"round hill"
Origin: Old English/Scottish
Language: English
Knox
Pronunciation: [ n-AHKS ]
Does Knox flow with your last name?
One powerful syllable with centuries of Scottish backbone
American
Scottish
English
Bold
Strong
Modern
Minimalist
Unique
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Meaning & Origin
"hillock, small hill"
Origin: Old English (cnocc)
Language: English
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The Story of Knox
Knox is a Scottish surname derived from the Old English 'cnocc' meaning 'round hill' or 'hillock'. It was primarily a place name and family name in Scotland before transitioning to use as a given name. The most famous historical bearer is John Knox (1514-1572), the Scottish Protestant reformer who led the Reformation in Scotland and founded the Presbyterian Church.
Knox leapt to public awareness in 2008 when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie named their son Knox Leon. The celebrity influence propelled Knox from an obscure surname into a trendy first name, and it has been rising steadily ever since. It fits perfectly into the current trend for strong, punchy one-syllable boy names.
John Knox's influence on Scottish Presbyterianism and the Scottish national identity is immense. The name carries weight in Scottish heritage communities. In contemporary America, Knox has become a fashionable choice among parents seeking names that feel strong and distinctive without being traditional.
Historical Record
Knox first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 21,764 babies have been named Knox in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Knox is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #209 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Knox Jolie-Pitt (born 2008) made this name famous for a new generation
- John Knox (1514-1572) founded the Presbyterian Church and shaped Scottish national identity
- Knox is now consistently in the US top 100 boys' names after barely registering before 2008
Knox in Other Languages
French
Knox
Spanish
Knox
Japanese
ノックス
Scottish Gaelic
Cnoc (place form)
Popularity Over Time
#209
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Knox
K
Knox Leon Jolie-Pitt
Other
2008
Son of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, whose birth popularized Knox as a first name
J
John Knox
Religious
1514
Scottish Protestant reformer and founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #209
- Total SSA Count
- 1,701
- Cultural Origins
- American Scottish English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Knox
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Knox is also used as a girl name, ranked #6074.
View Knox as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Knox
What does the name Knox mean?
"round hill" (from Old English/Scottish). "hillock, small hill" (from Old English (cnocc)). Knox is a Scottish surname derived from the Old English 'cnocc' meaning 'round hill' or 'hillock'. It was primarily a place name and family name in Scotland before transitioning to use as a given name. The most famous historical bearer is John Knox (1514-1572), the Scottish Protestant reformer who led the Reformation in Scotland and founded the Presbyterian Church.
What is the origin of the name Knox?
Knox has Old English/Scottish, Old English (cnocc), American, Scottish, and English origins. In Old English/Scottish, it means "round hill". In Old English (cnocc), it means "hillock, small hill".
Is Knox a boy or girl name?
Knox is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #209. As a girl name, it is ranked #6074. Knox is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Knox?
Knox is pronounced n-AHKS.
How popular is the name Knox?
Knox is currently ranked #209 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Knox?
Popular middle name pairings include Knox James, Knox Oliver, Knox William, Knox Henry, Knox Alexander, and Knox Reid.
What are good sibling names for Knox?
Names that pair well with Knox as siblings include Ryder, Lennox, Jagger, Saylor, Piper, and Wilder.
How many syllables does Knox have?
Knox has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Knox a common or rare name?
Knox is a popular name, ranked #209 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Knox?
About the Name Knox
Knox is a boy name with American, Scottish, and English origins . The name means "round hill" in Old English/Scottish .
Is Knox a boy or girl name? Knox is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #209 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #6,074. Knox is more commonly used as a boy name.
Knox is currently ranked #209 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Knox has 1 syllable and is pronounced n-AHKS, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Knox include Knowledge, Knoxx, Knoah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis