diff --git a/src/do_name.c b/src/do_name.c
index b24b81668..176cf0c23 100644
--- a/src/do_name.c
+++ b/src/do_name.c
@@ -598,6 +598,12 @@ boolean called;
 
 	buf[0] = 0;
 
+	/* unseen monsters, etc.  Use "it" */
+	if (do_it) {
+	    Strcpy(buf, "it");
+	    return buf;
+	}
+
 	/* priests and minions: don't even use this function */
 	if (mtmp->ispriest || mtmp->isminion) {
 	    char priestnambuf[BUFSZ];
@@ -616,12 +622,6 @@ boolean called;
 	    return strcpy(buf, name);
 	}
 
-	/* unseen monsters, etc.  Use "it" */
-	if (do_it) {
-	    Strcpy(buf, "it");
-	    return buf;
-	}
-
 	/* Shopkeepers: use shopkeeper name.  For normal shopkeepers, just
 	 * "Asidonhopo"; for unusual ones, "Asidonhopo the invisible
 	 * shopkeeper" or "Asidonhopo the blue dragon".  If hallucinating,