Paladin

Paladin is an eriadorian male Name. The best known bearer of the name is Paladin Took.

Historical and mythical Paladins
Orginally Palatinus was a title for a servant of the Emperor of Rome of Mons Palatinus.The Palatinii were considrered important personages of the empire for having the emperor´s trust.

Later Paladins became the Knights of the Palace, entrusted Nobles who were represantants of the Emperor.The Paladin evolved into the Title Count Palatine or Pfalzgraf in Germany.In Hungary the Palatin or Comes Palatinus was the first minister and chief-commander of the army, the highest official of the kingdom.

In Medieval Romance Paladin also designates the King´s first knights or Champions, as the Paladins of Charlemagne.

Speculations
In Middle-Earth Paladin may have been a Westron Name, perhaps reflecting a title from Adûnaic or an indigenious tongue.The Name may have come from the language of the Northrons as many personal names of famous Fallowhide families are of old frankish and Gothic design.

A Paladin may have been a King´s knight, an entrusted Noble or Knight of the King of Gondor or Rhovanion or a title of a rhovanian, gondorian or arnorian Gentry.

Rolemaster
The Paladin is a playable profession in Rolemaster.He is a warrior and a magic user capable of Channeling.