Knox Name Meaning: Origin and Significance

Knox is a name that has been gaining popularity in recent years, particularly in the United States. This name has an interesting history and meaning that many people find appealing. It is a Scottish surname that originally referred to someone who lived near a small hill with a round top.

The name Knox has been used by several famous individuals, including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who chose it for their son in 2008. Since then, the name has steadily climbed the ranks of popular baby names. Its association with the celebrity couple has certainly helped to increase its visibility, but the name’s unique sound and meaning have also contributed to its appeal.

If you are considering the name Knox for your child, it is important to understand its origins and significance. In this article, we will explore the history and meaning of the name Knox, as well as its popularity and notable bearers. Whether you are drawn to the name for its Scottish heritage or its modern sound, this article will provide you with valuable insights into this increasingly popular name.

Origins of the Knox Name

The Knox surname has its roots in both Scottish and English history. The name comes from the Old English word “cnocc,” which meant a round-topped hill. This makes it a topographic name for someone who lived on a hilltop or a habitational name from any of the places in Scotland and northern England named with this element, now spelled Knock in particular one in Renfrewshire.

The surname may have been taken on by someone who lived at such a place, or may have come from one of several places called Knock, in Scotland and Northern England.

The name Knox is primarily a masculine given name, a transferred use of a Scottish surname and place name from the Scots Gaelic “cnoc” or Old English cnocc, referring to a small hill with a round top. The name increased in usage after Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it for their son in 2008.

In terms of popularity, Knox is an old Scottish surname that has recently been elevated to coolness, to the point where it entered the popular baby names list in 2009. It is a one-syllable name that is easy to spell and pronounce, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a simple yet distinctive name for their child.

Overall, the Knox name has a rich history and a unique meaning that makes it a popular choice for both surnames and given names.

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Meaning of the Knox Name

Knox is a primarily masculine given name that has its roots in Scottish and Old English. The name is derived from the Scots Gaelic “cnoc” or Old English “cnocc,” which refers to a small hill with a round top. The name Knox is primarily a male name of English origin that means “From The Small Hill.”

The name Knox was originally a surname that was adopted from the name of places. It was a topographic name for someone who lived on a hilltop. The name has increased in usage after Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it for their son in 2008.

Knox is an old Scottish surname that has been dusted off and elevated to coolness. It entered the popular baby names list in 2009. The name Knox is unique and has a strong, masculine sound to it. It is a great choice for parents who are looking for a name that is not too common but has a rich history and meaning behind it.

Overall, the Knox name has a simple yet powerful meaning behind it. It is a name that is rooted in nature and has a strong connection to the Scottish and Old English cultures. The name has gained popularity in recent years, and it is a great choice for parents who are looking for a unique and meaningful name for their baby boy.

Popularity of the Knox Name

Knox is a name that has gained popularity in recent years, thanks in part to celebrities like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie choosing it for their son. But just how popular is the name Knox?

According to the Social Security Administration, Knox has been among the top 1000 most popular names for boys in the United States since 2009. In 2020, it ranked at number 221, making it a relatively uncommon name but still well-known.

Interestingly, Knox has also been used occasionally for girls in the United States, although it remains much more popular as a boy’s name.

Here are some additional facts about the popularity of the Knox name:

  • Knox has been increasing in popularity steadily over the past decade, rising a few ranks each year on average.
  • In 2020, there were 1,243 baby boys named Knox in the United States.
  • Knox is most popular in the southern United States, particularly in states like Texas, Georgia, and Florida.

Overall, while Knox is not one of the most common names out there, it is a name that has gained a lot of attention in recent years and is likely to continue to be popular for some time to come.

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Famous People Named Knox

Knox is a name that has been used by several famous people over the years. Here are some notable individuals who share the name Knox:

  • Knox Leon Jolie-Pitt: Knox Leon is the son of Hollywood actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. He was born in 2008, along with his twin sister Vivienne Marcheline.

  • Knox Martin: Knox Martin is an American painter and sculptor who was born in 1923. He is known for his abstract expressionist works, and his pieces have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

  • Knox Chandler: Knox Chandler is an American musician and producer who has worked with a variety of artists over the years, including R.E.M., Depeche Mode, and Siouxsie and the Banshees.

  • Knox Harrington: Knox Harrington is a fictional character from the movie “The Big Lebowski.” He is a video artist who is hired by the character Jackie Treehorn to create a pornographic film.

  • Knox County: Knox County is a county in the state of Tennessee, which is home to the city of Knoxville. The county was named after Henry Knox, who was a Revolutionary War general and the first Secretary of War under President George Washington.

Overall, the name Knox has been used by a diverse group of people, from Hollywood celebrities to artists and musicians.

Variations of the Knox Name

The name Knox has been around for centuries and has undergone some variations over time. Here are some of the most common variations of the name:

  • Knox: This is the most common spelling of the name.

  • Knock: This is an alternative spelling of the name, and it is mostly used in Scotland.

  • Knocks: This is another alternative spelling of the name, and it is also mostly used in Scotland.

  • Nox: This is a rare variation of the name, and it is mostly used in the United States.

  • Nocks: This is another rare variation of the name, and it is also mostly used in the United States.

The variations of the name Knox have different origins and meanings. However, they all stem from the same root word, which means “from the hills.” The name is of Old English and Scottish origin and was originally a surname adopted from the name of places.

The spelling variations of the name Knox have been around for centuries, and they are mostly due to differences in pronunciation and dialects. Some of the variations have become more popular than others, depending on the region and culture.

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In conclusion, the name Knox has undergone some variations over time, but it has remained a popular name for centuries. The different variations of the name have different origins and meanings, but they all stem from the same root word. Whether you prefer the traditional spelling of the name or one of its variations, Knox is a strong and timeless name that will never go out of style.

Knox Name in Pop Culture

Knox is a name that has gained popularity in recent years, thanks in part to its use by famous celebrities. Here are some notable mentions of the name Knox in pop culture:

  • Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie named one of their sons Knox in 2008, which helped bring attention to the name and increase its popularity.

  • In the TV show “Elementary,” the main character Sherlock Holmes has a father named Morland Holmes, whose middle name is Knox.

  • The character Knox Harrington appears in the movie “The Big Lebowski,” played by David Thewlis.

  • Knox Overstreet is a character in the movie “Dead Poets Society,” played by Josh Charles.

  • In the video game “Assassin’s Creed III,” the main character Connor has a friend named Robert Faulkner, whose nickname is “Kidd” or “Knox.”

Overall, the name Knox has made its way into various forms of pop culture, from movies and TV shows to video games. Its use by famous celebrities has also helped to make it a more well-known and popular name choice for parents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the name Knox has a rich history and meaning. It is primarily a masculine given name, derived from a Scottish surname and place name meaning “small hill with a round top”. The name gained popularity after being used by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie for their son in 2008.

According to numerology, the name Knox is associated with the number 5, which represents change and adventure. This suggests that people with the name Knox may be open to new experiences and enjoy taking risks in life. As for astrology, the name Knox is associated with the sign Taurus, which is known for being practical and reliable.

Overall, the name Knox is a unique and meaningful choice for parents looking for a name with a strong history and significance. It is a name that is both classic and modern, and is sure to make a lasting impression.