Last names can tell us a lot about our history and roots. Some last names even mean “knight,” which connects to bravery and honor. Knights were known for their skills in battle and their commitment to protecting others. Because of this, surnames that mean knight often reflect strength and nobility.
Today, we will look at several last names that have this special meaning. These names are not just for show; they carry stories of heroism and valor. Whether you have one of these last names or just want to learn more, you’ll find this topic interesting and engaging.
Last Names That Mean Knight
1. Marshall
The surname Marshall originally referred to someone who was a servant or caretaker of horses, akin to a knight’s duty in battle. This name has a long-standing connection with nobility and honor.
2. Knight
This last name speaks for itself. Knight directly denotes someone who participated in knighthood during medieval times, reflecting bravery and chivalry.
3. Mercer
This Norman surname originally referred to a merchant or trader. However, those who held this name in the past often displayed knightly courage in their adventures.
4. Donahey
This Irish surname may have derived from an ancient name meaning “the brown warrior.” It ties directly to the knightly qualities of strength and valor.
5. D’Arcy
A Norman surname meaning “from the marsh,” D’Arcy often held ties with those of knightly standing, protectors of lands and people.
6. Gallagher
This Irish last name can translate to “descendant of the foreigner,” but many bearers have made their name by showing knightly virtues throughout history.
7. Baldwin
Dervied from old German, Baldwin means “bold friend,” which embodies the bravery associated with knighthood and the loyalty knights showed.
8. McKnight
McKnight literally means “son of the knight,” passing down the legacy of honor and bravery through generations.
9. Avery
Avery, with roots in the meaning “ruler of elves,” carries a sense of magic and strength, qualities often associated with knights.
10. Landry
This name, meaning “ruler,” relates directly to knights who were often protectors and leaders in a community.
11. Leclerc
An ancient French name meaning “the clerk,” but in medieval times, it could denote someone aware of knightly duties or responsibilities.
12. Siegfried
A German name that means “victorious peace.” This name encompasses the triumph and honor that knights aimed for in battle.
13. Knighton
This surname translates to “town of the knights,” illustrating the connection between communities and their knightly protectors.
14. Montgomery
This last name means “man from the mountain,” often associated with bravery and the stronghold knights sought during battles.
15. Axelson
This Swedish surname denotes the “son of Axel,” where Axel means “father of peace,” a quality sought by honorable knights.
16. Quinn
This last name, meaning “wise,” suggests the intelligence and tactics often used by knights in battle.
17. Guerrero
This Spanish surname translates to “warrior,” directly aligning with the knight’s role as a brave fighter.
18. Lambert
The name Lambert means “land-bright,” connecting to knights known for protecting and brightening the way for those they guard.
19. Valois
This surname relates to a historical dynasty, recognized for their chivalric values and kingly nature.
20. Chivalry
This name embodies the spirit of knighthood and the conduct expected from those who lived by the knightly code.
21. Kingston
Meaning “king’s town,” it connects to the loyalty and protectiveness knights had towards their rulers.
22. Dallas
While its meaning refers to a “meadow dwelling,” many with this name have exhibited knightly courage in protecting their land.
23. Harrison
This name means “son of Harry,” where Harry can mean “army ruler,” linking it to knightly heritage.
24. Padraig
This Irish name denotes “noble,” a characteristic often found in knights of old.
25. Axel
Meaning “father of peace,” this name conveys the diplomatic behaviors knights often had through alliances.
26. Ashbourne
This name refers to a place with ash trees, but the historical ties to knights make it a strong surname.
27. Walcott
A name that means “foreigner’s cottage,” indicating the varied cultures knights encountered during their quests.
28. Yvain
Meaning “young warrior,” it reflects the ideals of knighthood, bravery, and youthful strength.
29. Bardsley
This name means “meadow with beards,” which suggests a strong connection to the land knights protected.
30. Boisclair
This French surname means “clear woods,” often tied to knights who defended their territories.
31. Gallant
A name that literally means “brave,” tying directly into the essence of knightly values.
