Paladin, derived from the Italian 'paladino', meaning 'defender of the realm' or 'champion', is a unisex given name of Latin origin. It gained prominence in English-speaking cultures through its association with characters like the Paladin of Justice in the popular series Fables and the Paladins, powerful champions in fantasy literature and role-playing games. The name carries an air of nobility and valor, often associated with protectors and defenders.
The name Paladin experienced a notable resurgence in popularity from 2011 onwards, with the highest number of births recorded that year (11), after previously appearing only intermittently between 1958 and 2006. Since then, it has maintained a consistent presence, with five births each in 2017 and 2023. In total, there have been 41 births bearing the name Paladin over this period.