I've always assumed that the name Moria("Black Pit") came about after the Balrog appeared in 1980 of the Third Age... and the Dwarves abandoned their home.
However... two things have come to my attention pointing to Moria being used already in the Second Age.
1. The West Gate, made by Narvi and Celebrimbor sometime before 1600 in the Second Age, read:
2. In the chapter "Disaster of the Gladden Fields" in Unfinished Tales, which takes place in the second year of the Third Age, it also referred to as Moria by Isildur and others. When they are ambushed, Isildur says:
When and why did Khazad-dûm earn the name Moria?
However... two things have come to my attention pointing to Moria being used already in the Second Age.
1. The West Gate, made by Narvi and Celebrimbor sometime before 1600 in the Second Age, read:
The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak, friend, and enter.
2. In the chapter "Disaster of the Gladden Fields" in Unfinished Tales, which takes place in the second year of the Third Age, it also referred to as Moria by Isildur and others. When they are ambushed, Isildur says:
"There is cunning and design here! We have no hope of help: Moria and Lórien are now far behind..."
When and why did Khazad-dûm earn the name Moria?


