Mahtan's name probably derives from the roots maƷ (literally 'hand', but implying skill) and tan ('craftsman, smith'). A possible alternative source for the first element of the name is mak ('sword'), in which case the name Mahtan would be interpreted 'swordsmith'.
It seems clear from late notes that Tolkien intended to change Mahtan's name, though he does not seem to have reached a definite choice for its replacement. Among the alternatives he considered were Aulendur ('devoted to Aulë') and Urundil ('lover of copper'; Mahtan was said to wear a copper band around his head). Though neither of these names found their way into the published Silmarillion, they do give us a small glimpse into the deeper background of the character.
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