Proudheart is a family name, bestowed seven generations before by a grateful noble. Craven's many-times-great-grandfather was a squire in his service, and had just achieved his knighthood when the noble's cousin was kidnapped. Many experienced knights went to rescue her, and were unsuccessful. The young knight was eager to prove his worth, and proud of his abilities, and promised to deliver the noble's cousin to him. Despite his youth, the noble agreed, for all others had failed, so what harm could come of the boy's attempt?
It took no less than three years for the young knight to track down the cousin's kidnapper. Each time he thought about abandoning his quest, his pride would not let him, and his great love for his lord could not let him rest. Eventually he did find the kidnapper, and dealt justice to him swiftly. He took the lord's cousin home, and the lord bestowed upon him a family name to commemorate his deed. Proudheart, Proud for the pride that refused to let him fail, and heart for the compassion and love that drove him ever onward.