The Order has been known by various names over the centuries Brothers of the Hospital, Hospitallers of Jerusalem, Knight Hospitallers of Jerusalem, Order of the Hospital, Knights of Saint John, Knights of Jerusalem, Knights of Cyprus, Knights of Rhodes, Knights of Malta, Order of Malta, Knights of Russia, and The Sovereign Order. These names often reflected the site of the Knights' homeland at various periods in the Order's glorious history: Jerusalem 1048-1291, Cyprus 1291-1310, Rhodes 1310-1523, Malta 1530-1798, and Russia 1798-1917. The headquarters of the Sovereign Order is now in the United States.

Knights of the Order were called "A princely race," "Lions on the field of battle and lambs at the foot of the Cross," and other titles of respect. However, throughout Europe, the Order was most often called simply "The Religion" because of its incomparable devotion to Jesus Christ and Christianity. No other entity has ever been known or recognized by this unique and distinguished title.