I can certainly see Pegasus natives invoking the names of actual Ancients.

Thanks. I figure people swear by saints names and on their grandmothers' graves....

I think "Athar" was Chaya's real name before she ascended

Yeah, but they were kinda vague about it. I've always thought that it was perhaps "Chaya Athar," (although I have no logic for that). *shrug* Either way someone decides I'm not really gonna quibble about it. I didn't like the character anyway.