When I was a kid, I used to run around the yard with a stick for a sword and an old trash-can lid as my shield. My friends and I crowned ourselves with over-the-top names like Sir Thunderblade and Rowan of the Oak. Looking back, it was silly—but also kind of magical. That’s the power of Knight Names. They don’t just sound cool; they pull you into a world of honor, bravery, and a little bit of legend.
And honestly? Even as adults, we’re still enchanted by the medieval world—castles, shining armor, jousts. Whether you’re naming a character in a story, picking a new gamer tag, or even hunting for bold baby name ideas, the right knightly name feels bigger than life.
Table of Contents
Why Knight Names Matter
A name is never just a word—it’s a story.
Think about the knights of history and myth: Lancelot, Gawain, Percival. Those names carry weight. They echo through centuries, wrapped up in tales of loyalty and adventure.
Choosing from Knight Names gives you more than a label. It:
- Instantly adds depth to a story character.
- Gives your gamer identity an edge.
- Inspires unique baby names that stand apart.
- Connects to the timeless values of chivalry and courage.
If you want a name that’s strong but also poetic, you’re in the right place.
Key Traits of Great Knight Names
So, what makes a name sound knightly instead of just ordinary?
1. Medieval Roots
Many knight names trace back to Anglo-Saxon, Norman, or Old French. Roland, Geoffrey, Richard. They’ve got history baked in.
2. Virtue & Symbolism
Knights stood for honor and loyalty. Names tied to ideals—Valor, Noble, Justice—capture that spirit.
3. The Title Effect
It’s amazing what “Sir” does. Sir Cedric instantly feels like a man of steel compared to just “Cedric.”
Top Picks: Legendary Knight Names
Here’s the fun part: the list. I’ve split them into categories so you can find the vibe you’re after.
🏰 Classic Medieval Knight Names
Pulled straight from history and Arthurian legend.
- Lancelot
- Gawain
- Percival
- Galahad
- Roland
- Godfrey
- Baldwin
- Richard
- Geoffrey
- William
“If you’d love to dive deeper into the legends behind these names, this Arthurian collection on Amazon(affiliate link) is a must-read
Why they fit: They’re authentic, timeless, and instantly recognizable as medieval.
🐉 Mythical & Fantasy Knight Names
Perfect for a D&D campaign, fantasy novel, or RPG handle.
- Draven
- Kael
- Alaric
- Evander
- Thorne
- Seraphiel
- Caelum
- Dorian
- Orion
- Garrick
Writers and gamers often bring their knightly names to life through roleplay. This replica medieval sword (affiliate link) makes a great prop
Why they fit: They blend medieval grit with fantasy flair, sounding mysterious and larger than life.
⚔️ Virtue-Inspired Knight Names
Because knights weren’t just warriors—they were ideals.
- Valor
- Justice
- Honor
- Valiant
- Noble
- Faith
- Chivalry
- Courage
- Righteous
- Gallant
Why they fit: They read more like titles than everyday names, but that’s what makes them bold.
🦁 Animal-Inspired Knight
Animals carried power in heraldry—just think of shields and banners.
- Griffin
- Lionheart
- Wolfstan
- Hawkwood
- Ravenor
- Bearick
- Stallion
- Falconer
- Serpentis
- Houndred
Why they fit: They echo the imagery of banners, crests, and family sigils from the Middle Ages.
🌹 Romantic & Poetic Knight Names
For the knights who were lovers as much as fighters.
- Tristan
- Cedric
- Aurelius
- Isidore
- Lucian
- Sebastian
- Damian
- Cassian
- Elric
- Silvan
Why they fit: These names feel softer, elegant, almost lyrical—perfect if you’re drawn to the romantic side of chivalry.
How to Choose the Right Knightly Name
Still stuck? Here’s my quick hack:
- Define the purpose – Baby, gamer tag, or story character?
- Pick the vibe – Do you want history (Roland), fantasy (Draven), or virtue (Valor)?
- Speak it aloud – A knight’s name should sound commanding. If it doesn’t, scrap it.
- Check the meaning – Even if you’re not symbolic, meanings add depth.
DIY Knight Name Inspiration
Sometimes the best name is the one you invent yourself. A few ways to spark ideas:
- Use a title – Add Sir, Lord, or Lady. Instant medieval flavor.
- Blend roots – Combine Old English with Latin (Cedricus, Valoran).
- Heraldry check – Look up medieval family crests for animals and symbols.
- Old text mining – Flip through medieval poetry or chronicles. Words like wyrm, drake, thane are pure fuel.
FAQ: Knight Names
Q: Do knight names have to be historical?
A: Nope. You can mix history with fantasy—whatever feels right.
Q: Can knight names be baby names?
A: Definitely. Names like Tristan, Cedric, Roland already are. Maybe skip “Valor the Brave” on the birth certificate, though.
Q: How do I invent a fantasy knight name?
A: Start with a base (Kael) and add a title (Sir Kael the Bold). Works every time.
Q: What’s the most famous knight name?
A: Lancelot is the big one thanks to Arthurian tales, but Roland from epic French poetry is another legend.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Knight Names are about more than sounding medieval. They capture ideals—courage, loyalty, romance, strength.
Whether you’re writing a fantasy hero, choosing a new gamer identity, or just daydreaming about the age of chivalry, the right name makes you feel like you’re standing tall in shining armor—even if it’s only behind a keyboard.
Pick one that resonates, not just one that “fits.” That’s the real knightly way.