Last names often carry rich histories and meanings. Some surnames indicate noble qualities, such as strength, courage, and honor. One special group of last names is those that mean “knight.” These names reflect a time when knights were brave warriors who served their lords and protected their lands.
Today, we will look at various last names that have connections to knights. We will explore their origins and what they signify about the people who bear them. Understanding these surnames can give us a deeper appreciation for our family histories and the roles knights played in our past.
Last Names That Mean Knight
1. Marshall
The surname Marshall means ‘one who is in charge of horses’ and is derived from the medieval role of a knight’s attendant. It signifies loyalty and readiness in battle.
2. Knight
The surname Knight directly refers to the historical role of a knight, representing a warrior who served a king or lord, denoting bravery and honor.
3. Chevalier
This French surname means ‘horseman’ and alludes to the noble title of knight, highlighting the bond knights had with their steeds.
4. Squire
Squire originally referred to a young man training to become a knight. This surname reflects the path of noble training and devotion to knighthood.
5. Baillie
The surname Baillie comes from Scottish feudal terms, meaning ‘bailiff’ or ‘officer’ which often connected to the knightly class acting in service of their lands.
6. de Lisle
This surname means ‘from the isle’ and often represents families who were titled knights and landowners, connecting to heritage and nobility.
7. Armiger
The surname Armiger means ‘armour bearer’ and signifies a person who carried a knight’s armor, showcasing loyalty and companionship to knights.
8. Leclerc
This name translates to ‘the clerk’ but was also used for lower nobility or knights who could read and write, important traits of the knightly class.
9. Hardwicke
Hardwicke soldiers had roots related to brave knights, meaning the ‘strong place’ which suggests a fortified position or defense.
10. Atkinson
This name means ‘son of the warrior’ which highlights the heritage of knighthood passed down through generations.
11. Beaumont
This surname means ‘beautiful mountain’ and often relates to noble families owning significant lands, similar to knights defending their domains.
12. Garrison
The surname Garrison is derived from the term ‘warrior’ and refers to fortified soldiers or knights guarding a stronghold.
13. Lauder
Lauder comes from Scottish origins meaning ‘to grow applicable, as in a warrior’, echoing bravery linked to knights.
14. Esquire
Esquire refers to a young knight in training. This surname denotes everyone connected to the concept of warrior and knighthood.
15. Crozier
This name means ‘one who carries a crozier (shepherd’s staff)’ and also refers to a knight’s duty, as many were also protectors of communities.
16. Sinclair
This French name means ‘from Saint-Clair’ and is connected to noble origins, often associated with knightly ranks.
17. Sauvage
The surname Sauvage means ‘wild’ and suggests a lineage of untamed bravery fitting for those who may be and act like knights.
18. Valois
This name comes from a royal family in France known for their chivalric knights, embodying ideas of nobility and valor.
19. D’Arcy
D’Arcy means ‘from the fortress’, suggesting a connection to knights who protected their castles and lands.
20. de Vere
This surname was borne by noble knights in England, meaning ‘from Vere’, a reflection of the knightly lineage.
21. Brigadier
This surname developed from a high-ranking military officer, closely linked to the valor and discipline expected of knights.
22. Roland
The name Roland is derived from a famous knight of Charlemagne; it signifies bravery and loyalty among knights.
23. Warrick
This name means ‘fortified town’ and is closely associated with knights protecting their realms.
24. Wells
This surname means ‘from the springs’ associated with places of refuge often defended by knights.
25. Godfrey
This name means ‘God’s peace’ and was often a name used by knights, symbolizing their noble beliefs.
26. Huxley
This name means ‘Hugh’s meadow’ and represents lands owned by knights, indicative of their homes and strongholds.
27. Dutcher
This name means ‘from the Dutch’ and historically relates to knighthood through the medieval ages.
28. Lacey
The Lacey surname comes from a French noble house historically tied to knighthood and chivalry.
29. Norwood
This name means ‘north forest’ which often connected to lands owned or protected by knights.
30. Willoughby
This name means ‘the willow farm’ but also refers to histories involving knights in northern England.
31. Cavanaugh
This Irish surname means ‘handsome’ with roots that allude to warrior-like qualities akin to knights.
32. Kavanagh
This name means ‘descendant of Caomh’ and refers to warrior lineage often linked with knightly honor.
33. Fitzroy
This name is derived from ‘son of the king’ and often belonged to knights in noble families.
34. Beaufort
This surname translates to ‘beautiful fortress’, signifying a stronghold typical of knightly protection.
35. Hildebrand
This name means ‘battle sword’ and symbolizes the warrior aspect tied to knights
36. Sutherland
The surname Sutherland derives from northern regions, where knights historically protected the lands.
37. Errico
This Italian surname conveys meaning of ‘home ruler’ reflecting the authority akin to knights.
38. Philippe
This name means ‘horse lover’ reflecting the bond between knights and their steeds.
39. D’Armond
This name refers to a noble lineage often intertwined with soldiering roles like knights.
40. Meriwether
This surname means ‘pleasant weather’ but also has historical links to noble families and knights.
41. Cormier
This surname means ‘one who can construct armor’, laying a strong connection to knights and their gear.
