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Tuomas Lähteenmäki edited this page Dec 23, 2025 · 3 revisions

Features & Why NameGen?

NameGen v1.3.1 (Xmas-Edition) transforms from a simple randomizer into a sophisticated historical simulation engine. It provides game developers, writers, and researchers with structurally sound Finnish identities rooted in history.

1. Build Instant, Believable Relationships

  • Couple & Family Generation: Instantly create married couples or full nuclear families. The engine automatically handles shared surnames and ensures birth years are mathematically and biologically consistent between parents and children.
  • Genealogical Details: Includes support for maiden names (--maiden-name) to facilitate complex family trees (e.g., Hellin Turunen nee Laitinen).
  • Layered Middle Names: Design identities with depth. Use --middle-chance to generate authentic-sounding Finnish names (e.g., Jaakko Johannes Eemil Virtanen).
  • Interactive or Automated: Available via both user-friendly interactive prompts and high-speed command-line flags for power users.

2. Reliability for Production Pipelines

We provide more than just names; we provide reliable production assets for your workflow.

  • Deterministic Seeding (--seed): Lock the randomness. By using a specific seed, you can recreate the exact same characters and families across different sessions—vital for maintaining consistency in game builds or narrative wikis.
  • Period-Specific Realism: Select the exact historical era (Periods 1–7, covering 1850 to 1920). The engine filters for era-appropriate names, ensuring your world remains grounded in historical reality.
  • Validated Data Export:
    • JSON: Validated, schema-correct output for direct engine integration (Unity, Unreal).
    • CSV: Standardized spreadsheet format for bulk population management in Excel or Google Sheets.

3. Ultimate Control for Content Creators

Designed for both bulk generation and granular detail:

  • Batch Scripting: Use flags to generate thousands of assets at once (e.g., --period 5 --count 100 to create 100 people from the early 1900s).
  • Surname Overrides: Force a specific surname for all generated characters—ideal for creating members of a specific in-game clan or noble house.
  • Multilingual Interface: Documentation and guidelines are available in both Finnish and English (--lp fi or --lp en).
  • Hardened Engine: Optimized in pure C for speed, featuring strict memory management to ensure zero crashes during long generation runs.

The Evolution: v1.2.0 vs. v1.3.1 (Xmas-Edition)

Feature v1.2.0 (Old) v1.3.1 (Current)
Consistency Reproducible via --seed Improved seed stability for families
Historical Data Basic 1860-1920 range 7 Specific Periods (1850-1920)
Family Logic Age-based logic Maiden names & Surname sync
User Support English only Full FI/EN Multilingual support
Testing Basic JSON check Automated Family Logic Verification

🧪 Scientific Foundation

The naming data is curated based on historical research into Finnish demographics (e.g., Tuomas Salste / Kela-data). This ensures that the frequency of names like Karlsson vs. Virtanen shifts realistically as you move through the historical periods.

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