32. Hartley
This name refers to “a place where hares are,” but many with this name have shown knightly courage.
33. Graham
This surname suggests “gravelly homestead,” where many noble families historically claimed lands and fought for their rights.
34. Pendergast
This name evokes imagery of a knight ensuring safety for his people and is directly associated with honor.
35. Alaric
This name translates to “ruler of all,” signifying the leadership roles often held by knights.
36. Arnaud
The name Arnaud means “eagle power,” a symbol of the fierce bravery seen in knights.
37. Roland
This surname, associated with the heroic knight Roland from the “Song of Roland,” symbolizes valor and loyalty.
38. Hadrian
Meaning “dark one,” it conveys an ancient strength that can link back to knightly qualities.
39. Duncan
Meaning “dark warrior,” Duncan reflects the valor and courage knights displayed during their duties.
40. St. Laurent
This French surname implies a saintly figure, embodying the noble and courageous spirit of knights.
41. Lysander
Translating to “liberator,” this name denotes bravery akin to that of the most valiant knights.
42. Desmond
This name means “from South Munster,” with many warriors defending their territory, embodying knightly honor.
43. Thorne
A name that suggests strength and protection, much like the values of chivalry tied to knights.
44. Zephyr
This name means “west wind,” signifying change but also implying the swift action that knights took during quests.
45. Clancy
This name means “descendant of the warrior,” a direct connection to the knightly legacy handed down through generations.
46. Whelan
Meaning “sorrow,” this name relates to the sacrifices often made by knights in defense of their lands.
47. Tidwell
While meaning “tidy spring,” the name has connections to knightly duty in restoring honor in lands.
48. Winslow
Meaning “hill with a friend’s hill,” this name evokes the camaraderie found among knights in their quests.
49. Falstaff
A name linked to a character often embodied with valor and bravery, much like knights of old.
50. Tarquin
Meaning “the one who rules,” this reflects the leadership qualities knights are known for.
51. Duval
This name signifies someone “from the valley,” often places of strong defenses created by knights.
52. Percy
A surname which has royal connections, embodying the chivalry expected from knights.
53. Ramiro
This name means “wise protector,” directly aligning with the duties of knights in defense.
54. Aiken
This Scottish name can refer to “little fire”; it connects to the fierce spirit of courageous knights.
55. Valiant
Meaning “brave,” it embodies the best characteristics of knighthood, linking honor to the surname.
56. Chester
This name means “fortress,” linking directly to knights’ responsibilities for protection.
57. Anton
Meaning “priceless,” it links back to the invaluable role knights played in history as defenders.
58. Fitzroy
This name means “son of the king,” indicating the noble lineage often associated with knights.
59. Lloyd
Meaning “gray,” it conjures imagery of mature knights suited for leadership.
60. Devereaux
This French surname meaning “from the oak,” connects to the strength often associated with knights.
61. Prescott
A name meaning “from the priest’s cottage,” which historically ties to protectors of both land and faith.
62. Randolph
This name means “shield wolf,” a direct symbol of the protective nature associated with knights.
63. Braithwaite
This name means “pathway by the bridge,” which evokes imagery of knights safeguarding treks and passages.
64. Kincaid
Meaning “head of the battlefield,” this name illustrates the strength and valor expected of knights.
65. Ashton
This name means “from the ash tree town,” referencing lands that knights would have guarded.
66. Cadogan
A Welsh name meaning “in battle,” perfectly linking to the knightly spirit of valor.
67. Montgomery
This name means “from the mountain,” potentially bringing to mind historical defenses put up by knights.
68. Garrison
This English name means “protection,” directly connecting to the duties knights upheld.
69. Jagger
This surname originally referred to someone who carried goods, linking back to the knight’s role as a protector during travels.
70. Bannerman
A name meaning “standard bearer,” connecting to the heraldry often associated with knights.
71. Egan
This last name can mean “young fire,” an emblem of youthful bravery tied to knighthood.