42. Stroud
This name refers to a location meaning ‘wetland’ often tied to knightly holdings.
43. Thibault
This name means ‘brave people’, signifying the courage expected from knights.
44. Bascomb
This name means ‘from the valley of the beeches’ often linked to historical homes of knights.
45. Harcourt
This surname originated from a place meaning ‘army yard’ highlighting the military associations with knights.
46. Adair
This name means ‘from the oak tree ford’, hinting at regions associated with historical knightly duties.
47. Devereux
This surname from Norman origins is closely associated with old knightly family lines in England.
48. Lancaster
This name refers to a lineage of knights and nobility in England, symbolizing strength and heritage.
49. Valiant
This name literally means ‘brave’ and is emblematic of knightly virtues tied to honor.
50. Branson
This surname means ‘son of the brave’ reflecting on knightly bravery passed through generations.
51. Bodley
This name means ‘the valley of the bow’, connecting archers and knights through elements of warfare.
52. Addison
Meaning ‘son of Adam’ this name often relates to noble lineage linked with knights.
53. Calder
This name means ‘from the cold river’ related to the lands knights protected.
54. Murdock
This Gaelic name means ‘sea warrior’, closely tying to the knightly nature of battles.
55. Monterrey
This name means ‘king’ and often refers to knightly roles under royal service.
56. Albrecht
This name means ‘noble’, reflecting the esteemed qualities associated with knighthood.
57. Helmsley
This name means ‘from the helmet field’ and hints at the medieval warrior classes.
58. Cortes
This name signifies a noble lineage, particularly related to warriors and knights in Spanish history.
59. Roderick
The name means ‘famous ruler’ which is indicative of knightly leadership and valor.
60. Ravenwood
This name is linked with Royalties, depicting the connection to knightly duties in ancient realms.
61. Eldridge
This name means ‘old ruler’ and reveals connections to noble lineage tied to knights.
62. Hayward
This surname means ‘guardian of hedges’ suggesting protectiveness often displayed by knights.
63. Lefevre
This surname refers to someone who worked with metals; armor makers for knights.
64. Danvers
This name is connected historically to the noble class and often intertwined with knights.
65. Elden
Elden means ‘from the elder tree’, indicative of places often chosen by noble families where knights lived.
66. Lucero
The name means ‘light’ and historically symbolizes a knight leading or emerging from danger.
67. Wellesley
This name means ‘field by the well’ linking to locations associated with knights and defenders.
68. De Hart
This name means ‘of the stag’ and signifies strength within knightly symbolism.
69. Ravenscar
This surname connects to nature but holds ties to knighted roles in defense of properties.
70. Derringer
Derringer means ‘one who is bold’, evoking the courage symbolized by knights.
71. Ferris
Ferris is derived from the old French term meaning iron, reflecting the armor associated with knights.
72. Hurst
This name translates to ‘wooded hill’ and refers to lands often protected by knights.
73. Keene
This surname means ‘wise’, indicative of the sage characteristics that knights held.
74. Merryman
This name reflects joyous connections often celebrated with knightly gallantry.
75. Page
This surname refers to a young attendant to a knight, showcasing the tie to knighthood.
76. Ryder
Ryder means ‘cavalryman’ and is closely associated with knights on horseback.
77. De la Croix
This name means ‘of the cross’ relating religious significance often embodied by knights.
78. Hastings
This surname refers to the town linked with knightly families in England.
79. Pritchard
Pritchard means ‘brave’ signifying the valor characteristic of knights.
80. Fitzpatrick
This name indicates descent from a noble lineage tied to knights in Ireland.
81. Muirhead
Muirhead means ‘tailor of the moor’ hinting at practical ties with knights.
82. Wakefield
This surname refers to a field of memory, relating knightly duty in preserving history.
83. Thornton
Thornton means ‘thorn settlement’ and refers historically to knighted lands.
84. Kelsey
This name means ‘island of ships’ reflecting naval battles often fought by knights.
85. Winthrop
Winthrop means ‘curved valley’ hinting at lands protected by armored knights.
86. Archibald
This name means ‘genuine’ and fits closely with the honorable character of knights.
87. Banks
Banks refer to landforms, connecting to the territories knights defended.
88. McCabe
This Irish name translates to ‘son of the handsome one’ reflecting knightly attributes.
89. Willard
This name means ‘brave’ aligning with the characteristics exhibited by knights.
90. Ramsey
Ramsey means ‘from the house of the raven’ and connects to knightly territories.
91. Kincaid
This Scottish name refers to hills defended by soldiers, often knights who protected their lines.
92. Attwood
Attwood means ‘dweller in the woods’ hinting at locations where knights operated.
93. Osborn
This name means ‘divine bear’ relating to the strength and protection associated with knights.
94. Dunning
Dunning refers to fortifications, suggesting lands where knights defended their lineages.
95. Marchbanks
This name translates to ‘the banks of the march’ connecting to lands also protected by knights.
96. Featherstone
This name means ‘stony hill’ suggestive of places often defended by knights.
97. Eldorado
Eldorado means the ‘golden one’, linking to the noble status of warriors and knights.
