September 21, 2026: the policy (beta bans) now has its mechanics. Warcraft Tavern's Luxrah recaps Blizzard's naming post (official article 24304161):
- Both names required, but the secondary hides in the world via Nameplates options while staying visible in chat.
- Filters evaluate both names together. Splitting a restricted word across first and last names does not evade them.
- Family and guild surnames work: shared second names (Brightvale-style) as long as each full combination is region-unique.
- Reservation: October 27 through November 3, upgrades only, first-come first-served, random generator as fallback.
The design intent is explicit: two-part names solve mega-realm availability while Familiar Faces makes names worth remembering. Enforcement plus mechanics, same week, same system.
Update September 25: Blizzard's official account-action guidance now confirms forced name changes and beta-access removal for severe naming-policy violations. The development team says actions are individually reviewed, and Customer Service cannot assist with appeals for this enforcement wave.
SOURCES: Blizzard naming post 24304161 (via Tavern Luxrah, Sep 21); Fwoibles's official account-action post (Sep 24).