Artifact of Evil p. 132 said:
"The stars guide you and the heavens watch over you," Venerable Halomew said in benediction. Then, smiling and clasping the gray elf's hand, he said, "Melf . . . good luck! Before you go, there is a question I must ask."
Melf was puzzled, but he liked the old cleric, and nodded to him. "You may ask."
"Why do you use this name Melf? Prince Brightflame--"
"Cease!" Melf commanded without regard for Halomew's station. "It is recorded that I gave up all titles and claims, so name not these bygone things to me. As for Melf, it is a simple name, as good as any." Then he unbent a little and admitted, "This art of dweomercrafting is a perilous one, good cleric, and one must protect one's true name as carefully as a miser hoards his treasured gold."