Amandil seems to mean Friend of the Blessed Realm, and since the Valar were more hated than the elves I think that was riskier. But Amandil was a descendent of Earendel, and therefore akin with the House of Kings. This had protected Amandil's house of the faithful from the wrath of the Kings, and therefore he obviously felt safe enough to name his son Elf-Friend.
Also the language of Quenya that I think the names are in was banned in Numinor, and children did not learn it. I think that they would not necessarily identify Elendil with the elves. Also I think Amandil knew that the shadow would never pass, and perhaps an Elf Friend would be more likely to survive the wrath of the Valar? It worked didn’t it?
__________________
Utúlie'n aurë! Aiya Eldalië ar Atanatári, utúlie'n aurë! The day has come! Behold people of the Eldar and Fathers of Men, the day has come!
|