Throughout much of the medieval era, knights represented an elite and revered class of noble warriors. Bound by oaths of duty and honor, these mounted soldiers forged legacies of courage on bloody battlefields. The knight names they bore conveyed lineage, hard-won status, and deeds.
In fantasy, imagined tales of quests and conquests have spawned iconic knight characters. Their names evoke mythic qualities, hinting at extraordinary strength, skills and triumphs.
This epic collection of 350 knight names draws inspiration from the annals of history and the realms of fantasy. Each is rich with implication, weaving tales of old and conjuring dreams of new legends built on steel and valor.
The Roots of Knight Names
Knights first emerged among the warrior aristocracy of post-Roman Europe. Those anointed to knighthood received swords and banners marking their honorable station. Thus the origins of many storied knight names are traced to the families, fiefdoms, and feats these champions represented.
Surnames linked to place reflected geographic origins or areas controlled. The lineages of English knights like William of Montreuil and Miles of Gloucester were thus immortalized. As with Roger FitzRobert and Baldwin FitzGilbert, other surnames honored fathers and forebears.
Many knight names directly denoted daring exploits. Renaud de Châtillon was the “Lord of the Castle”, while Richard the Lionheart earned acclaim for his courage and skill. Descriptors like “strong”, “virtuous” and “bold” commonly entered the annals as well.
Fantasy authors have long drawn from such naming conventions while letting imagination run wild. Mystical places, legendary swords, dragons slain – all pivot on richly evocative knight names.
Famous Knight Names from History
| Knight Name | History |
|---|---|
| Sir Lancelot | One of the most famous knights of the Round Table in Arthurian legend, was known for his bravery and tragic romance with Queen Guinevere. |
| Sir Gawain | was Celebrated for his adherence to the chivalric code and his role in the Arthurian legend, especially in the tale of the Green Knight. |
| Sir Galahad | Renowned for his purity and quest for the Holy Grail in Arthurian mythology. |
| Sir Percival | Noted for his quest for the Holy Grail and as one of the Grail knights in Arthurian legend. |
| Sir Tristan | Famous for the tragic love story of Tristan and Isolde, a tale of chivalry and forbidden love. |
| Sir Bors | Known for being one of the only three knights to achieve the Holy Grail in Arthurian legend. |
| Sir Bedivere | The loyal knight who returned Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legend. |
| Sir Gaheris | Noted for his role in various Arthurian tales, often overshadowed by his more famous brothers, Gawain and Gareth. |
| Sir Gareth | Celebrated for his role in the Arthurian legend, particularly his journey from kitchen boy to Knight of the Round Table. |
| Sir Kay | Known as Arthur’s foster brother and seneschal, famous for his sharp tongue and quick wit in Arthurian stories. |
| Sir Palamedes | A Saracen knight of the Round Table who competes for Isolde’s love in the Arthurian legend. |
| Sir Erec | Featured in Chrétien de Troyes’ romance, “Erec and Enide,” highlighting his quest for honor and love. |
| Sir Yvain | The protagonist of Chrétien de Troyes’ “Yvain, the Knight of the Lion,” known for his adventures and reconciliation with his wife. |
| Sir Agravain | Known for his role in the downfall of Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere in Arthurian tales. |
| Sir Mordred | Arthur’s traitorous nephew (or son, in some versions) who fought Arthur at the Battle of Camlann. |
| Sir Lamorak | Known for his strength and tragic destiny, he was one of the most formidable knights but met an early end. |
| Sir Balin | The “Knight with the Two Swords” known for his tragic tale of misunderstanding and fate in Arthurian legend. |
| Sir Balan | Brother of Sir Balin, together they are involved in a story of brotherly love and tragic conflict. |
| Sir Dinadan | Noted for his humor and cynicism, often providing comic relief in the Arthurian romances. |
| Sir Lucan | One of the last knights standing at the Battle of Camlann, loyal to King Arthur until the end. |
| Sir Gaheris of Orkney | Brother of Gawain, known for his moderate role yet significant presence in the Arthurian legend. |
| Sir Tor | Adopted son of King Pellinore, known for his noble quest during the Arthurian era. |
| Sir Pelleas | Known for his unrequited love and the magic that ensnared him in Arthurian legend. |
| Sir Morien | Described as the Moorish knight in Arthurian legend, noted for his quest to find his father, Aglovale. |
| Sir Leodegrance | Father of Guinevere, who gave King Arthur the Round Table as a dowry. |
| Sir Breunor | Known as “La Cote Male Taile” for his adventure in wearing a coat given to him by his lady love. |
| Sir Dagonet | King Arthur’s jester, often involved in comic adventures in Arthurian tales. |
| Sir Degore | Subject of his own romance, involving quests and discovery of his noble parentage. |
| Sir Brunor le Noir | Known as “La Cote Male Taile,” distinguished by his quest to prove his valor and worthiness. |
| Sir Calogrenant | Cousin to Sir Yvain, known for his tale of adventure recounted in the Arthurian legend. |
| Sir Colgrevance | A knight of the Round Table involved in quests and adventures in Arthurian stories. |
| Sir Elyan the White | Son of Sir Bors, who became one of the knights of the Round Table. |
Sir Griflet | One of the first knights to join King Arthur’s service |
Read More: Barbarian Names
Best Name of a Knight
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Fantasy Knight Names
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Male Knight Names
| Alistair | Bertrand | Caius |
| Damien | Evander | Florian |
| Gideon | Hector | Isidor |
| Jorah | Kendric | Leofric |
| Merek | Nolan | Orin |
| Percival | Quinlan | Rowan |
| Soren | Thaddeus | Ulric |
| Valerian | Warwick | Xavier |
| Yorick | Zane | Aldric |
| Brennan | Cedric | Donovan |
| Emeric | Fabian | Gareth |
| Hadrian | Ivar | Jasper |
| Killian | Lucien | Merrick |
| Norbert | Oswin | Peyton |
| Quentin | Roderick | Silas |
| Tristan | Upton | Vance |
| Wilfred | Xander | Alaric |
Female Knight Names
| Aeliana | Belinda | Corisande |
| Dariana | Elowen | Fiora |
| Giselle | Hestia | Isolde |
| Jenessa | Katriel | Lysandra |
| Mirabel | Nyssa | Orielle |
| Penelope | Quintessa | Rosalind |
| Seraphina | Tamsin | Ulyssa |
| Valora | Wynne | Xanthe |
| Ysabel | Zara | Adira |
| Blythe | Cerys | Delphine |
| Eirlys | Freesia | Gwyneth |
| Halcyon | Iridessa | Juliana |
| Keira | Leonora | Maelis |
| Nolwen | Ophira | Pari |
| Rhianon | Sylvi | Thaleia |
| Una | Vespera | Willow |
Funny Knight Names
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Creative Knight Names
Read More: Names That Mean Death
Conclusion
Knights held sway over a thousand years, dominating battlefields and capturing imaginations. The resounding knight names honored here offer a glimpse into the histories and dreams they inspired.
Whether bold Barons seizing castles, maidens wielding mythical swords or errant adventurers following quests – these names kindle sparks to fuel fantasies or unlock tales behind the legends. They are an invitation to conjure your own stories of valor, envision new chronicles yet unseen – and perhaps one day earn a storied knight name all your own.
