Traditional naming is very simple. The prefix, or the first half of the name, is almost ALWAYS based on the cats pelt: the most recognizable trait of a cat. The suffix, is based on a trait and doesn't always flow as well as something, say, "Silverwind" might. While Silverwind sounds like a good warrior cat name, it's considered non-traditional because "wind" doesn't describe anything about the cat, and it's considered a non-traditional name. While traditional carries lots of rules, it tends to bring a sense of order and makes the clan cohesive. If you aren't interested in traditional naming, you shouldn't concern yourself with this chapter.

Prefix:

The prefix of the name will describe the cat when it was kit, unless it's a name change.

No's:

1. Realistically, kits are born with their eyes closed and they actually don't open then for a week after birth. Even then, their eyes are blue until they are around three weeks old when the adult cat eye coloring comes in. Because of this, naming your kit after eye color isn't considered traditional because you don't know what color it will be until they are almost one moon old.

2. Naming your kit after an action isn't a thing here. Names like Bouncekit or Bumblekit aren't allowed in traditional naming, here's why: let's say a queen names her kit Bouncekit because he's a high energy, playful kit. At least, we assume she knows this from the moment she's naming them.
So he grows up: Bouncekit, Bouncepaw. He's a happy cat. Then comes time for warrior naming. Names that might make sense in non-traditional like Bounceflame or Bounce... What? Exactly. How do you give a cohesive warrior name to a cat that's prefix is a verb? Okay. Continuing on with this theory. Bounceflame is a happy cat but he's not as... 'Bounce' anymore. That's kit stuff. He's mellowed out. Being named after a bouncy cat doesn't work anymore. And, let me get all rational on you: kits aren't mobile enough to even get an action name at birth. They honestly just want to eat. What, your going to name it Squirmkit? No. I didn't think so.

3. Compound words. Okay. A little self-explanatory and I don't think even in non-tradition they use this much: Fireflykit or Mockingjaykit or something along the lines of that. Universally agreed that they aren't typically used because it won't make sense come time for warrior-ship. What, Fireflyglow? Mockingjayfeather? Nope.

Yes':

1. Naming it after the pelt. Color, patter , whatever. The pelt is the most defining characteristic. It's the first thing you notice when you come upon a cat. This doesn't mean they can only be named things like Bluekit, Whitekit, Gingerkit, etc. There are so many tradition prefixes that you probably use yourself! Herbs, animals, plants. As well as, yes, pelt colors.
A good list of prefixes can be found on http://ailuronymy.tumblr.com It's a traditional naming site. Just click the tab of "almighty list of prefixes" and there are so many. Since the warriors series is presumable taking place in Europe, it only considers prefixes traditional based on if it could be found in Europe and what it's coloring is over there.
2. Naming it after size. There are very few prefixes that can be used for size. Mouse, Little, Boulder, etc.

Suffix

There is a short and very comprehensive list of suffixes that are okay, and here it is:

Claw: a very skilled fighter
Cloud: gentle personality
Ear: *specifically name change only for damaged ears*
Eye: *specifically name change only for damaged eyes*
Face: a very good-looking cat with no other outstanding qualities
Fang: being good at both hunting and fighting
Flower: a nurturing cat good at raising kits
Foot: a good runner/fast on their paws
Fur: an average cat without any outstanding qualities
Heart: a cat with a strong morality. Good at heart.
Jaw: *specifically name change only for damaged jaws*
Leaf: a very good medicine cat
Nose: a good tracker or having good senses
Pelt: an average cat without any outstanding qualities
Step: must correlate with the prefix (i.e. Mousestep steps quietly, but Heavystep moves
heavily)
Storm: a cat with unpredictable actions
Stream: a very good swimmer
Stripe: a cat without outstanding qualities but does have tabby markings
Tail: an agile cat with good balance
Whisker: a very good hunter

Those are just about the only "traditional" suffixes, but there are some others that are debatable, such as -leap, -wing, and -feather as well as a few others.

Conclusion

While traditional naming may seem to be the "boring name" they are always great to include in your mix of names in the clan. They can say a lot about a cat with other one word. Don't fear and peg me as the ultimate traditionalist: I do love to use non-traditional names too. The main character in Spark has a super non-traditional prefix. If you comment a name, I can tell you if its traditional or not, but chances are, if you follow the guide, it will be :)