J.R.R. Tolkien's Inspirations and Creating Character Names in 'The Lord of the Rings'

From the cellars of The Shire to the mountains of Mount Doom, J.R.R. Tolkien's characters are brought to life through unique and memorable names. Like a master craftsman meticulously selecting the finest wood for a piece of furniture, Tolkien spent countless hours crafting these names, drawing inspiration from ancient sources. Below, we explore where Tolkien found his inspiration and how he created these intricate names for his beloved characters.

1. Drawing from Old Nordic, Welsh, and Anglo-Saxon Poems

Tolkien's names often draw from the rich tapestry of Norse, Welsh, and Anglo-Saxon poetry. He incorporated these names into the vibrant world of Middle-earth, ensuring that each character sounded true to the heritage and culture they represented. For instance, the name Beewolf is a unique combination that evokes a sense of the ancient struggles and battles that defined his mythos.

2. Customized Names for Fictional Languages

For some of his characters, Tolkien created names using the fictional languages he meticulously crafted for their use. This was particularly true for Elves and Dunedain/Numenoreans. These names were imbued with meanings that reflected their individual traits and origins. Frodo's actual name, Maura Labingi, is an Old English name that perfectly encapsulates the noble essence of the character. Similarly, Smeagol became Trahald, changing to reflect the darker aspects of his personality.

Other characters had names in their original languages, which were then translated to English equivalents to make the storytelling more accessible. For example, Theoden's actual name was Trac Smaug, meaning "Truth of the Dragon." This transformation was necessary to ensure that the story remained readable by his audience, yet retained its mythological depth.

3. Constant Evolution and Refinement

Tolkien was known for his meticulous process of refining and evolving his characters' names. He often changed a character's name in favor of a more appropriate or evocative one. This was not just a cosmetic change, but a deeper reflection of the character's essence. For example, Luthien's name evolved from Tinúviel, which means "Nightingale," but retained the original name when she met Beren for the first time, symbolizing the beauty of her singing.

Similarly, Bilbo's heir was initially called Bingo, but Tolkien later chose Frodo instead, a name that resonated more deeply with the character. Strider, another character, was initially going to be called Trotter, but the more fitting name Strider was chosen, capturing the essence of refusal to be considered an inferior name.

4. A Language Lover at Heart

Tolkien's love for languages extended to the creation of entire fictional languages. Rohirric and Westron, while not extensively used in the novels, were integral to the linguistic richness of Middle-earth. Names derived from these languages, such as 'hobbit,' were so captivating that Tolkien wrote an entire novel, The Hobbit, to explore their origins and meanings.

He often collected words and phrases, storing them in his mind, only to later find the perfect use for them. His collection of words was not just a hobby but a core part of his creative process. From 'hobbit' to 'shire,' each word had a specific resonance that helped bring his characters to life on the page.

Through this linguistic wizardry, Tolkien crafted a world that felt both ancient and timeless, ensuring that the names of his characters were not just part of a story but an integral part of the mythology that has captivated readers for generations.