Elves, Hobbits, Dwarves & Co.: Names from Tolkien's World

Elves, Hobbits, Dwarves: Tolkien's heroes not only sound fairy-tale-like, but their names often carry history, origin, and hidden meanings. Since "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" have captivated millions, fans have been pondering: What lies behind Aragorn, Legolas, Frodo, and others? We open the name gate to Middle-earth.

Names from a Unique Language

J.R.R. Tolkien, a master of fantasy literature, not only wrote stories but also developed unique languages for his characters. Especially the Elves speak Sindarin and Quenya, which Tolkien crafted with great attention to detail. These names often carry deep meanings and sound melodic and mysterious.

In the adaptations and translations, there are sometimes differences in the meanings of the names. We have relied on the most common interpretations to give you insight into the names from the "Lord of the Rings" world.

Names from Tolkien's World: Elves and Hobbits

• Celeborn (Elvish) – Silver Tree
• Celebrimbor (Elvish) – Silver Hand/Fist
• Elrond (Elvish) – Star-dome
• Eonwe (Elvish) – The Noble Man
• Feanor (Elvish) – Spirit of Fire
• Finglas (Elvish) – Curling Leaf
• Legolas (Elvish) – Green Leaf
• Manwe Sulimo (Elvish) – Lord of the West, Lord of the Winds, the Wind-bringer
• Salmar (Elvish) – The Harpist
• Sauron (Elvish) – The Abominable; also the Cruel (Gorthaur)
• Theoden (Elvish) – People's Lord
• Tilion (Elvish) – The Shimmering One
• Arien (Elvish) – The One Radiated by Sunlight
• Arwen (Elvish) – Noble Maiden
• Eowyn (Elvish) – She Delights in Horses
• Ilmare (Elvish) – Heavenly Beauty
• Lúthien Tinúviel (Elvish) – Enchanting Daughter of the Star-dark
• Melian (Elvish) – The Gift of Love
• Nessa Tári-Laisi (Elvish) – Queen of Spring
• Nimbrethil (Elvish) – White Birch
• Thuringwethil (Elvish) – The Enigmatic Veiled One
• Varda Elentári (Elvish) – Queen of Stars
• Vána Tári Líre (Elvish) – Queen of Songs

Names of the Hobbits

The names of the Hobbits are often less mystical but no less interesting. Their meanings can sometimes be traced back to Nordic or Old Germanic languages. Some of the most well-known Hobbits include:

• Bilbo Baggins
• Fredegar Bolger
• Frodo Baggins
• Gollum/Sméagol
• Meriadoc Brandybuck
• Peregrin Took
• Pippin
• Samwise "Sam" Gamgee

Even though these names rarely appear in the charts of the most popular first names, they carry a special kind of magic within them. Perhaps one of these names will inspire you for your own little adventure.