When the Elves first came into the World, they named themselves "QUENDI", the speaking people. Upon the summons of the Valar three hosts of them began the long journey into the West. These were later called the ELDAR while those who remained were named AVARI, the Unwilling. The three hosts setting out from the ancient lands in the East were the VANYAR led by Ingwë and the NOLDOR who were commanded by Finwë and at the last the TELERI who were following the two brothers Elwë and Olwë.
East of the Misty Mountains a number of Teleri split from their host and went into the South; these were the Nandor, of whom later a division entered into Ossiriand forming the Laiquendi, the Green-Elves.
When the first two hosts were already come to Valinor, the Teleri still tarried in Beleriand waiting for the return of Elwë, their leader. But after a while the major number of the Teleri decided to finally pass over the sea under the leadership of Olwë. Those who remained and saw Elwë actually re-appear together with Melian the Maia became known as the SINDAR.
Finally all those Elves who came to Valinor to dwell in the blessed realm were called the CALAQUENDI, the Elves of the Light, while all those who remained wer named MORIQUENDI, Elves of the Dark, except only Elwë Elu Thingol, King Greycloak, who alone of the Sindar has seen the Two Trees and alone of all the Children of Ilúvatar was joined with one of the Ainur.