Last updated on October 3rd, 2024 at 11:23 am
Choosing a name that signifies royalty can be a powerful way to give your child a strong and majestic identity. Names that mean “king” often carry a sense of authority, strength, and leadership.
Whether you’re looking for something traditional or unique, there are plenty of names from various cultures that embody the essence of kingship.
In this article, we’ll explore a diverse collection of names that mean “king,” along with their origins, popularity, and associated meanings.
Traditional Royal Names
- Rex
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Common in English-speaking countries
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, strength
- Leopold
- Meaning: Bold leader
- Name Origin: German
- Popularity: Popular in Europe
- Associated Meanings: Bravery, nobility
- Basil
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Popular in Greece and Eastern Europe
- Associated Meanings: Royalty, dignity
- Eero
- Meaning: Eternal ruler
- Name Origin: Finnish
- Popularity: Unique, rising in popularity in Finland
- Associated Meanings: Eternity, authority
- Henry
- Meaning: Ruler of the household
- Name Origin: Germanic
- Popularity: Very popular in the UK and US
- Associated Meanings: Power, leadership
- Tiar
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Persian
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Sovereignty, nobility
- Cyrus
- Meaning: Sun; king
- Name Origin: Persian
- Popularity: Well-known, popular in Iran
- Associated Meanings: Light, royalty
- Roy
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: French
- Popularity: Common in English-speaking countries
- Associated Meanings: Royalty, dignity
- Malik
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Arabic
- Popularity: Popular in Arabic-speaking countries
- Associated Meanings: Authority, power
- Reagan
- Meaning: Little king
- Name Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Rising in popularity in the US
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, strength
Unique and Rare Names
- Aaric
- Meaning: Rule with mercy
- Name Origin: English
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Compassion, authority
- Saroyan
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Armenian
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Nobility, leadership
- Elroi
- Meaning: My God is king
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Spirituality, royalty
- Leroy
- Meaning: The king
- Name Origin: French
- Popularity: Common in French-speaking countries
- Associated Meanings: Authority, dignity
- Tariq
- Meaning: Morning star; king
- Name Origin: Arabic
- Popularity: Popular in Muslim countries
- Associated Meanings: Light, leadership
- Regulus
- Meaning: Little king
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Strength, authority
- Elric
- Meaning: Noble ruler
- Name Origin: Germanic
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Nobility, power
- Enrique
- Meaning: Home ruler
- Name Origin: Spanish
- Popularity: Popular in Spanish-speaking countries
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, strength
- Melech
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Authority, dignity
- Hirohito
- Meaning: Abundant benevolence
- Name Origin: Japanese
- Popularity: Popular in Japan
- Associated Meanings: Compassion, authority
Regal Names from Mythology
- Oberon
- Meaning: Elf king
- Name Origin: Germanic
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Magic, royalty
- Arthur
- Meaning: Bear king
- Name Origin: Celtic
- Popularity: Popular in the UK
- Associated Meanings: Strength, leadership
- Sigurd
- Meaning: Victorious protector
- Name Origin: Norse
- Popularity: Common in Scandinavia
- Associated Meanings: Victory, power
- Zeus
- Meaning: King of the gods
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Power, leadership
- Apollo
- Meaning: Destroyer; king of the sun
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Common in Greek mythology
- Associated Meanings: Light, authority
- Aegon
- Meaning: Sword king
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Popular in fantasy fiction
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, strength
- Gilgamesh
- Meaning: Ancestor is a hero
- Name Origin: Sumerian
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Heroism, royalty
- Osiris
- Meaning: Strong eyesight; king
- Name Origin: Egyptian
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Strength, rebirth
- Perseus
- Meaning: Avenger; king
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Strength, heroism
- Ragnar
- Meaning: Army ruler