72. Tudor
The surname signifies the “ruler of the people,” connecting to knights as leaders.
73. LeBlanc
This French name translates to “the white,” a color often linked with purity and nobility in knights.
74. O’Brien
This Irish name means “descendant of Brien,” who was a strong warrior, linking directly to knightly valor.
75. Faulkner
This surname means “falconer,” historically, falcons were used by knights during hunts, embodying their spirit.
76. Murdock
This name can mean “sea warrior,” effortlessly linking to knights who fought bravely.
77. Merritt
This English name means “boundary gate,” a strong protective element associated with knightly roles.
78. Sinclair
This surname means “from Saint-Clair,” where knights often had strong ties to religious convictions in their journeys.
79. Pierre
This French name means “rock,” a metaphor for strength and stability often attributed to knights.
80. Yarrow
A name meaning “common herb,” often symbols of healing used by knights during battles.
81. Hale
A surname meaning “heroic,” embodying many knightly values associated with courage.
82. Ryder
This name refers to a “cavalryman,” directly connecting to the mounted warriors that knights were.
83. Lennox
This last name means “with many elm trees,” highlighting the landscapes many knights would have defended.
84. Vexil
A name meaning “flag man,” harkening back to knights who bore banners into battle.
85. Hart
This name refers to a “stag,” often a symbol of strength and bravery that knights embodied.
86. Quillon
This name means “sword,” symbolizing the most important tool of a knight—a representation of their courage.
87. Everard
Meaning “brave as a boar,” it connects directly to the knightly virtues of courage and daring.
88. Blaise
This name means “one who stutters,” but it can also signify powerful character, a trait knights often had.
89. Marquess
Meaning “noble,” this name is closely aligned with the status knights often held in society.
90. Patton
This surname may mean “noble,” reflecting the martial strength of knights during their battles.
91. Balthazar
While this can mean “Baal protects the king,” the strength of protection is a solid knightly value.
92. Beaufort
This name translates to “beautiful fort,” ideal for knights defending lands.
93. Ford
This name means “river crossing,” often places where knights would safeguard their lands.
94. Sterling
A surnames connoting “little star,” directly reflecting the guiding light knights aimed to be.
95. Havershaw
This name means “from the tail of the river,” reminding one of knights patrolling landscapes.
96. Tarrant
This means “to cross,” linking directly to knights’ duty surrounding safety in their travels.
97. Northcote
This surname signifies “north cottage,” connecting to many knights who would have lived in fortified lodgings.
98. Atherton
The name which means “town by the water,” often relating to knights’ territorial claims.
99. Branham
This name means “branch home,” reflecting strong ancestral ties of value that knights respected.
100. Varney
This name means “defender,” a perfect alignment with the duty of knights.
101. Juste
Meaning “fair,” this name aligns with the honor and justice knights stood for.
102. Vesely
This name meaning “merry” or “joyful,” often reflects the flourishing spirits of honorable knights.
103. Erasmus
Meaning “beloved,” this reflects the alliance and camaraderie often found among knights.
104. Gerald
This name means “rule of the spear,” connecting back to knights’ battles.
105. Lawrence
The name meaning “crowned with laurel,” referring to knights’ victories in battle.
106. Tripton
Meaning “town of the people from the hill,” it evokes images of knighthood defending their domain.
107. Sterling
The name means “genuine,” closely aligned with the honour knights upheld.
108. Dobson
This name means “son of Robert,” where Robert means “bright fame,” often seen among honor-bound knights.
109. Justice
A strong name that captures the heart of what knights represented in their pursuit of noble deeds.
110. Walden
This last name meaning “valley of the hill,” reminds us of the stronghold knights would protect.
111. Grimshaw
This name that might denote “from the grim woods” highlights the strength and courage of knights.
112. Sinclair
This name meaning “holy,” connects to knights’ loyalties towards their faith-based commitments.
113. Watson
Meaning “son of Walter,” where Walter means “ruler of the army,” connecting knightly roles in history.
