Knox

Knox is a primarily masculine given name of English origin, transferred from a Scottish surname. The surname is derived from various places named Knock, from Gaelic cnoc "round hill" or Old English cnocc.

Etymology

The name Knox traces back to the Gaelic word cnoc, meaning a small, round hill. It originated as a locational surname for someone who lived near a hill or for families from places like Knock in Scotland or Ireland.

Usage

The name surged in popularity after celebrities Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie named their son Knox in 2008. Despite being a transferred surname, it has gained traction as a first name. It has been among the one thousand most popular names for boys in the United States since 2009 and among the top 250 names for American boys since 2015. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, in 2022, 1,891 boys and 28 girls were named Knox in the United States. Variants like Knoxley (with the fashionable ley suffix) have also emerged for both sexes.

Cultural Significance

Beyond its celebrity boost, the name Knox carries a sense of strength and geographic ties. Its meaning "round hill" evokes natural imagery, and its surname origin gives it a classic yet modern feel. While predominantly masculine, its occasional use for girls highlights a trend toward gender-neutral naming.

Notable Bearers

Notable individuals named Knox include Knox Ramsey (American football guard) and Knox T. Johnston (U.S. Army major general). The most famous contemporary bearer is Knox Jolie-Pitt, son of Pitt and Jolie.

• Meaning: "Round hill" from Gaelic cnoc
• Origin: Scottish surname, Gaelic/English
• Type: Transferred surname
• Usage Regions: United States, English-speaking world
• Peak Year: 2022 (rank 200 for boys in US)