- Name Origin: Norse
- Popularity: Popular in Scandinavia
- Associated Meanings: Power, leadership
Modern Names with Royal Connotations
- Kingston
- Meaning: King’s town
- Name Origin: English
- Popularity: Popular in the US
- Associated Meanings: Royalty, leadership
- Kian
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Persian
- Popularity: Growing in popularity in the UK
- Associated Meanings: Authority, power
- Regis
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Authority, nobility
- Zain
- Meaning: Kingly
- Name Origin: Arabic
- Popularity: Popular in Arabic-speaking countries
- Associated Meanings: Royalty, leadership
- Augustus
- Meaning: Great; kingly
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Popular in Europe
- Associated Meanings: Nobility, power
- Lennox
- Meaning: With many elm trees; king
- Name Origin: Scottish
- Popularity: Rising in popularity in the US
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, strength
- Caius
- Meaning: Rejoice; king
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Joy, authority
- Orson
- Meaning: Bear cub; king
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Strength, royalty
- Royce
- Meaning: King; royalty
- Name Origin: English
- Popularity: Popular in the US
- Associated Meanings: Nobility, authority
- Elton
- Meaning: Ella’s town; king
- Name Origin: English
- Popularity: Common in English-speaking countries
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, strength
Biblical Names with Royal Meaning
- David
- Meaning: Beloved; king
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Popular worldwide
- Associated Meanings: Royalty, leadership
- Solomon
- Meaning: Peace; king
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common in Jewish and Christian communities
- Associated Meanings: Wisdom, royalty
- Saul
- Meaning: Asked for; king
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Common in religious communities
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, authority
- Josiah
- Meaning: God supports; king
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Popular in the US
- Associated Meanings: Righteousness, leadership
- Hezekiah
- Meaning: God strengthens; king
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Strength, authority
- Zedekiah
- Meaning: The Lord is just; king
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Justice, leadership
- Joram
- Meaning: God is exalted; king
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Exaltation, royalty
- Jehu
- Meaning: He is God; king
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Divinity, authority
- Manasseh
- Meaning: Causing to forget; king
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, strength
- Rehoboam
- Meaning: The people are enlarged; king
- Name Origin: Hebrew
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Growth, authority
Ancient Names from Royal Dynasties
- Tutankhamun
- Meaning: Living image of Amun
- Name Origin: Egyptian
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Royalty, divinity
- Pharaoh
- Meaning: Great house; king
- Name Origin: Egyptian
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Power, authority
- Charlemagne
- Meaning: Charles the Great
- Name Origin: French
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Strength, leadership
- Alexander
- Meaning: Defender of the people; king
- Name Origin: Greek
- Popularity: Very popular worldwide
- Associated Meanings: Strength, leadership
- Cyrus
- Meaning: Sun; king
- Name Origin: Persian
- Popularity: Well-known, popular in Iran
- Associated Meanings: Light, royalty
- Ramses
- Meaning: Born of Ra; king
- Name Origin: Egyptian
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Divinity, royalty
- Caesar
- Meaning: Emperor; king
- Name Origin: Latin
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Authority, power
- Tamerlane
- Meaning: Iron king
- Name Origin: Persian
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Strength, authority
- Nebuchadnezzar
- Meaning: O god Nabu, protect my son
- Name Origin: Babylonian
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, power
- Ashoka
- Meaning: Without sorrow; king
- Name Origin: Sanskrit
- Popularity: Popular in India
- Associated Meanings: Compassion, authority
Names from African Royalty
- Shaka
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Zulu
- Popularity: Popular in South Africa
- Associated Meanings: Strength, leadership
- Mansa
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Mandinka
- Popularity: Common in West Africa
- Associated Meanings: Authority, royalty
- Oba
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Yoruba
