Very simple script that renames selected items by adding a string prefix to each item's current name.

item_add_name_prefix.py

# python

""" Short snippet demonstrating how you can edit scene item's name using MODO 701 Python API.
"""


import lx
import lxu.select

PREFIX = 'prefix_'

# lxu.select module contains a few useful classes for dealing with selections.
# ItemSelection() allows for getting cuurent item selection.
# The returned list contains a set of lx.object.Item() interfaces
# that give access to MODO scene items.
selected_items = lxu.select.ItemSelection().current()

for item in selected_items:
    # We're explicitly casting each item from the list to lx.object.Item().
    # This is not really needed because item is lx.object.Item() already but
    # if you're using editor with autocompletion like Komodo it'll allow your IDE
    # to present you with a list of available methods for item.
    # Also easier to remember what type of object item is.
    item = lx.object.Item(item)
    # lx.object.Item() contains a set of methods to operate on scene items.
    # UniqueName() method returns an item's name as you see it in MODO UI.
    item_name = item.UniqueName()

    if item_name.startswith(PREFIX):
        continue

    item_name = PREFIX + item_name
    # SetName() simply sets item's name to a string passed as argument.
    item.SetName(item_name)