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Tristan

Pronunciation: TRIS-tin (key)
Names related to Tristan: Tris, Tristen, Tristin, Tristram, Trystan
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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.

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Sibling Names for Tristan...

Do you know any real life Tristans?
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Alexander Alexandra Arianna Ava Brennan Dante Devin Duncan Elizabeth Ethan Gabriel Gavin James Jensen Kieran Killian Laura Liam Logan Olivia Rebecca Sebastian Taylor Trayton Veronica
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Reader Contributions

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Comments and insights on the name Tristan: | Edit

My husbands name is Tristan. He was born in 1982 and the name was almost unheard of when he was younger. Now it seems to be very popular. I love the name but people mistake it for Christian or they call him Tristian.. they pronounce it like Christian but with a T =)

Personal experiences with the name Tristan: | Edit

We know a girl named Tristan.

I know a woman named Tristina.

I know a friend of mine's boyfriend is named, Tristan.

Nicknames for Tristan: | Edit

Tris, Trist
TAAY

Meanings and history of the name Tristan: | Edit

It is of Celtic origin. Meaning: Tumult; outcry. From a Celtic name in Arthurian legend, Tristan (sometimes called Tristram) was a Knight of the Round Table and the tragic hero of the medieval tale "Tristan and Isolde". The tale has been retold in many poems and operas. This ancient name may derive from a Pictish original, Drostan, but the form was probably influenced by the French term "triste", meaning "sad". The name is popular in Spain.

Famous real-life people named Tristan: | Edit
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Tristan in song, story & screen: | Edit

-Tristan Dugray in "Gilmore Girls" (portrayed by Chad Michael Murray)
-Tristan and Isolde - the opera by Wagner is the best known adaptation/dramatization of the legend
-Tristan Ludlow in "Legends of the Fall" (portrayed by Brad Pitt in the film)
-Main character in the movie "Stardust" (portrayed by Charlie Cox)
-Tristan Farnon is the likeable younger brother of Siegfried in James Herriot's "All Creatures Great and Small" and other books.

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