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The naming procedures of the Noldor happened like
this.
At birth, the father assigned a name (epesse), usually a form of
his
own name; this was a simple name and perhaps mildly prophetic as the
Eldar were gifted in wisdom. After a time the mother would give
her child a name; this name was deeply rooted in the child's
personality and fate. Other names could be assigned or chosen in
the child's life, as is the case
with Galadriel (which was given to her by Celeborn) and Gil-Galad.
(Editor's note: more on naming under
individual names)