How did Saruman know who Gimli was ?

[Mugwump]

Originally Posted by Formendacil

Gimli was too young then to go on the Quest to Erebor, so I don't think we can call him "notable" quite yet.

Because of who Gimli's father was, I would still be greatly surprised if Saruman didn't already know him by sight. Conversely, Saruman's calling him by name at that time could easily have been to show off his knowledge. I'm sure he used the Palantir and his other spies to scope out as much information about Gandalf and his companions as possible.