What's in a name? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Aragorn_the_Ranger · 11-15-2002, 02:27 AM

Yes, its time for another game of What's in a name?...

No seriously, what is in a name.
I've got here a couple LotR names and their meanings. If anyone else has any to share please do. If I have made a mistake someone correct me.

Frodo: "wise by experience".
Samwise: "half wise" or "stupid".
Peregrin: "traveller in strange countries".
Aragorn/ Estel: “hope”
Legolas: "green leaf".
Gimli: "paradise".
Boromir: "faithful jewel".
Arwen: "noble maiden". Undómiel means "eveningstar".
Elrond: "elf of the cave".
Glorfindel: "golden haired elf".
Celeborn: "(tall) silver tree".
Galadriel: "radiant garland".
Éowyn: "joyful horse".
Faramir: "sufficient jewel".

HerenIstarion · 11-15-2002, 03:44 AM

nice thing to do, but back it up from etymologies, would you?

thanks

Evisse the Blue · 11-15-2002, 05:04 AM

Estel means hope, but does anyone care to speculate what Aragorn means?
(Ar = noble, king.)

***Sharkû*** · 11-15-2002, 09:17 AM

Éowyn's name is of course not 'horse'. The correct translation would be along the lines of 'delight in horses' (cf. Tinkler, J.: "Old English in Rohan", in: Tolkien and the Critics).

Legolas · 11-15-2002, 10:56 AM

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:

Quote:

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:

Quote:

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:

Quote:

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:

Quote:

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

Quote:

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 ]

Guildo · 11-15-2002, 11:51 AM

Are all these names in Elvish translation, for example Frodo was actualy the name of an Anglo Saxxon King if im not mistaken, so what does Frodo mean in English terms.

Legolas · 11-15-2002, 12:57 PM

You can check the Encyclopedia of Arda for most of those, Guildo. Or consult the omniscient Sharku.

Frodo Baggins · 11-15-2002, 02:30 PM

*Ahem*

Someone on here has a mother who is an expert in the Gaelic language and they said that 'Frodo' was the name of an ancient Celtic king, and the name means 'he who learns by experience'.

***Sharkû*** · 11-15-2002, 02:59 PM

That's a funny coincidence; but I am pretty sure Tolkien simply modernized the Old English fróda, 'wise, prudent; skillful; old'.

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

Orual · 11-16-2002, 10:29 AM

In Norse mythology, "Gimli" was the name for heaven, which (I assume) is why Aragorn_the_Ranger said it means "paradise."

~*~Orual~*~

Cúdae · 11-16-2002, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Aragorn/ Estel: “hope”

Aragron means "noble tree," I believe. Someone else may be able to correct me on this, but I'm about 99% sure.

TolkienGurl · 11-16-2002, 01:45 PM

Aragorn: Lord of the Tree

The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth by Ruth S. Noel (found in the dictionary part of the book)

[ November 16, 2002: Message edited by: TolkienGurl ]

Earendil evening star · 11-16-2002, 02:13 PM

Hi everyone
I'm new on this absolutely amazing website,
like how many times must u guys have read all the books?
I'm only reading it for the second time and I know i could definately read it over and over again.
Its like i'm sitting in school and all I can think about is the book sitting on my desk at home.
Do you guys notice that when you read it you get totally caught up in like the world of fantasy. Its just the most excellent book (and so it should be if it took 16 years to write)
N e way i've rambled on 4 too long
Hope i'll get 2 know all you guys
luv
Earendil evening star
(Elise xxx)
ps Lindsay and Ellen if ur there,please tell me what ur screennames r coz i can't remember

Legolas · 11-16-2002, 03:19 PM

If you post a meaning, please back it up with a reference.

Cúdae · 11-17-2002, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Unknown, but 'Ara' denotes 'Lord' or 'King'1

That's from the Encyclopedia of Arda and this

Quote:

Aragorn I: (S: "royal-tree")

is from Robert Foster's Guide to Middle-Earth.

Quote:

ar(a)- "High, noble, royal" orn- "tree"

Both of those are from the index in the back of the Silmarillion.
Therefore, I think I am at least very close to right with my previous answer.

