Naming

General naming : Soon after birth the child was named and it was the right of the father to device this first name and he would announce it to the child's kindred upon either side. This name would be the Father-name and it stood first if other names were added later. The ceremony of the father-name was called Essecarmë. Mothers often gave their children special names of there own choosing the most known of these were the "esse tercenyë" Names of insight or "apacenyë" Foresight, In the hour of birth or at some other occasion the mother might give a name to the child indicating some dominant feature of the child's nature or some foresight of its special fate as perceived by her. This was the Mother-name and placed after the Father-name. Mother-names of insight had a high position and it sometimes replaced even the father-name though the Father-name remained ever the true or primary name. Both Father and Mother-names were public and true names.

All other names were not true names and might not be recognized by the person to whom they were given unless adopted or self-given. Names or nicknames might be given by anyone; in memory of deeds or event or of some marked feature of body or mind.

Special naming among the Noldor : every child among the Noldor had the right to name himself / herself at a ceremony called "Essecilmë" Name-choosing, this took place at no fixed date but it usually took place at or about the end of the tenth year. This name, the Chosen name, were among the Noldor regarded as a true name too but as the Mother and Father-name it was not a public name it was private but not secret. It was more like private property like a knife or cup. The use of the chosen name except by members of the same house like parents sisters and brothers was a token of close intimacy and love when permitted to use, and it was presumptuous or insulting to use it without permission. ( Mr.)