Choosing a name for your child isn’t just about what sounds good—it’s about the meaning, the legacy, and the strength you want them to carry through life. If you’re drawn to powerful, regal names that command respect, you’re probably searching for names that mean king that feel both timeless and bold.
This guide brings you a massive collection of royal baby names, kingly titles, and monarch-inspired monikers from cultures around the globe. Whether you want a classic sovereign name like Malik or something unique with ruler origins, you’ll discover options that pack authority, nobility, and charm. Let’s crown your little one with a name worthy of royalty.
Names Meaning King
Royal names carry a weight that ordinary names simply don’t. These majestic monikers span cultures and centuries, offering timeless options that embody leadership and strength.
- Rex – Latin origin meaning “king,” straightforward and powerful
- Malik – Arabic name that translates directly to “king” or “sovereign”
- Basilius – Greek origin meaning “kingly” or “royal”
- Roy – French-derived name meaning “king,” simple yet regal
- Leroy – French name combining “le” and “roi” to mean “the king”
- Cyrus – Persian origin meaning “sun” or “throne,” borne by ancient kings
- Reagan – Irish name meaning “little king” or “royal”
- Rory – Irish Gaelic meaning “red king,” bold and spirited
- Ryan – Irish origin meaning “little king,” popular and approachable
- Basil – Greek name meaning “king” or “regal,” classic and dignified
Boy Names That Mean King
When you’re hunting for prince names with royal flair, these options deliver authority without feeling too formal. Each carries the essence of kingship while remaining wearable for modern boys.
- Kingsley – English name meaning “king’s meadow,” nature meets nobility
- Kingston – English origin meaning “king’s town,” trendy yet traditional
- Alaric – Germanic name meaning “ruler of all,” strong and historic
- Brennus – Celtic name of ancient Gallic kings, fierce and memorable
- Kashton – Modern variation meaning “place of the king,” fresh twist
- Derek – Germanic origin meaning “ruler of the people,” approachable royalty
- Frederick – German name meaning “peaceful ruler,” balances strength with calm
- Heinrich – German origin meaning “home ruler,” stately and classic
- Kendrick – Welsh and Scottish name meaning “royal ruler,” lyrical sound
- Roderick – Germanic meaning “famous ruler,” vintage charm
Male Names That Mean King
These masculine monikers don’t just hint at royalty—they proclaim it. Perfect for parents who want their son’s name to command respect from day one.
- Leander – Greek name meaning “lion man” or “king of men,” heroic
- Rian – Irish variant meaning “little king,” compact and mighty
- Reginald – Latin origin meaning “counsel power” or “kingly,” distinguished
- Tarquin – Roman name of ancient kings, unique and bold
- Mael – Breton origin meaning “chief” or “prince,” short and striking
- Aubrey – Germanic meaning “elf ruler” or “king,” mystical edge
- Amir – Arabic name meaning “prince” or “commander,” smooth and confident
- Dietrich – German origin meaning “ruler of the people,” substantial presence
- Rhydderch – Welsh name meaning “reddish-brown king,” culturally rich
- Valdemar – Scandinavian meaning “famous ruler,” Viking strength
Baby Boy Names That Mean King
Choosing a kingly name for your little one sets a powerful foundation for his journey ahead. These baby names blend sweetness with sovereignty beautifully.
- Regis – Latin origin meaning “kingly,” simple and direct
- Brian – Irish name meaning “high” or “noble king,” timeless appeal
- Rayyan – Arabic meaning “gates of heaven” and associated with kings, spiritual
- Kian – Irish origin meaning “ancient king,” mystical and modern
- Alistair – Scottish version of Alexander meaning “defender of the king,” noble
- Conroy – Irish name meaning “hound of the king,” loyal and strong
- Elroy – Spanish and French meaning “the king,” vintage comeback
- Kingson – Modern English meaning “son of the king,” contemporary feel
- Riagan – Irish origin meaning “little king,” adorable yet mighty
- Sullivan – Irish meaning “dark-eyed one” with royal connections, charming
King Names for Boy
If you want a name that announces royalty without question, these sovereign selections do exactly that. They’re bold choices for parents who aren’t afraid to dream big.
- King – English word name meaning “monarch,” direct and unforgettable
- Kaiser – German title meaning “emperor,” powerful and unique
- Pharaoh – Egyptian royal title, exotic and commanding
- Czar – Russian imperial title meaning “ruler,” dramatic flair
- Sultan – Arabic royal title meaning “power,” smooth sophistication
- Oberon – Literary name meaning “noble” or “bearlike,” fairy king vibes
- Raj – Sanskrit meaning “king” or “rule,” short and impactful
- Shahrukh – Persian meaning “kingly face,” Bollywood coolness
- Melech – Hebrew origin meaning “king,” biblical strength
- Kingman – English meaning “man of the king,” rare gem
Good King Names
History remembers the great rulers, and these names echo that legacy. They’re proven choices that combine good character with royal authority.
- Arthur – Celtic meaning uncertain but linked to legendary King Arthur, noble
- Solomon – Hebrew meaning “peace,” biblical king known for wisdom
- David – Hebrew meaning “beloved,” Israel’s greatest king
- Alexander – Greek meaning “defender of men,” conquered the world
- Richard – Germanic meaning “brave ruler,” Lionheart legacy
- Henry – German origin meaning “home ruler,” eight English kings
- Charles – Germanic meaning “free man,” European royal favorite
- Louis – French meaning “famous warrior,” Sun King grandeur
- Edward – Old English meaning “wealthy guardian,” classic British royalty
- William – Germanic meaning “resolute protector,” the Conqueror’s name
Boy Names That Mean King or Royalty
Sometimes you want options that capture the broader essence of nobility and power. These royal names offer that majestic sweep while keeping things grounded.