11-15-2002, 02:27 AM	#1
Aragorn_the_Ranger Haunting Spirit Join Date: May 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 70	What's in a name? Yes, its time for another game of What's in a name?... No seriously, what is in a name. I've got here a couple LotR names and their meanings. If anyone else has any to share please do. If I have made a mistake someone correct me. Frodo: "wise by experience". Samwise: "half wise" or "stupid". Peregrin: "traveller in strange countries". Aragorn/ Estel: “hope” Legolas: "green leaf". Gimli: "paradise". Boromir: "faithful jewel". Arwen: "noble maiden". Undómiel means "eveningstar". Elrond: "elf of the cave". Glorfindel: "golden haired elf". Celeborn: "(tall) silver tree". Galadriel: "radiant garland". Éowyn: "joyful horse". Faramir: "sufficient jewel".

11-15-2002, 03:44 AM	#2
HerenIstarion Deadnight Chanter Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,244	nice thing to do, but back it up from etymologies, would you? thanks __________________ Egroeg Ihkhsal - Would you believe in the love at first sight? - Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time!

11-15-2002, 05:04 AM	#3
Evisse the Blue Brightness of a Blade Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: wherever I may roam Posts: 2,685	Estel means hope, but does anyone care to speculate what Aragorn means? (Ar = noble, king.) __________________ And no one was ill, and everyone was pleased, except those who had to mow the grass.

11-15-2002, 11:51 AM	#6
Guildo Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: The Forgoten lands of the South Posts: 119	Are all these names in Elvish translation, for example Frodo was actualy the name of an Anglo Saxxon King if im not mistaken, so what does Frodo mean in English terms. __________________ "You cant always get what you want.... But if you try sometimes you just my find.... you get what you need." Glen Sight

11-15-2002, 12:57 PM	#7
Legolas A Northern Soul Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Valinor Posts: 1,847	You can check the Encyclopedia of Arda for most of those, Guildo. Or consult the omniscient Sharku. __________________ ...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art.

11-15-2002, 09:17 AM	#4
*Sharkû* Hungry Ghoul Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 1,719	Éowyn's name is of course not 'horse'. The correct translation would be along the lines of 'delight in horses' (cf. Tinkler, J.: "Old English in Rohan", in: Tolkien and the Critics).

11-15-2002, 02:30 PM	#8
Frodo Baggins Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Bag-End, Under-Hill, Hobbiton-across-the Water Posts: 606	Ahem Someone on here has a mother who is an expert in the Gaelic language and they said that 'Frodo' was the name of an ancient Celtic king, and the name means 'he who learns by experience'. __________________ "I'm your huckleberry....that's just my game."

11-15-2002, 02:59 PM	#9
*Sharkû* Hungry Ghoul Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 1,719	That's a funny coincidence; but I am pretty sure Tolkien simply modernized the Old English fróda, 'wise, prudent; skillful; old'. [ November 15, 2002: Message edited by: Sharkû ]

11-16-2002, 10:29 AM	#10
Orual Speaker of the Dead Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Superbia Posts: 868	In Norse mythology, "Gimli" was the name for heaven, which (I assume) is why Aragorn_the_Ranger said it means "paradise." ~~Orual~~ __________________ "Oh, my god! I care so little, I almost passed out!" --Dr. Cox, "Scrubs"

11-16-2002, 01:45 PM	#12
TolkienGurl Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 637	Aragorn: Lord of the Tree The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth by Ruth S. Noel (found in the dictionary part of the book) [ November 16, 2002: Message edited by: TolkienGurl ] __________________ Hopes fail. An end comes. We have only a little time to wait now. We are lost in ruin and downfall and there is no escape. -Frodo My Livejournal

11-16-2002, 02:13 PM	#13
Earendil evening star Animated Skeleton Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Scotland Posts: 26	Hi everyone I'm new on this absolutely amazing website, like how many times must u guys have read all the books? I'm only reading it for the second time and I know i could definately read it over and over again. Its like i'm sitting in school and all I can think about is the book sitting on my desk at home. Do you guys notice that when you read it you get totally caught up in like the world of fantasy. Its just the most excellent book (and so it should be if it took 16 years to write) N e way i've rambled on 4 too long Hope i'll get 2 know all you guys luv Earendil evening star (Elise xxx) ps Lindsay and Ellen if ur there,please tell me what ur screennames r coz i can't remember __________________ "Earendil,the Evening Star,and most beloved of the elves,shone clear above" Chapter vII

11-16-2002, 03:19 PM	#14
Legolas A Northern Soul Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Valinor Posts: 1,847	If you post a meaning, please back it up with a reference. __________________ ...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art.