The appeal of Arthurian legends has lasted well over a thousand years, offering us both a glimpse of the past and a rich fantasy landscape filled with magic and valor. Setting a story within these worlds is sure to delight readers, whether you follow the escapades of knights or lead them on a journey to the Otherworld.
Good Arthurian Names
Many good Arthurian names are recognizable as ones still in use today, though variations have appeared throughout the intervening centuries. Medieval Celtic and French influences are common, as you’ll see in the following list, which makes Arthurian names enjoyably unusual to annunciate. Those documenting the legends also loved to play around with spellings, so you’re free to get as creative as you like with these!
- Elyan
- Blanchefleur
- Meliot
- Laudine
- Accolon
- Helaine
- Gawain
- Enide
Hywel
A strong Welsh name that continues to be used today. Pronounced ‘Howl’, it would make an excellent name for a character who has a reputation for wolf-like hunting prowess.
- Isolde
- Brunor
- Lamorak
- Caradoc
- Gwendoloena
- Aglovale
- Evaine
- Bors
- Esclabor
Nimue
Nimue’s mastery of arcane arts made her both awe-inspiring and deadly to Arthur and his contemporaries. An ideal name for a character with similar potential.
- Cador
- Viviane
- Erec
- Modron
- Agravain
- Sebile
- Feirefiz
- Theomacha
- Geraint
Trystan
A name that provides foreshadowing for a character due to ride the waves of a tumultuous love affair.
- Moronoe
- Claudin
- Pellinore
- Arturus
- Elaine
- Gaheris
- Thitis
- Landevale
- Perceval
Caelia
Caelia the faerie queene would make an excellent namesake for one who walks the line between worlds, with privileged access to the secrets of Annwn.
- Griflet
- Helizabel
- Bagdemagus
- Eigyr
- Constantine
- Morfydd
- Galahad
- Morgana
- Leodegrance
Owain
Any modern Celt will tell you the significance of this name, shared as it is with the great Owain Glyndŵr, the last bastion of Welsh independence.
- Nyneve
- Dagonet
- Guinevak
- Bedivere
- Gingalain
- Lucan
- Glytonea
- Urien
Tyronoe
Though Tyronoe’s status as a blood witch may make this name seem like an ill-fate choice, her role in trying to heal Arthur in his final days makes her a worthy namesake for any mage.
- Gornemant
- Heliabel
- Dinadan
- Igraine
- Galeschin
- Morgause
- Lionel
Severause
While many a knight sought battles among men to achieve glory, Severause focussed his skills on monsters that threatened the realm. A strong name for a swordsman with similar tastes.
- Dindrane
- Beldwyr
- Penarddun
- Ector
- Olwen
- Galehault
- Safir
- Luned
It can be daunting to add new twists to tales that have been around for a millennium, but choosing good names is a worthwhile first step to immerse yourself in Arthurian storytelling. You could also use one of these names for a unique character in a contemporary setting. Let me know your creative plans in the comments, as well as any of these options you particularly like. Share this article with the knights of your own round table too!
