What's in a name?

[Legolas]

Tolkien changed the meaning of 'Elrond' later on. It was changed to 'Vault of Stars,' and in The Silmarillion, Christopher gives a related translation - 'Star-dome.'

'Undómiel' was intended as 'evenstar' but 'evening star' is what this refers to obviously, as she was a descendent of Eärendil, who bore the 'evening star' (a Silmaril) on his forehead.

An explanation of Galadriel's name is given. Note the full meaning which I've made bold:

In the High-elven speech her name was Al(a)táriel, derived from alata 'radiance' (Sindarin galad) and riel 'garlanded maiden' (from a root rig- 'twine, wreathe'): the whole meaning 'maiden crowned with a radiant garland', referring to her hair. calen (galen) 'green' is etymologically 'bright', and derives from this root; see also aglar.

As for Glorfindel, you're correct:

The name means 'Golden-haired'.

Legolas and Celeborn are correct too, as those are well known.

I don't know where you found that meaning for 'Gimli.' In Tolkien's letter no. 297:

A-S will have nothing to say about Gimli. Actually the poetic word gim in archaic O.N. verse is probably not related to gimm (an early loan < Latin gemma) 'gem', though possibly it was later associated with it: its meaning seems to have been 'fire'.

The above quotes are from The Simarillion unless noted (as Gimli, from letter no. 297).

These are from The History of Middle-earth, Volume 5.

Boromir:

BOR- endure. ... names given to the 'Faithful Men': Bor, Borthandos, Borlas, Boromir.

MIR- ... N mir jewel, precious thing, treasure.

Tolkien gave no comment on 'Faramir,' though the meaning given for '-mir' can be applied, presumably. I know of no definitive comment made by Tolkien about neither 'Éowyn' nor 'Aragorn', nor about the hobbits. 'Estel' certainly means 'hope' as Gilraen gave the name to her son.

[ November 15, 2002: Message edited by: Legalos ]