Knox Name Meaning: Origin and Significance
Origins of the Knox Name
If you have the last name Knox, you may be wondering about its origins. The Knox surname has Scottish and English roots, specifically from the areas of Northumberland and Durham. It comes from the Old English word “cnocc,” which means 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 name Knox is also derived from the Gaelic word “cnoc,” which means a round hill. This Scottish origin contributes to the popularity of the name in Scotland, as well as in other parts of the world.
As a surname, Knox has been around for centuries and has been passed down through generations. It is a name that symbolizes strength, loyalty, and courage.
The popularity of the name Knox increased after the actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt named their son Knox in 2008. Since then, the name has become more common as a first name as well as a surname.
In summary, the Knox name has an interesting history and is derived from the Scottish and English languages. It is a topographic and habitational name that symbolizes strength, loyalty, and courage.
Popularity of the Knox Name
If you’re considering the name Knox for your baby boy, you’re not alone. This name has been gaining popularity in the United States in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. Here’s a closer look at the popularity of the Knox name.
According to the Social Security Administration, Knox is currently the 209th most popular name for baby boys in the United States in 2023. This represents a slight increase from the previous year, when it was ranked 212th. It’s worth noting that the name has been on an upward trend since it first reappeared on the charts in 2009.
Knox’s popularity may be due in part to its association with celebrity parents Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who named their son Knox in 2008. However, it’s also a strong and distinctive name that stands out from more traditional choices.
If you’re looking for middle names to pair with Knox, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some popular choices include:
- Knox Alexander
- Knox William
- Knox James
- Knox Benjamin
- Knox Henry
If you’re interested in similar names to Knox, you might consider:
- Sawyer
- Maddox
- Hudson
- Asher
- Rhett
Overall, the Knox name is a popular and stylish choice for baby boys in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a unique first name or a distinctive middle name, Knox is definitely worth considering.
Famous Bearers of the Knox Name
The Knox name has been carried by many famous individuals throughout history. Here are some notable bearers of the name:
- John Knox: A Scottish Presbyterian minister and theologian who was a leader of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland. He is considered the founder of the Presbyterian denomination.
- Henry Knox: An American Revolutionary War hero who served as the first United States Secretary of War under President George Washington. He was instrumental in establishing the United States Army and Fort Knox is named after him.
- Knox Martin: An American painter, sculptor, and muralist who was associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement. He is known for his large-scale paintings and murals.
- Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: The celebrity power couple named their son Knox Leon Jolie-Pitt in 2008. The name Knox has since gained popularity as a baby name.
- Knox Chandler: An American session guitarist and cellist who has worked with many famous musicians including R.E.M., Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Depeche Mode.
- Ian Milroy Carnochan, known by his stage name Knox, is a British musician and founding member of the seminal punk band the Vibrators.
- Kenaz Filan: An American author and vodou practitioner who has written several books on Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo. His birth name is Knox.
- Maddox Knox Jolie-Pitt: The eldest son of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Maddox was adopted from Cambodia in 2002. His middle name Knox is a nod to Brad Pitt’s maternal grandfather Hal Knox Hillhouse.
The Knox name has also been used in popular culture, such as in the name of the fictional character Angel Knox in the Indian television series “Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan.”
Meaning and Significance of the Knox Name
If you are considering naming your child Knox, it is important to understand the meaning and significance of this name. Knox is a name of Old English and Scottish origin, which means “from the hills.” It was originally a surname adopted from the name of places.
The name Knox is associated with tradition and history. It has been in use since the thirteenth century and has been passed down through generations. The name has a masculine connotation, but it is also used for girls.
Knox is a name that symbolizes strength, resilience, and determination. It is associated with the rugged landscapes of Scotland and invokes a sense of mountainous terrain. The name Knox also means “small hill” or “round-top hill” in Scots Gaelic, which adds to the significance of the name.
The name Knox has gained popularity in recent years, especially after Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it for their twin son in 2008. Despite its recent rise in popularity, the name has a strong historical significance and has been used for centuries.
In summary, the name Knox has a rich history and is associated with strength and resilience. It is a name that is both traditional and modern, making it a great choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
