before Kirk's time. I highly recommend it and it gives an interesting insight to Klingon Culture. From this book, FASA created a companion set, known as the Klingon Role-Playing system. Both in the book and in the gaming system are references to a title known as a "honorific" These are titles of honor and glory. The following is an excerpt from the "KAG Introduction Guidelines" which I wrote explaining honorifics:

Honorific

The term "honorific" is a specific prefix that is usually between a Klingon's first name and their House or Line name It is hyphenated to the house or line name. This prefix represents a person's individual status within the Klingon Empire. This concept is not seen in the episodes or movies but does not mean it is not prevalent. Many of the Klindom (Klingon + Fandom = Klindom) organizations use it as an additional method of status within their groups. No "honorific" usually denotes no status obtained at this time. The following terms are the prefixes, with "tai" being the lowest and "epetai" representing the highest:

The honorific "epetai" is also used as a description of a founder or leader of a house or line. It is usually used only in reference to house or line and not used as part of a Klingon's name unless earned.

I hope this explains this some. Even though Paramount does not recognize it, it is canon because it has been in publications as a Star Trek Pocket Novel and a fully licensed game product by Paramount back in 1987. Even though FASA no longer prints this information, it is available through individuals or find old copies of the game at yardsales or flea markets.

House or Line

Within Klindom, most Klingons align themselves to a "House" or "Line", Both terms represent the social unit by which a Klingon determines their family group they belong and owe allegiance. This is usually represented by their "linename", the third part of a Klingon's full name. There are many different Houses in Klindom and each have their own specific appeal. Some houses are artists, writers, or musicians while others may be oriented toward martial arts, weaponsmithing, or costuming. There are those that have specific requirements for belonging, others have no requirements. There is a lot of latitude in how each Line operates. These are, after all, the Klingon representation of Family.

A family line is not necessarily composed entirely of blood relations; if a line is open, it will occasionally adopt new members if they have skills, contacts or material goods that will bring honor, fame or fortune to the House. While the customs for ratification vary from line to line, generally any family member can sponsor another individual for adoption into his house line. If the newcomer is ambitious, the offering of handsome gifts and bribes when requesting adoption with a line could offer many benefits in return. The average Klingon hopes to gain advantages from alliance with a family line, not the least of which is protection. In this context, protection ranges from the money to buy off potential enemies to the provision of trustworthy bodyguards. In addition the individual benefits from the reputation and social status of his new family. The individual line member must contribute to the welfare of the House with their loyalty and defense in the cause of the line.

A House's composition can be mixed (varying percentages of Imperial and Romulan or Human fusions) or it can be 100% Imperial or 100% Fusions. Extended family lines are social/political groups in which Klingons of different racial backgrounds interact freely with one another for the benefit of all concerned. The extended line seems to allow a greater flexibility, and, thus, greater political influence. All Houses have their own political and military views of the Empire and its relation with the Federation and other worlds.

Most Houses have a Line leader or Line chief usually known as the "epetai", as mention earlier. These can be individuals who have started the House, took over from a previous "epetai" or assumed leadership of it. Most have a good understanding of known Klingon culture and usually have been involved in Klindom for quite a period of time. In the Klingon culture, a Head of House is more than just a patriarch or matriarch of an extended family group. They combine the power and responsibilities of a financial comptroller, political spokesperson, corporate magnate, legislative coordinator and the ultimate judicial authority for each and every line member. Who can establish a House or Line should check with the KAG Line Register.

Most houses have what is known as a "House Proctor". This is the individual responsible for keeping track of line members, maintain the history of the line and acts as house leader in absence of the line "epetai". They also are the ones who usually welcome new members to the House.

As with most organizations or groups, each has it's own unique distinct symbol. So is it the same for the Houses or Lines of Klindom. These emblems are usually worn on a uniform to represent the family affiliation at a glance.

Trekkan	Klingon	"Bear"