The name 'Half-elven' is usually attributed to Elrond, Elros, and their father Eärendil. However, there were others besides these three who were also Half-elven.

There were three bonds between the Eldar and the Edain: Lúthien Tinúviel and Beren Erchamion, Idril Celebrindal and Tuor, and Arwen Evenstar and Aragorn.

From Lúthien and Beren, Dior was born. Dior married Nimloth (an elf-maiden). There came Elwing who was deemed Half-elven by the Valar.

From Idril and Tuor came Eärendil who married Elwing and from them came Elrond and Elros. They were all given the choice to be of Men or of the Elves. Elwing chose to be Elven and Eärendil chose the same for the sake of Elwing although his heart was with the Edain. Elrond chose the same as his parents.

However, Elros chose to be counted among Men and thereafter began the race of Númenor.

Elrond married Celebrían, and their three children, Arwen, Elladan and Elrohir were also given the choice between mortality or immortality. When Arwen married Aragorn, she chose mortality. The fate of Elladan and Elrohir is unknown.