Naming

The Art of Naming a Gnome

The names of varying gnome characters in-game gives us a pretty good idea of how gnomes might choose them. These names incluse: Maxima Blastenheimer, Fizzlebang Booms, Millhouse Manastorm, Solbin Shadowcog and Zazzo Twinklefingers (see: Gnome Character). The names seem to almost always relate to what kind of personality the gnome has and what they do. This points heaviliy towards that gnome surnames names, and possibly also first names, are taken and not given. This is supported by the non-canon Warcraft RPG which states that while upon birth gnome children are given their names by their parents, they later change them. Their surnames reflect the accomplishments of a distinguished ancestor, which they retain until they reach their thirties. In gnome culture, it's at this juncture that they are expected to have achieved notable feats themselves, leading to the creation of a new, self-made name that signifies their personal achievements. This self-given name then supersedes their inherited family name.