Baby Names From The Round Table

What are baby names from the round table? In the modern vernacular of the English Language, a Roundtable or Round Table is generally a discussion, perhaps a debate. Do you remember the origins of this term though? The term in this context was first illustrated during the Dark Ages, but not described in textual form until the High Middle Ages sometime in the eleven hundreds.

In truth, there have probably been round tables in existence since people first began sitting around the rocks and using them as a platform from which to eat and relax. The modern usage of the word however, means a place where people can congregate to discuss diverse ideas and theories, without any individual receiving preference.

This concept stems from the Arthurian legends which purportedly took place in the middle of the Dark Ages and ultimately led to the unification of Britannia or what is now the United Kingdom. King Arthur and his fellow Knights could sit and discuss matters, as if all were equal when seated at the round table.

At the original round table of King Arthur sat Arthur himself, and twelve of his most faithful and best Knights of the many realms under the reign of King Arthur. Throughout history there have been hundreds (or at least many dozens) of Knights associated with the Round Table, and perhaps they can be given their just due in other articles on BabyNamesPedia as they have in other writings throughout the ages.

The purpose of this article is to focus on the original names from the legends of King Arthur, and a brief introduction to the original, or at least most commonly mentioned Knights of the Round Table. In fairness, most of the names are not presented in Early English, Middle English, Gaelic, Welsh, or Celtic formats, but largely anglicized in order to be understandable in modern English.

​Rules Binding Knights Of The Round Table

It is perhaps not such a shock that the written legends of King Arthur became so widespread when they did, though the reasoning behind that may shock and dismay all but the most avid historians. Thus, let us take a brief stroll back to a different day and age before the Knights became such pillars of virtue and righteousness.

You may have heard the term “Freelance” or Freelancer, and maybe even wondered about the origins of the word. The lance was the first weapon of choice for most horsemen or knights way back when. Freelancers were effectively little more than mercenaries of the day. They would bid their services out to the highest bidder, fighting whoever happened to be their foe at the time.

Many of the “knights” of the day counted their numbers and cast their lots in with those of the freelancers. Far from being noble and kind souls, the knights during the middle ages were often ruthless and brutal, as much in their home lands as they were in battle.

While the theories are contested by many scholars, there are numerous writings that indicate the call for the crusades was as much to rid the European nation of the suffering it had endured under many of the Knights. The “auspices” of a Holy War, along with more popular tales such as those of King Arthur and the founding of their nation, were, it was hoped, sufficient to change the hearts of the noblemen and knights.

Thus, when the writings of the legends of King Arthur became more prevalent during the actual Crusades, the Knights of the Round Table were purported to have lived under certain rules. These would ultimately become an integral part of the Chivalrous Code of the Knights yet to come, and would change their reputation to that of upstanding and protective warriors, seeking to serve rather than to control the people in their realms.

​What Were the Rules for the Knights of the Round Table?

  1. To never do outrage nor murder (not to assault or murder anybody)

  2. Always to flee treason (do not commit treason, a crime against your country or king)

  3. To by no means be cruel but to give mercy unto him who asks for mercy (Do not be mean. Grant mercy to those who ask, even in combat.)

  4. To always do ladies, gentlewomen and widows succor (‘succor’ is an old word for help; this means that the knight must promise to help women if they need it.)

  5. To never force ladies, gentlewomen or widows (never ‘harm’ women.)

  6. Not to take up battles in wrongful quarrels for love or worldly goods (do not ever join in fights over anything less than God or country)

  7. To fear God and maintain His Church

​Baby Names From The Knights Of The Round Table

Arthur Pendragon – The many legends of King Arthur speak for themselves about his greatness, his courage, his valor, and even his kindness and fairness as a Ruler. Together, this makes the baby boy name Arthur a popular one to this very day.

Sir Bedivere – This Knight was well-known for his prowess in battle and for being among the most trustworthy of the Knights of the Round Table. Sir Bedivere would be the one to return the great sword Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake as Arthur was dying. It is believed that Bedivere, despite having lost one hand, ultimately died battling the Romans in ancient Britannia.

