Child Name
An elf's first name is almost always short and simple, given to them at birth by their parents. These names are usually light and fairly meaningless as elves consider names to be a representation of who you are and thus it is not sensible for parents to describe a child before the child themself knows who they are.
Some parents may choose a name that reflects their dreams for a child with the hope that the name will shape how they grow into themselves. This practice is more common in the North of the Empire where elves have had more contact with Carthian naming traditions.
Heart Name
Elvish coming-of-age happens not at a particular age but when one's parents or other elders recognize that a young elf has shown themselves to know who they are and bear responsibility for having their own name. An elf's second name is their 'heart's name' and is generally the name they will use for the rest of their life.
Young elves will spend a long time thinking of a name with a meaning that describes who they are, considering not only the literal meaning of the name but the written characters and sounds that comprise it. Inspiration for a name can come from a simple word such as the name of a favourite flower, a written form of a sound, or even a combination of glyphs which would not be traditionally used together. It would not be unusual to introduce oneself for the first time with a full description of one's name, though the precise reason for a name is considered intimate to share.
My name is Delvia, with the 'del' character of a particularly swirling point in a river, 'vee' character for newness, and 'ah' sound of a new discovery
While it's not forbidden to have a long and complex heart name, it is often seen as a sign of ego or pride.
Face Name
Many elves who serve in a formal capacity in any of the governing bodies of the Empire are granted a formal name in recognition of their position. These names are almost always very long and often composed of several syllables joined with apostrophes.
The leaders of noble families receive a face name, as do high-ranking civil servants and Dread Lords.
Amongst those with a face name it is considered a mark of trust to share your heart name and allow someone to use it. Likewise it is a strong statement to retract one's permission to use it.
An elf's face name has a literal meaning representing their position and service to the Empress.
Shae'deneir'lanael: The dagger that seeks the heartsblood, the most powerful and potent life force, distinct from the blood of the body. I strike unerringly at the heartsblood of her enemies. There is absolutely nothing that stops me from missing the mark once I’ve been set to my target.
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