Dear Vector Prime, Most of the members of the Maximals and Predacons have names reminiscent of their alternate forms, assuming they took the names after taking their alternate forms. What were the pre-Earth names of some of the Maximals and Predacons?
Dear Nominative Nitpicker,
The names of some Cybertronians vary over the universe; for instance, Predacons originally named Gnashteeth, Galavar, Gutcruncher, Gristle, Gorelock, and Geo have all assumed the name "Megatron". Some further examples are:
Rhinox has previously been known as Bulkhead, Liftor, and Sentinel Minor.
Tarantulas has been Mesothulas, Chopsaw, and Noisemaze.
Wolfang was known as Scavenger, Snarl, and Wolf.
Skold has been Stockade, Shieldron, or Slug.
Tracking down the exact names used before reaching Earth can be difficult, especially as many were in fact known by names like "Cheetor" or "Scorponok" even then.