What was the original name of Minas Tirith in J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings?

Minas Anor was the original name of Minas Tirith in J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings.

The city was founded in Gondor’s early history by Anárion, who ruled from it while his brother Isildur ruled from Minas Ithil. The names referred to the Sun and the Moon: Minas Anor meant “Tower of the Sun,” while Minas Ithil meant “Tower of the Moon.”

After Minas Ithil was captured by Sauron’s forces and renamed Minas Morgul, Minas Anor was renamed Minas Tirith, meaning “Tower of Guard.” The new name reflected its role as Gondor’s principal defense against Mordor.

Readers sometimes confuse Minas Anor with Osgiliath, which was Gondor’s original capital and lay between the two tower cities. Minas Tirith is also called the White City because of its stone construction and its associations with Gondor’s kingship.