The Elven Naming Traditions of Middle-earth
Of the naming traditions of the Eldar who lived in Valinor, we know much. However, the naming traditions of the Úmanyar (those who didn't go to Valinor and stayed in Middle-earth) are largely undocumented. Though Tolkien never explicitly described them, we can guess by looking at their names.
The Sindar of Doriath are the ones most likely to have naming traditions echoing the traditions in Valinor, seeing as they were the closest to Valinor and they had trade and communication going between them. Therefore, when Doriath was conquered and the Sindar fled deeper into Middle-earth to live in the lands of other Telerin Elves, they brought these strong traditions along with their language and writing system (which is based off the Noldorin system) with them. Since both the language and the writing systems were adopted, it doesn't seem too strange that the naming traditions would come along too.
But would there be any naming traditions that they didn't already have?
From a linguistic point of view, there is a striking similarity to the Sindarin word "eneth" and the Quenya word "anessë", suggesting that the Úmanyar also have Given-names.
Denethor (which originally was a Common Eldarin name, "Denitháró - Lithe and Lank") is obviously an Epessë, given to the hero who saved the Nandor. Another example of an Epessë given before the languages had truly split is Elwê's name, "Thindikollo - Grey Cloak." It refers to his silver hair.
The Parentless Elves (the Elves who first awoke on the shores of Cuiviénen and who therefore have neither parents nor a birth at all) all have Chosen-Names. While the Noldor glorified and enshrined this quite a bit, we don't know to what extent the other cultures developed this; we can guess that they also could choose one of their own names, like their fore-fathers did.
There is little in the way of evidence of Mother-Names, but it seems unlikely that they wouldn't also exist, as any Elven woman is capable of having insight in the hour of birth into her child's future life and personality. Therefore, I contend that Mother-names are also possible.
Finally, the Father-Name. We know that the Elves of Mirkwood had patronymics before the Sindar ever arrived because of a note in the Etymologies. There is a different form of patronymic, which isn't found in Quenya or Sindarin, wherein "go-" is prefixed onto the Father's name. Also, this sort of name is just convenient.
In conclusion, I believe that the naming traditions of the Eldar come from the shores of Cuiviénen, and therefore aren't completely different amongst the sundered Elves. That being said, I believe that the Úmanyar's names are structured like this:
- The first name is a patronymic, with some portion of the father or mother's name in it, and probably ending in -iel or -ion. There probably would be some sort of ceremony or celebration for the parents to show off their new child, and let everyone know of its existence, wherein they would also tell everyone their new baby's name. This name probably had very little personal significance, and could be used by outsiders.
- The second name describes the Elf's personality. It is chosen later in life, when the Elf's personality has taken form. For the Úmanyar, gaining linguistic ability and intelligence isn't as highly prized as it is for the Noldor, so there probably isn't a Name-Choosing ceremony amongst the Úmanyar. I do think that there can be more than one of these names, possibly one given by the mother, using her unique insight into her child's personality and future. This name probably was much more intimate and personal for the Elf who had it, so using it would require a personal relationship. It would be rude for outsiders to use this name.
- The third name is a nick-name of some sort, just like it is for the Noldor. It can be descriptive of some event the Elf is well known for, the place that such an event took place, or some outstanding physical or mental feature that the Elf is well known for. The most commonly adopted nick-name into someone's title would probably be the name that a spouse gives.
General Facts About Elven Names
- The patronymic is as close as the Elves get to taking each other's names. While someone can reference another's name in their own, they will never copy it exactly. If two unrelated elves end up with the same name, it is a coincidence, and not on purpose.
- Elves don't share their patronymics when they marry. They just gain new nick-names from their spouses.
- Elves never use or reference the names of Eru, the Valar, or Maiar in their own. It's considered trying to become or impersonate a god.
- Elves' names change as the language around them changes. This is also why Legolas is sometimes called "Greenleaf." It is simply the translation of his name into Westron, not a surname.
Where to go for the Úmanyar's names:
Sources
The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien collected by Christopher Tolkien, Letter #211
The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien, Appendix F - The Languages and Peoples of the Third Age-Of the Elves
Morgoth's Ring by Tolkien, Laws and Customs of the Eldar - Of Names
Unfinished Tales by Tolkien, Appendix E - The Names of Celeborn and Galadriel
Vinyar Tengwar ed. 44, by the Elvish Linguistic Fellowship, Ae Adar Nín
Last edited: March 21th, 2010