Names related to Tristan: Tris, Tristen, Tristin, Tristram, Trystan
Report inappropriate content |

Tristan

Pronunciation: TRIS-tin (key)

Origin of the name Tristan:

From the Old French Tristran, which is from the Gaelic Drystan, a name derived from drest (tumult, riot). The name was borne in medieval legend by a knight who was sent to Israel by King Mark of Cornwall to bring Isolde back to be the king's bride. On the return trip, Tristan and Isolde accidentally drank a love potion intended for the king and fell in love. Tristan left to fight for King Howel of Brittany and, seriously wounded in battle, sent for Isolde. She arrived too late and died from grief next to Tristan's deathbed. The tale was the subject of many popular tragedies during the Middle Ages.

From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman. Buy the book

Does Tristan sound...

No Way
Definitely
No Way
Definitely
No Way
Definitely
No Way
Definitely
No Way
Definitely
No Way
Definitely
No Way
Definitely
View all ratings

Sibling Names for Tristan...

Do you know any real life Tristans?
What are their siblings named?

Annika Avery Bethany Brian Brianna Callum Dorian Duncan Ema Grace Emily Fallon Gabriel Gavin Jared Jett Julian Justin Lauren Matthew Olivia Samantha Sebastian Trinity Veronica Zoey
Report inappropriate content

Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Tristan!

Comments and insights on the name Tristan: | Edit
Share what you know!
Personal experiences with the name Tristan: | Edit

My Partners name is Tristan and he is handsome,sexy, musically gifted and creative and most of all has a beautiful, genuine soul. Tristan really suits him as its sophisticated and slightly unique

Nicknames for Tristan: | Edit

Tris

Meanings and history of the name Tristan: | Edit
Share what you know!
Famous real-life people named Tristan: | Edit
Share what you know!
Tristan in song, story & screen: | Edit

-Tristan and Isolde - the opera by Wagner is the best known adaptation/dramatization of the legend
-Tristan (or Tristram) is traditionally a knight of the Round Table and was said to be best friends with Lancelot and the only one that could compare to him in skill. They challenge each other to a fencing contest and neither is able to prevail after many hours. They agree never to fight each other again.
-The main character in Stardust.
-Brad Pitt's charater in Legends of the Fall
-Peter Davison's character in the series All Creatures Great and Small - adapted from James Herriot's witty memoirs about a veterinary practice in rural Yorkshire, England

Browse Girls' Names

Browse Boys' Names