1897 Hesperidesian Census

The 1897 Hesperidesian Census was a nationwide census meant to collect the names of every citizen of the Empire of Exponent. The census had an enormous and enduring impact on the people of Hesperidesia, as it gave - for the first time - every citizen of the continent a surname.

Background

Hesperidesian traditions

For centuries, Hesperidesian names were deeply tied to social class within the Empire of Exponent. Members of the highest patrician class utilized a three-name system: the first was their given name, the second identified their father, and the third identified the house. A martial/rural lower patrician class known as the Equites utilized only the first and last name, with just their given name and their hereditary surnames.

As cities grew, beginning in the 15th century, members of the developing merchant class began to utilize place-based surnames to better identify themselves. As cities continued to grow, many members of the urban middle class began utilizing hereditary surnames in imitation of the patrician class. This practice, however, was widely discouraged amongst the amongst the lower classes, who often just had a given name and no surname, instead typically relying upon nicknames based upon unique features or poasessions to differentiate one another.

Albandaean Crisis

Following the conclusion of the Albandaean Crisis and the ensuing Hesperidesian rush to modernity, the government in Paradise City decided to conduct a nationwide survey, and ensure that all residents were given surnames regardless of social class.

Census

Anglicized name controversy

The vast majority of Hesperidesians who did not possess a hereditary surnames were given anglicized surnames based upon the traditional Hesperidesian nickname method of citing an occupation, property feature, or unique possession. Many urban middle class members also opted to change their names, reflected the trend towards Anglicization that was popular at the time.

Despite this, many Conservative elements of society argued that the Anglicized names stripped away the traditional culture of Hesperidesia.

Legacy

As a result of the survey, a large number of Blackhelm Confederate and Red River Free State citizens today have Anglicized surnames based upon the nicknames given to their ancestors back in 1897.