While many television series are taken from radio shows, the radio show "Have Gun - Will Travel" with John Dehner as Paladin appeared after the television show.
Of the two hundred twenty-five episodes, twenty-four were written by Star Trek (1966) creator Gene Roddenberry. In 1957, Roddenberry received the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Original Script for Season One, Episode Sixteen, "Helen of Abajinian".
The silhouette of a knight chess piece on Paladin's holster and business card, as well as his interest in playing chess, also demonstrate his self image as a knight errant seeking to right wrongs illustrated by his chosen assumed name. Even dressing all in black, like a black chess knight, adds to the image.
When Paladin is not working he wears white, when he is working he wears black.
Paladin's real name was never revealed.