The Klingon name is comprised of three elements: the chosen name, which distinguishes an individual from the rest of his line; the honorific, which is not chosen, but is designated by virtue of the Klingon's rank and position in their ship, family, or Empire; and the linename, which he either was born with or has been adopted by. The order is as follows: chosen name, honorific, linename.
The chosen name is usually quite simple, being decided upon at the age of 3 or upon inclusion to a house, at the Naming Ceremony. It is used to distinguish one Klingon from another within their line, and may be used alone only if one is familiar with the Klingon. Calling a superior or total stranger by their chosen name alone could be considered an insult.
Klingons in the navy usually begin their chosen name with a 'K' or 'Q', although 'W' and 'H' have become more common recently. Marines begin theirs with an 'M', 'D', or 'V'. Klingons outside the military, but associated with it, often use 'T' or 'A' to begin their names. These guidelines are not, however, followed in all lines. Like any well-grown language, Klingonasse has changed and expanded in its scope over the years.
Next is the honorific. It is a title which is not created for you, but designated in accordance with your rank and position within the Empire. Your honorific is a mark of your station and responsibility. Only children under the Age of Ascension and pariahs (outcasts) have no honorific. A listing of the mainstream honorifics appears below - for members of the military, these are standard. Civilians may use the honorifics designated at the end of this article.
Thusly, a Klingon's honorific has much to say about his rank and status amongst his fellows. Most klingons proudly state their honorific when they introduce themselves, almost as if it were a silent shout of victory. Likewise, the omission of the honorific can produce a rather negative result.
And last but by no means least, we come to the linename. Often used to note some outstanding act or trait of a family, the linename is quite an important part of your name as a whole. There may be one or several Klingons within a line or family, all of whom use the same linename. Linenames are, by far, the most flexible, having no set restrictions nor guidelines for them. A sample of various linenames is listed at the end of this article.
An example of the order and structure of Klingon names is given below: Kang epetaI' Chot Kang ...Chosen name epetaI' ...Honorific, herein denoting his rank as a member of the Council. Chot ...Linename, literally meaning 'the slayer'.