98. Langston
This name means ‘long stone’ which indicates strength often associated with knightly figures.
99. Gage
This old surname means ‘pledge’ suggesting knightly loyalty to their lords.
100. Cotter
This surname refers to someone residing by a castle indicative of where knights lived.
101. Gifford
This name means ‘gift of God’ symbolizing the nobility usually found amongst knights.
102. Thorp
This surname designates a village, often linked to knights’ living quarters and lands.
103. Fawcett
This name translates to ‘the tool maker’, likely associated with crafting armor for knights.
104. Radcliffe
This name means ‘reed cliff’ signifying land areas where knights operated.
105. Needleman
Though uncommon, this surname connects to crafting armor for knights, tying into their protection.
106. Pennington
This name refers to a hill settlement where knights may have defended their regions.
107. Slytherin
This name speaks to cunning and bravery, virtues often embraced by knights.
108. Starling
Starling pertains to warriors, often those serving with knights in battles.
109. Boniface
This name means ‘good fate’ often linked to the fortunes of noble knights.
110. Moxon
This surname means ‘the son of Mox’ and indicates a descendant linked with warrior families.
111. Gallant
The surname Gallant derives from the term for nobility reflecting knightly values.
112. Cromwell
Cromwell means ‘welling of the crooked stream’ highlighting lands associated with knights.
113. Moretti
This Italian name means ‘dark-skinned’ is often linked to the valor seen in knightly ranks.
114. Drake
This name means ‘dragon’ a symbol of strength and associations with knights.
115. Fleetwood
This surname refers to a wooded stream, often hinting at domains connected to knights.
116. Huntingdon
This name means ‘hill of the hunters’ often linked to knightly pursuits.
117. Breckon
The name signifies areas protected and monitored by knights historically.
118. Hallowed
This name denotes sanctity and nobility aligning with knightly ideals.
119. Pendleton
This name translates to ‘hanging town’ and refers to knightly lands.
120. Arden
This name means ‘eagle valley’ relating to strength seen in the qualities of knights.
121. Townsley
This surname signifies a place linked to honor and duties tied to knights.
122. Galloway
This name represents the land of warriors, often led by knights.
123. Sutherland
This surname translates to ‘from the southern land’, hinting at knightly strongholds.
124. Lorrain
Lorrain refers to noble lineage often tied to knights historically.
125. Jairus
This name means ‘enlightened’ symbolically associating with the glory of knights.
126. Montgomery
The name means ‘the hill of the strong man’, suggesting connections to knightly fortitude.
127. Fitzjames
Fitzjames represents nobility associated with knightly lineage.
128. Clearbrook
This surname means ‘case of clear water’ hinting at the lands belonging to knights.
129. Houghton
This name means ‘high ground’ referring to fortified lands knights were proud to protect.
130. Wythe
Wythe historically referred to land connected with knights and nobility.
131. Walpole
This name means ‘the trading farm’ linking to lands defended by knights.
132. Withers
This surname means ‘the willow tree’, hinting at historical lands occupied by knights.
133. Dawkins
Dawkins means ‘brave man; son of Daw’ correlating strongly to knightly qualities.
134. Hiling
This name refers to ‘hill’, often symbolic of knightly strongholds.
135. Harrington
This name signifies ownership and authority indicative of knightly characteristics.
136. Ferrier
This surname refers to someone who makes or sells iron, connecting closely with armor crafting for knights.
137. Northrop
This name signifies northern roots often connected to areas knights were stationed.
138. Rutledge
This name means ‘clearing in the woods’ often indicates regions associated with knights defending their lands.
139. Forrester
This surname translates to ‘one who guards the woods’, closely linking to knightly roles.
140. Marauder
This name symbolizes bravery as reflective of knightly exploits in battles.
141. Dawney
This name means ‘to be doughty’ tying to the valor knights commonly displayed.
142. Ramsey
This name means ‘from the island’, connecting to knightly territories guarded.
143. Kidderminster
This name ties to knighted lands historically relevant in battles.
144. Keep
This surname refers to a stronghold often synonymous with knightly protection.
145. Fenton
This name means ‘the town of the marsh’ tied to areas where knights may have roamed.
146. Palgrave
This name means ‘historic soldier’ connecting directly to knight-like roles.
147. Fromont
This name means ‘brave man’ typifying knights and their valor.
148. Winslow
This surname translates to ‘hill of victory’ reflective of knight-related achievements.
149. Lacey
This surname means ‘cheerful and full of mirth’ and can relate to event celebrations in honor of knights.
150. Grafton
This name means ‘town of the gravel pit’ hinting at settlements protected by knights.
Final Thoughts
Today, we explored numerous last names that mean knight and understood how these names are deeply intertwined with the history of chivalry and service.
These surnames offer insight into the noble qualities that were valued in the past—strength, courage, loyalty, and honor.
Learning about names that mean knight can also inspire us to delve deeper into other names and their meanings, such as names that mean warrior or links to other aspects of our heritage.
For those interested in expanding their knowledge, we encourage you to check out more about names linked to knighthood, as well as explore warrior-related surnames for a broader understanding of these profound connections.