OK, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, etc. All names derived from recognizable root words. Even ol’ Blitzen gets his name from the german for “lightning”.
What’s the etymology of “Donder”, though?
And while I’m at it, did the reindeer have these names before Clement Moore wrote “A Visit from St. Nick”? Did Santa even have reindeer before Moore?
Actually, the name is Donner, which means thunder in German. So, Donner and Blitzen = Thunder and Lightning.
Actually, sunfish, there’s a fair bit of evidence the name really was Donder. Take the website for whatever cite value you think it has.
“Donder” is Dutch for thunder.
‘Donder’ is Dutch for thunder.
I swear I didn’t see Larry’s post when I posted. (should have previewed)
Well, whatya know. And I always thought “Donder” was just a kid’s misunderstanding of the word. Of course, the influence of my German parents might have had something to do with it. 
From the good folks at Snopes
Claim: Two of Santa’s reindeer were originally named ‘Dunder’ and ‘Blixem,’ not ‘Donner’ and ‘Blitzen.’
Donder was the Jewish raindeer, from Teaneck, N.J., I think.
And those white flakes you see falling from the sky on Christmas night?
Donderuff.
Oh, the pain . . . .
RR
Just had to post in this thread - nothing to add, though 
Hi Opal!