As with all the London-designed engines, the Pellinore is named after a figure from the Arthurian tales. King Pellinore is a frequent and important character in Arthur's own story, commonly associated with his hunt for the "Questing Beast" and known for his myriad children, including five other Knights of the Round Table. He is also sometimes associated with the legendary "Fisher King", to whose health and success his kingdom's well-being is tied.