114. Caitlin
This name may mean “pure,” symbolizing the attributes knights were expected to uphold.
115. Bednar
This name means “the baker,” referring to those fortified areas needing protection from knights.
116. Laird
This name refers to “landowner,” perfectly aligning with knightly duties in medieval society.
117. Myer
This name means “a commoner,” suggesting one that rose up through valor much like a knight.
118. Pritchard
This name implies “son of Richard,” who was historically known as brave and valiant.
119. Elmer
This name means “noble and famous,” relation to knightly lineage expected from bearers of this name.
120. Drummond
Meaning “ridge,” reflecting the high place knights would often claim for their valiant work.
121. Barrett
Meaning “bear strength,” closely associated with the prowess of a knight in battle.
122. Leigh
This surname means “meadow” which often indicates fortification and safety maintained by knights.
123. Calder
This name means “rocky water,” invoking the strength and protection expected from knights.
124. Merrick
This name means “ruler of the sea,” where many knights performed valorous acts in naval pursuits.
125. Phelan
This name means “wolf,” a symbol of valor and strength linked to knights.
126. Hardwick
This name means “from the hard village,” reflecting the strong backgrounds many knights hailed from.
127. Pendergrass
Meaning “the one who sleeps by the river,” connects directly to the knight’s protection over nature and communities.
128. Reeve
This name means “bailiff,” historically those who watched over the land, linking it back to the duty of knights.
129. Sloane
This surname translates to “approachable,” which reflects the honor and chivalry expected from knights.
130. Albright
Means “noble,” signifying the traits traditional of knights in their discipline toward virtue.
131. Kernaghan
Meaning “descendant of the battle,” connecting to a long legacy of knightly valor.
132. Franks
This surname implies freedom and boldness which directly relates to the spirit of knighthood.
133. Whitmore
Meaning “white moor,” which captures the noble and honorable traits knights were known to have.
134. Kessler
This name means “one who sells.” The knights often traded and operated in defense of lands.
135. Everhart
This name indicates “brave as a boar,” connecting directly to knightly courage.
136. Farnsworth
This name refers to “from the fern estate,” linking to knights protecting their homes.
137. Appleton
While it is associated with a type of fruit, it often denotes bountiful lands guarded by knights.
138. Coventry
This name means “cove town,” illustrating the fortified communities many knights protected.
139. Vega
This name means “swooping eagle,” symbolizing the sharp focus and strength knights embodied in their pursuits.
140. Bale
This name means “to deliver,” a responsibility knights often took seriously.
141. Stuart
This name means “steward,” which refers to someone who watched over lands—a knight’s duty.
142. Seraphim
This name means “fiery ones,” linking to elevated bravery associated with knightly valor.
143. Faulkner
This English name pertains to “falconer,” who would train birds for knights in hunting.
144. Hobbs
The name means “bright,” symbolizing the shining qualities expected of knights.
145. Mellor
Meaning “pleasant,” this name relates to the positive impacts of knights in their communities.
146. Harrington
This surname translates to “haunting estate,” often described as battlegrounds knights would defend.
147. Marshall
This name means “caretaker of horses,” relating directly to knights’ connection to cavalry.
148. Foster
This surname means “forester,” linking the knightly duty of protection over the lands and forests.
149. Ormsby
This name conveys “from the marshy settlement,” often places needing protection from knights.
150. Miles
This surname derives from “soldier,” directly relaying to the values derived from knights who served bravely.
Final Thoughts
Last names that signify knightly qualities often share deep roots connected to bravery, chivalry, and protection. These surnames not only illustrate the strength of history but also reflect enduring values in our society today. Understanding these names can give us a glimpse into the timeless legacy of knights who once fought valiantly.
If you are interested in exploring more surnames and their meanings, take a look at names that mean protector or guardian. You can also dive deeper into last names that mean knight for a more comprehensive understanding of how they connect to history.
By looking into these surnames, we not only honor past heroes but also celebrate the noble characteristics they inspire in us today.