- Prince – English title meaning “royal son,” straightforward royalty
- Duke – English noble title meaning “leader,” cool and confident
- Baron – Title of nobility meaning “warrior,” strong sound
- Earl – English noble rank, vintage and approachable
- Noble – Latin origin meaning “aristocratic,” virtue name twist
- Adler – German meaning “eagle,” symbol of royalty and power
- Theron – Greek meaning “hunter,” carries noble associations
- Aziel – Hebrew meaning “God is my strength,” princely sound
- Caspian – Literary and geographic, evokes Prince Caspian from Narnia
- Emyr – Welsh meaning “king” or “lord,” soft yet regal
African Names That Mean King
Africa’s rich tapestry of languages offers stunning royal names with deep cultural roots. These monarch-inspired options celebrate heritage while sounding absolutely magnificent.
- Malik – Arabic and Swahili meaning “king,” widely used across Africa
- Oba – Yoruba title meaning “king” or “ruler,” Nigerian royalty
- Mansa – West African title meaning “king of kings,” historical empire builders
- Jelani – Swahili meaning “mighty” or “powerful,” East African strength
- Nkosi – Zulu and Xhosa meaning “king” or “chief,” South African nobility
- Simba – Swahili meaning “lion,” symbol of kingly power
- Tau – Tswana and Sotho meaning “lion,” Southern African royal symbol
- Chibuike – Igbo meaning “God is strength,” Nigerian prince vibes
- Kwame – Akan name meaning “born on Saturday,” Ghanaian royal name
- Eze – Igbo title meaning “king,” Nigerian leadership
Japanese Names That Mean King
Japanese culture offers elegant names that convey leadership and nobility with beautiful subtlety. These names blend Eastern philosophy with regal bearing.
- Ryuu – Japanese meaning “dragon,” imperial symbol and kingly creature
- Ou – Japanese character meaning “king” directly, simple and powerful
- Kio – Japanese meaning “respectful king,” gentle nobility
- Daiki – Japanese meaning “great glory” or “great nobility,” accomplished feel
- Ousuke – Japanese combining “king” with “help,” benevolent ruler
- Masaru – Japanese meaning “victory” or “excel,” champion qualities
- Takumi – Japanese meaning “artisan” with noble connotations, skilled leader
- Haruto – Japanese meaning “sun” or “soar,” celestial royalty
- Raiden – Japanese meaning “thunder and lightning,” god-like power
- Kaito – Japanese meaning “ocean” with vast, kingly scope
Last Names That Mean King
Surnames carry family legacy, and these hereditary names tell stories of ancestral royalty. They’re perfect whether you’re researching genealogy or seeking surname inspiration.
- King – English surname meaning “monarch,” most direct option
- Roy – French-origin surname meaning “king,” widespread appeal
- Kingsley – English topographic surname meaning “king’s clearing,” nature nobility
- Leroy – French surname meaning “the king,” aristocratic roots
- Rex – Latin surname meaning “king,” ancient authority
- Kaiser – German surname meaning “emperor,” imperial heritage
- Malik – Arabic surname meaning “king,” Middle Eastern royalty
- Regan – Irish surname meaning “little king,” Celtic descent
- Royston – English locational surname meaning “settlement of Royce/the king,” historic
- Basileo – Greek-origin surname meaning “kingly,” Mediterranean nobility
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular names that mean king?
Popular names include Malik (Arabic), Rex (Latin), Ryan (Irish), and Kingsley (English). These royal names work beautifully across different cultures and remain timeless choices for boys.
Which name directly translates to king?
Rex in Latin, Malik in Arabic, and Roy in French all directly translate to “king.” These straightforward options give your child a name with clear, powerful meaning.
Are there any unique names meaning king?
Unique options include Tarquin (Roman), Oberon (literary), and Kashton (modern). These less common choices still carry regal significance while standing out from the crowd.
What’s a strong African name that means king?
Oba is a powerful Yoruba title meaning “king” used in Nigerian royalty. Nkosi, meaning “king” in Zulu and Xhosa, is another strong South African choice.
Can you use King as a first name?
Yes, King works perfectly as a first name and has grown increasingly popular. It’s bold, memorable, and leaves no doubt about the strength you want your son to embody.
Conclusion
Choosing names that mean king gives your child a foundation of strength, leadership, and confidence that lasts a lifetime. Whether you love classic royal names like Arthur and Solomon or prefer modern prince names like Kingsley and Kashton, each option carries powerful meaning. These majestic names connect your little one to centuries of rulers, warriors, and leaders across every culture.
Your son deserves a name that makes him stand tall and feel unstoppable. From African king names like Malik and Oba to Japanese options like Ryuu and Kio, this collection offers something for every family’s heritage and style. Crown your baby boy with a sovereign name that commands respect and celebrates his royal potential from day one.
Anne Kellogg is the creative mind behind NamesPerl, where she shares her passion for names. With 4 years of experience in crafting unique and catchy names, Anne helps readers discover the perfect words to express identity, creativity, and meaning.