- Popularity: Common in Nigeria
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, power
- Jomo
- Meaning: Burning spear; king
- Name Origin: Kikuyu
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Strength, leadership
- Kwame
- Meaning: Born on Saturday; king
- Name Origin: Akan
- Popularity: Popular in Ghana
- Associated Meanings: Royalty, authority
- Nzinga
- Meaning: Queen; king
- Name Origin: Kongo
- Popularity: Popular in Angola
- Associated Meanings: Power, leadership
- Kofi
- Meaning: Born on Friday; king
- Name Origin: Akan
- Popularity: Popular in Ghana
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, royalty
- Adewale
- Meaning: The king has come home
- Name Origin: Yoruba
- Popularity: Popular in Nigeria
- Associated Meanings: Nobility, leadership
- Sundiata
- Meaning: Lion king
- Name Origin: Mandinka
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Strength, authority
- Nkosi
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Zulu
- Popularity: Common in South Africa
- Associated Meanings: Power, royalty
Names with a Touch of Fantasy
- Aragorn
- Meaning: Royal warrior
- Name Origin: Fictional (Elvish)
- Popularity: Popular in fantasy literature
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, strength
- T’Challa
- Meaning: King
- Name Origin: Fictional (Wakandan)
- Popularity: Popular in modern culture
- Associated Meanings: Royalty, authority
- Rhaegar
- Meaning: Prince; king
- Name Origin: Fictional (Valyrian)
- Popularity: Popular in fantasy fiction
- Associated Meanings: Nobility, strength
- Eddard
- Meaning: Wealthy guardian; king
- Name Origin: Fictional (Westerosi)
- Popularity: Popular in fantasy fiction
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, authority
- Thor
- Meaning: Thunder; king
- Name Origin: Norse Mythology
- Popularity: Common in Scandinavia, popular in fiction
- Associated Meanings: Strength, power
- Lorien
- Meaning: Dream; king
- Name Origin: Fictional (Elvish)
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Fantasy, royalty
- Elendil
- Meaning: Star-friend; king
- Name Origin: Fictional (Elvish)
- Popularity: Popular in fantasy literature
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, nobility
- Gondor
- Meaning: Land of stone; king
- Name Origin: Fictional (Elvish)
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Strength, royalty
- Vader
- Meaning: Father; king
- Name Origin: Dutch (and Fictional)
- Popularity: Popular in modern culture
- Associated Meanings: Authority, leadership
- Dain
- Meaning: River; king
- Name Origin: Fictional (Dwarvish)
- Popularity: Rare
- Associated Meanings: Strength, leadership
9. Names with Hidden Royal Meanings
- Ryan
- Meaning: Little king
- Name Origin: Irish
- Popularity: Very popular in the US
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, strength
- Eric
- Meaning: Eternal ruler
- Name Origin: Norse
- Popularity: Common in Scandinavia
- Associated Meanings: Power, authority
- Donald
- Meaning: World ruler
- Name Origin: Scottish
- Popularity: Popular in the US and UK
- Associated Meanings: Strength, leadership
- Gerald
- Meaning: Rule of the spear
- Name Origin: Germanic
- Popularity: Common in English-speaking countries
- Associated Meanings: Authority, power
- Derek
- Meaning: Ruler of the people
- Name Origin: Germanic
- Popularity: Common in English-speaking countries
- Associated Meanings: Leadership, authority
- Rodrick
- Meaning: Famous ruler
- Name Origin: Germanic
- Popularity: Common in English-speaking countries
- Associated Meanings: Fame, power
- Reynard
- Meaning: Strong counsel; king
- Name Origin: German
Conclusion
Choosing a name that signifies “king” can be a powerful way to bestow a sense of leadership, strength, and nobility upon a child. Whether drawn from ancient traditions, royal dynasties, religious texts, or modern and fantasy influences, names with regal meanings carry a sense of grandeur and authority.
Names like Alexander, Cyrus, and Shaka reflect historical and cultural significance, embodying the qualities of leadership and power. Modern names such as Xander and Jaxon blend contemporary appeal with a touch of royal essence. Meanwhile, names from religious texts, like Josiah and Hezekiah, and those rooted in fantasy, like Aragorn and T’Challa, offer unique ways to celebrate the legacy of kingship in diverse contexts.
As the visionary behind NamesOrigins.com, Dariel Campbell combines his expertise in language with a creative approach to content. His unique perspective on names and their meanings offers readers a fresh and engaging way to connect with the stories behind the names we cherish.
