How and Why to Name a Weapon

 

Many famous weapons have names. Mjölnir is the hammer of Thor, the sword in the stone's name was originally Caledfwlch, and Bilbo's short sword was dubbed Sting. Memorable weapons often have names. For example, Brisingr can be immediately identified by fans of the Inheritance cycle as Eragon's sword, and even has a book in the series named after itself.

Reasons to Name a Weapon

• It has historical importance in the setting.
• It plays a pivotal role in the plot.
• To describe how or why it was made.
• To refer to its special power(s).
• To make the connection between the wielder and the weapon stronger.
• So that the weapon becomes a character.
• Because it has a long backstory.
• Because it's cursed.

How to Name a Weapon

• Describing what it does. 
• Describing how it was made.
• Describing a special power or powers.
• A human name.
• A name that means something in another language.
• Named after something, like an object, that is dangerous or similar.
• Named after a wielder.
• Named after the maker.
• Named after the place it was made.
• Named after a person who cursed or enchanted it.
• Multiple of the above.

Of course, there are more ways and reasons to name weapons out there, so this isn't really a comprehensive list. If you have a suggestion, please comment below!