As part of Tegobessus (House Custom), you may feel called to take on a spiritual name — one that reflects your role, identity, or path as a Galatis. This is not required, but for many, it’s a meaningful act of self-definition and dedication. It can also mark a turning point in your spiritual journey: a rite of passage, a personal transformation, or the founding of your house custom.
This name is a reflection of your soul, your path, and what you are striving to become.
Why Choose a Spiritual Name?
- To mark your commitment to the path of the Galatîs
- To express your connection to certain deities, spirits, virtues, or ancestors
- To symbolize personal transformation, rebirth, or growth
- To reflect your cosmology, house mythos, or virtues
- To take on a role (e.g., Uatis, Senodruis, Bituatis-carrier, etc.)
How to Choose or Create One
You can base your name on many things — it’s entirely personal and meaningful to you. Here are some starting points:
- Deity connection – names that honor or include an aspect of a deity (e.g., Ogmidanos – “one of Ogmios”)
- Virtues or qualities – draw from the Nauan Nertoi (Nine Virtues), such as Nertomaros (“Great Strength”), Sedulona (“Peaceful One”)
- Nature-based – trees, animals, rivers, winds, e.g., Dercomaros (“Oak-Great”), Alaunia (“of the flowing one”)
- Mythical themes – use your own house myths, cosmology, or symbolic roles
- Ancestral honor – a name that links you to your biological or chosen ancestors
- Use Your Real Name — and Reimagine It. You can absolutely use your given name. Many Gaulish practitioners do! In fact, you can trace the etymology of your real name and translate or adapt it into a Gaulish style. If you’re not sure where to begin, we can help! We can break down the root meaning of your name and explore how it might be adapted using Gaulish elements and word structure.
- Profession or Role – Your name can also reflect your craft, trade, or calling — especially when it forms a major part of your identity. A blacksmith might choose a name like Gobannomaros (“Great Smith”) A healer could choose Belenudonna “Woman of Belenus”)
Forming the Name (Linguistic Tips)
BNG uses reconstructed Gaulish to help deepen the spiritual and cultural resonance of names. Here’s a simple structure:
- [Root Word] + [Suffix]
- Root words can be nouns or adjectives (e.g., Nertos, Sedû, Litauiâ, Bitu, Drus)
- Suffixes might include:
- -maros/-marā – great, large
- -rix/-rīx – king, ruler, master
- -gnatos/-gnatā – child of, born of
- -dūnon – fortress, power
- -ū (n.) – abstract noun or concept
Examples:
- Litauimaros – “Great [one] of the Earth”
- Drusgnata – “Child of the Oak”
- Sedūrix – “Peace-ruler”
- Bitugenos – “Born of the Land”
Use your Ueposlougos Nouiogalaticos (BNG Dictionary) to help find the meanings and build names.
Ritual Naming
You may wish to ritualize the naming process. Here are ideas:
- Speak the name aloud before the Aidû (hearth or altar)
- Introduce yourself to the Dêuoi, Bituatîs, and Regentiâ with your new name
- Include the name during an Adgarion (invocation)
Taking on a name is not about claiming power — it is about naming your transformation, your aspiration, and your relationship to the divine and unseen world. Like all things in BNG, it is rooted in intention and Sumatreiâ.
If you’d like help crafting a name — in terms of language, symbolism, or story — members of our Touta are here to help. Reach out. We walk together.
Bessus Nouiogalation 