Primogen

Primogen is a term that denotes the firstborn child. It is derived from Latin primogenitus ("first-born") and is commonly used in discussions of inheritance, lineage, and social status.

Primogeniture is the system by which the firstborn inherits the family estate, title, or office. Variants include male-preference primogeniture and absolute primogeniture (equal primogeniture), which determine succession based on birth order regardless of gender in some contexts.

Historically, primogeniture concentrated land and power in the eldest generation and influenced marriage, politics, and succession. In modern states many jurisdictions have abolished or curtailed primogeniture, adopting equal inheritance laws that grant daughters and sons similar rights or allow intestate succession to other relatives when there are no eligible offspring.

In fiction and popular culture, Primogen is used as a title for senior figures within a clan or faction. In the World of Darkness role-playing games, for example, Primogen are elder representatives who participate in city governance and advocate for their clan’s interests, though the exact powers and duties vary by setting.

See also primogeniture, heir, inheritance.