The 12th and 15th chieftains of the Dúnedain, the latter of whom was the father of Aragorn (LotR/1038).
Possible Etymology: The initial element of this name is clearly ar(a)- “noble” (Let/426). Tolkien considered two possibilities for the second element: either thorn “steadfast" (PE17/32, 113) or thoron “eagle” (Let/427). The etymological discussion for the first of these possibilities is more complete, and includes the translation “Steadfast King” (PE17/113).
Conceptual Development: In Lord of the Rings drafts from the 1940s, the father of Aragorn was first named N. Aramir (TI/7), later revised to ᴹQ. Eldakar >> ᴹQ. Valatar >> N. Kelegorn (TI/404, note #10) and finally N. Arathorn (TI/392).
The 12th and 15th chieftains of the Dúnedain, the latter of whom was the father of Aragorn (LotR/1038).
Possible Etymology: The initial element of this name is clearly ar(a)- “noble” (Let/426). Tolkien considered two possibilities for the second element: either thorn “steadfast" (PE17/32, 113) or thoron “eagle” (Let/427). The etymological discussion for the first of these possibilities is more complete, and includes the translation “Steadfast King” (PE17/113).
Conceptual Development: In Lord of the Rings drafts from the 1940s, the father of Aragorn was first named N. Aramir (TI/7), later revised to ᴹQ. Eldakar >> ᴹQ. Valatar >> N. Kelegorn (TI/404, note #10) and finally N. Arathorn (TI/392).