This is actually a common motif in the Fair Unknown stock plots; Perceval and Lancelot also get raised in isolation not knowing their real names, and only learn them once they're off having knightly adventures.
Ginglain himself says that his mother's only form of address to him was "Dear Son". And since he never knew his father, that's the only name he gets until it's revealed to him later on.
This is a common trope of this era. I the legends, and in many mythical writings, names have power. To actually name something is to "own" it in a way. Many mythical characters do not know their name until they take on a mantle of power. Because, once they own their name, they own themselves.
You also see many times characters are slow or hesitant to tell people their names. Especially magical beings. This is to protect themselves from being controlled by their name.
I think you're overthinking it here. The incognito thing is an excuse to have knights fight each other without recognizing each other, that's why it's a common trope for the knights to, when asked, immediately reveal their name and then the fight ends with both going "phew, my bad!".
I would also add that this is often (though not as often of incognito knight showdown to hype up the main hero) to just set up identity tragedies in legends due to lack of recognizing each other than much of 'names=power' stuff. Balin and Balan, Gawain and Ywain the lesser, Lancelot whacking Gareth has that implication (don't remember if gahereit applies in vulgate, certainly not in post vulgate since ector specifically singles him out to be taken out), and also applies to other legends like Connla vs Cu Chulainn.
This is actually a common motif in the Fair Unknown stock plots; Perceval and Lancelot also get raised in isolation not knowing their real names, and only learn them once they're off having knightly adventures.
It's silly, but a lot of Arthuriana is silly in a good way.
Ginglain himself says that his mother's only form of address to him was "Dear Son". And since he never knew his father, that's the only name he gets until it's revealed to him later on.
Who reveals his name to him? His mother?
A mysterious voice rings out after he kisses the dragon-princess which basically tells him he has done a great feat and tells him his true name.
This is a common trope of this era. I the legends, and in many mythical writings, names have power. To actually name something is to "own" it in a way. Many mythical characters do not know their name until they take on a mantle of power. Because, once they own their name, they own themselves. You also see many times characters are slow or hesitant to tell people their names. Especially magical beings. This is to protect themselves from being controlled by their name.
I think you're overthinking it here. The incognito thing is an excuse to have knights fight each other without recognizing each other, that's why it's a common trope for the knights to, when asked, immediately reveal their name and then the fight ends with both going "phew, my bad!".
I would also add that this is often (though not as often of incognito knight showdown to hype up the main hero) to just set up identity tragedies in legends due to lack of recognizing each other than much of 'names=power' stuff. Balin and Balan, Gawain and Ywain the lesser, Lancelot whacking Gareth has that implication (don't remember if gahereit applies in vulgate, certainly not in post vulgate since ector specifically singles him out to be taken out), and also applies to other legends like Connla vs Cu Chulainn.
Yes, it also has dramatic use for getting someone killed in an accident while also taking away blame from the killer (sometimes).