I think it was probably based on the movies. When most of the Elves in a kingdom are blonde, then I can see how confusion results.
Keeping with what you said Legolas, about Galadriel being considered a Noldo, I think that the characteristics of a person were also used to "determine" which race they belonged to. The Vanyar were all a very happy, merry, and carefree folk. The Noldor on the other hand, were fiery, and warriors at heart. The Teleri were probably calm and patient, and also followers (like the Vanyar) and not leaders (like the Noldor).
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But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.
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