Naming Conventions

Hopeful Samurai that have competed their gempukku get to choose their names. This includes the PCs

Bushi generally choose their names based on one of three methods:

Building Upon Tradition
Bushi may combine one kanji from his/her father or grandfather (or mother or grandmother for those of the Matriarchal clans) and one new kanji that will determine the bushi's destiny and make the name "lucky" (A name that does not have 4 syllables or 9 total syllables is acceptable, a name that contains 3, 6, or 7 total syllables is especially lucky). In this case, the samurai's adult name follows his family name, and the pre-gempukku name becomes a hidden "middle name" that only close family and friends know and remember. (And following all of that will be a social position or hailing province if relevant.) Example: Daidoji Kimi Kiyomi no Hatamichi

Honor one's Ancestors
Bushi may take the name of an honored ancestor or hero. One who does this earns the guidance and protection of that ancestor or hero, but then one is also expected to carry on great things in that hero's name. Example: Yogo Hino Hatsumi

Honor one's Sensei
If one's sensei, or if a close sempai died during one's training, it is acceptable to honor that sensei or sempai by adopting his/her name. In the case of the Sensei, the bushi is claiming to be "the last student" and will add an assertive suffix (such as "-kazu" or "-hime"). In the case of a sempai, the bushi is promising to fulfill the thwarted destiny of the sempai, and will add a suffix to make the name lucky, if appropriate.

Disregarding Convention
Bushi may name themselves by any other means they wish, but to do so generally raises eyebrows.