Tristin

Tristin is an Americanized respelling of Tristan, a name of Celtic origin. Tristan (also in its ancient form of Drustan) dates back to the early Middle Ages originating from Celtic legend, most notably as the hero of a popular tragic/romance story known as “Tristan and Isolde.” There are several variations of the narrative, but we’ll give you the abridged version. After the fall of the Roman Empire (6th century), the King of Cornwall (Mark) sends his nephew Tristan to fetch King Mark’s future bride, an Irish princess named Isolde. Once Tristan reaches Isolde, the two youngsters accidentally drink a love-potion that was meant for Isolde and Mark on their wedding night. As a consequence, Tristan and Isolde fall madly in love with one another (which of course sends King Mark into a rage). The stories diverge greatly from here, but in most versions of the myth Tristan dies of grief without Isolde and she is left swooning over his grave in the end. For more information on this Celtic love story, see literary references on the Tristan page. Our research shows differing etymological origins for the name Tristan. Many think the name was influenced by way of the French, from the Latin word “tristis” which means “sad”, in reference to the young man’s tragic fate. Tristan is also a name which has been linked to the Picts (a now-extinct Celtic tribe that emerged at the time of the Gaels in Scotland), and their commonly used given name Drest/Drust, a diminutive of Drustan. The Celtic word “drest” means “riot, tumult” which is also in keeping with Tristan’s sad love story. The popular legend also inspired a 19th century opera, “Tristan und Isolde,” composed by Richard Wagner. Tristen, Tristin, Triston, Trystan and even Tristian have all emerged as alternate (mis?)spellings of the classical Tristan. Such arbitrary spelling changes are most common – if not almost exclusive – to the United States.