Witch’s Name — Coven Names and Ritual Identities

A Witch’s coven name is a ritual identity used within the circle, in magic or in dealings with a patron. It can protect an ordinary identity, mark initiation or express the role the Witch has chosen within the coven.

Why Take a Witch’s Name?

A ritual name creates a second identity for magic, coven life or dealings with a patron. It can hide an ordinary identity, mark initiation, commemorate a teacher or express the role the Witch intends to become.

Choosing the Name

Given by the coven: a name earned during initiation or chosen by senior members.
Chosen by the Witch: a declaration of identity, ambition or magical philosophy.
Given by a patron: useful when the name carries an obligation, mystery or uncomfortable truth.
Inherited: a name reused within a Family tradition or passed from teacher to student.

Secret or Public?

Decide who knows it. A public Witch-name can become a reputation. A private one can be known only to the coven. A truly secret name may be spoken only in ritual. Revealing another Witch’s private name without permission can be a serious breach of trust even when it carries no supernatural power.

Rules Use

A Witch’s Name has no automatic mechanical effect in 5.5e, Pathfinder 1e or the wider campaign unless a specific spell, patron, coven or magic item says otherwise. Its value is that it gives the character another relationship to protect and another identity that can acquire a reputation.

Legacy rules note

Coven names are preserved as an optional tradition from older Witch material rather than a mandatory class feature.

A magical grimoire representing a Witch's secret ritual name and identity

Liber Mysterium
The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks
By Timothy S. Brannan and The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks Team

When a Witch enters some covens, the initiate receives or chooses a coven, Witch or echt name. It may be used in rituals and incorporated into a personal symbol. In traditions that treat such names as secret, revealing another Witch’s ritual name without permission is a serious breach of trust.