Sir Bors the Younger – It is challenging to know where to begin with the boy named Bors. He is actually more well known for being a loyal and faithful Knight of the Round Table. This would be easy to understand if he were not a good knight, or even a swordsman. However, Sir Bors the Younger once slew three dragons with a single stroke of his sword according to legend. Strength, determination, and someone that is faithful and true certainly seem to make Bors a good baby boy name. (See also Bores)

Sir Gaheris – Sir Gaheris was the brother of Sir Gawain and would ultimately be killed by Sir Lancelot. Despite his left arm being shorter than his right arm, he was known for being handsome among the knights, and for being both agile and light on his feet, and valiant even in the heat of battle.

Sir Galahad – Sir Galahad was the son of Sir Lancelot and known as an excellent warrior and very noble in nature and loyal to those around him. It was said of Galahad that he was “The Perfect Knight”, not among those who would come after, but as being an exemplary model for what a Knight should be.

Sir Gareth – Sir Gareth was originally addressed as Beaumains after being introduced with this moniker by Sir Kay. Eventually it was revealed that he was actually Sir Gareth, the brother of Sir Gawain. He was knighted by Sir Lancelot after performing well in a joust and sword fighting contest.

Sir Gawain – Sir Gawain was counted among the greatest of knights even within the Knights of the Round Table where all were known to be exceptional in terms of their abilities. He is perhaps most famous for accepting the challenge of the Green Knight.

Sir Geraint – There are mentions of two distinct and unique knights bearing the name of Sir Geraint. The one originally appearing as one of the Knights of the Round Table was the husband of Enid. He died fighting the Saxons with King Arthur at the Battle of Llongborth circa 490 of the Common Era or AD if you prefer. He was known as one who loved both action and adventure, though he may not have been the most trusting name among the knights.

Sir Kay – Sir Kay began as the foster brother of King Arthur, the boy who would become King. He would first become the Seneschal of Arthur and eventually become one of the first of the Knights of the Round Table.

Sir Lamorak – Sir Lamorak was not known for being a peaceful sort, but rather a ferocious and capable knight who was a good ally to have in a fight. Legend says that on at least two occasions, he fought off more than thirty knights single handed.

Sir Lancelot – Before succumbing to the temptations of love, Sir Lancelot was the most trusted of all knights. He may also be referred to as Lancelot Du Loc as he was raised by the Lady of the Lake who presented Arthur with Excalibur, the sword with which he would reign.

Sir Palamedes – Sir Palamedes was originally a Saracen and only converted to Christianity after some years. He is also in a constant battle between emotions and devotion to duty. This is caused as both he and Sir Tristan had fought gallantly over the love of Lady Iseult, though Tristan ultimately won the day in that quest.

Sir Percival – Was Sir Percival really Sir Percival or was he an earlier incarnation of the knight who would become known as Sir Galahad? There does seem to be some question about this, and rightfully so as some of the deeds of each are attributed to the other in the many variations of Arthurian legend. Regardless, Sir Percival remains one of the original heroes of Arthurian legends and is a fitting and heroic baby boy name even in the modern age.

Sir Tristan – Sir Tristan was one of the best friends of the lauded Sir Lancelot, perhaps appropriately in some ways. Both Lancelot and Tristan would be overcome by love ultimately leading to their demise. While this may be seen by some as a weakness, such burning passion makes for an excellent name for a baby boy.

​What Are The Best Baby Names From The Round Table Knights

Would you select baby names from the Round Table Knights? The Arthurian legends were circulated throughout much of ancient Europe, including England, France, and even in Italy to a good extent. There were an estimated 150 named Knights of the Round Table, though as was the case with Sir Percival and Sir Galahad, some of these names may merely reflect a localized variation of the originals.

The ancient etymology even of the name Pendragon may in itself hold some secrets about the ancient legends, and who knows how much of the legend actually stems from the Pictic people and their integration into what would become the Gaelic or Celtic cultures of ancient Britannia?

Are there any particular versions or variations of the Arthurian legends you would like to learn more about? You can always follow BabyNamesPedia on our Social Media accounts and we will be happy to interact directly with you. Let us know what you want to see, and we can take the next journey together. In the mean time, what are your favorite baby names from the Round Table Knights and the Arthurian legends?