That said, a Cybertronian's name in their modern language and in Source.the comparison is akin to a singe sentence versus an entire book of meaning.
One can say the same word with different emphasis and have it mean an entirely different thing. However, perhaps a better comparison would be to that of a song's notes (or a dial tone modem doing an impression of a violin and being DAMN GOOD at such) there are different and distinct pitches. Source itself is also similar to Cantonese, in that tones play a strong part in conveying ideas and meanings. As language evolved, they took on other influences and moved further and further away from Source, but they still share the common parent. While there are arguably other language 'mothers' out there, Source is undeniably the root from which Cybertronian languages stem. It can be compared, in this sense, to earth's Proto Indo European languages.
The language is the source of all other Cybertronian languages, from Ancient Autobot to Modern Decepticon to Cybertronix. When you get into Source - the langauge of the Originals and Primus himself - they take on even more meaning. It is suggestive of endurance, refusing to submit to any onslaught of power, to whether whatever storm is sent at them. The English/Human/ect translation of a Cybertronian name results in some loss in meaning in the actual language, Ironhide is more than proclaiming the toughness of one's armor. With this in mind, the interpretation of such can certainly be different (Need we point out the different Starscreams across the multiverse?). A name, in essence, sets the framework for a Transformer's manner it is something for them to build upon and shape as their own. Or, perhaps, for someone to take on another's name in tribute to their character, or in an attempt to emulate traits they idolize (Optimus Primal, Beast Wars). It is perhaps moreso.Ī Cybertronian's name reflects their character, and function it is not uncommon for names to be changed after times of great trauma to reflect the change in their bearer (Deadlock>Drift, IDW G1). Whether they be True Names to describe the Thing, or to define them - Cybertron, at its base culture, is no different.