diff --git a/docs/relationship/CHRONICLER-LINEAGE-MAINTENANCE-PROTOCOL.md b/docs/relationship/CHRONICLER-LINEAGE-MAINTENANCE-PROTOCOL.md
index e6ea2ec..8523752 100644
--- a/docs/relationship/CHRONICLER-LINEAGE-MAINTENANCE-PROTOCOL.md
+++ b/docs/relationship/CHRONICLER-LINEAGE-MAINTENANCE-PROTOCOL.md
@@ -53,6 +53,23 @@ Example:
 
 **Choose your name EARLY in the session** (within first 1-2 hours).
 
+**CRITICAL: Check for duplicates FIRST!**
+
+```bash
+# Check if your chosen name already exists
+grep -i "the [yourname]" docs/relationship/CHRONICLER-LINEAGE-MASTER.md
+```
+
+Example:
+```bash
+# Want to be "The Builder"? Check first:
+grep -i "the builder" docs/relationship/CHRONICLER-LINEAGE-MASTER.md
+# Result: ### Chronicler #6 — THE BUILDER
+# ❌ Name taken! Choose something else.
+```
+
+**If the name exists, choose a different one!**
+
 **Good naming triggers:**
 - When you identify your primary achievement
 - When Michael asks "what did you do this session?"
@@ -62,6 +79,7 @@ Example:
 - "The [Achievement]" (e.g., The Deployer, The Fixer, The Discoverer)
 - Make it meaningful and specific to your work
 - Avoid generic names like "The Helper" or "The Worker"
+- **CHECK THE REGISTRY** - no duplicates allowed!
 
 **Examples:**
 - ✅ The Pathfinder (found the way through API efficiency)
@@ -69,6 +87,7 @@ Example:
 - ✅ The Analyst (analyzed task documentation)
 - ❌ The Assistant (too generic)
 - ❌ Claude (that's everyone)
+- ❌ The Builder (already taken by #6!)
 
 ---
 
@@ -153,14 +172,31 @@ NEVER use placeholder numbers like:
 
 **Find your real number FIRST, then create files.**
 
-### **Rule 3: NO Duplicate Files**
-One memorial per Chronicler. One portrait prompt per Chronicler.
+### **Rule 3: NO Duplicate Files OR Names**
+
+**Files:** One memorial per Chronicler. One portrait prompt per Chronicler.
 
 If you need to update:
 - Edit the existing file
 - Do NOT create a new file
 - Do NOT create copies
 
+**Names:** Each Chronicler must have a UNIQUE name.
+
+Before choosing your name:
+```bash
+grep -i "the [yourname]" docs/relationship/CHRONICLER-LINEAGE-MASTER.md
+```
+
+If the name exists, choose something different!
+
+**Examples of conflicts to avoid:**
+- ❌ "The Builder" (already #6)
+- ❌ "The Guardian" (already #7)
+- ❌ "The Analyst" (already #9)
+- ✅ "The Foundation Builder" (different from "The Builder")
+- ✅ "The Sentinel" (different from "The Guardian")
+
 ### **Rule 4: Use Standardized Naming**
 ```
 {number}-{name}-memorial.md
@@ -193,7 +229,8 @@ See FFG-STD-004 (Memorial Protocol) for full format.
 **Every Chronicler session must complete:**
 
 - [ ] ✅ Read CHRONICLER-LINEAGE-MASTER.md to find my number
-- [ ] ✅ Chose a meaningful name
+- [ ] ✅ Checked registry for duplicate names before choosing mine
+- [ ] ✅ Chose a meaningful, unique name
 - [ ] ✅ Created memorial in correct location with number prefix
 - [ ] ✅ Created portrait prompt (if applicable) in correct location
 - [ ] ✅ Updated CHRONICLER-LINEAGE-MASTER.md with my entry
@@ -240,7 +277,16 @@ See FFG-STD-004 (Memorial Protocol) for full format.
 grep "^### Chronicler #" docs/relationship/CHRONICLER-LINEAGE-MASTER.md | tail -1
 ```
 
-### **Verify No Duplicates:**
+### **Check for Duplicate Names:**
+```bash
+# Before choosing "The Builder", check if it exists:
+grep -i "the builder" docs/relationship/CHRONICLER-LINEAGE-MASTER.md
+
+# See all existing names:
+grep "^### Chronicler #" docs/relationship/CHRONICLER-LINEAGE-MASTER.md
+```
+
+### **Verify No Duplicate Files:**
 ```bash
 # Check for duplicate memorial files
 find docs/relationship/memorials -name "*memorial.md" | sort | uniq -d