1. Rath Darkblade

    Rath Darkblade Contributor Contributor Contest Winner 2024

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    Latin (and pig-Latin) names

    Discussion in 'History and Alternate History' started by Rath Darkblade, Jan 12, 2025.

    So, I have a question. (Wouldn't be the first time). ;)

    Five years ago, I wrote a story set in ancient Rome. Since it was heavy on the humour, and I wasn't going for strict accuracy, I gave some of my characters "pig-Latin" names, like 'Aristocratus Pretentius', 'Facetius Uproarius' and so on. (Only some, mark you; others had quite respectable Latin names).

    Anyway, since that time, I looked into and studied Roman nomenclature closely, and figured out that names like that simply would not do. So, I thought I'd better substitute them for real Roman names, so that they would be plausible even to people who know about such things. :)

    By "real Roman names", I mean to use ancient Roman family names, but to use private names that never existed in those families, so no-one can say, "Hey, I know my Roman history, and so-and-so never did that! Nyah nyah!" etc. ;)

    Here's my question: is it "better" to stick with pig-Latin, or go for actual Latin, when it comes to names? What do you think?

    Thanks for your help! :)
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2025

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