A Maia who was the handmaiden of Varda (S/30). The meaning of her name is unclear, but it is probably derived from Ilma “Starlight” (SA/ilm).

Conceptual Development: In the earliest Lost Tales, she was called ᴱQ. Erinti and was the daughter of Varda and Manwë (LT1/58). This name also appeared in the Qenya Lexicon from the 1910s, but without any clear etymology (QL/36).

The later form of her name Ilmar(ë) first appeared in the Ainulindalë drafts from the 1930s, still as Varda’s daughter (LR/162, 165). In The Etymologies, the name ᴹQ. Ilmare was a derivative of ᴹ√GIL alongside ᴹQ. Ilma “Starlight” (Ety/GIL); this entry is the source for the etymology given above. In Silmarillion revisions from the 1950s-60s, she became Varda’s handmaiden rather than daughter (MR/147).