Knox

Pronunciation: [ n-AHKS ]

Boy Name #209 Most Popular Rising 1 Syllable

One powerful syllable with centuries of Scottish backbone

American Scottish English

Bold Strong Modern Minimalist Unique

Meaning & Origin

"round hill"

Origin: Old English/Scottish

Language: English

"hillock, small hill"

Origin: Old English (cnocc)

Language: English

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.

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)

Famous People Named Knox

Knox Leon Jolie-Pitt

Other

2008

Son of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, whose birth popularized Knox as a first name

John Knox

Religious

1514

Scottish Protestant reformer and founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland

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

Knowledge #1139 Knoxx #2305 Knoah #4260

Pairs Well With

Knox James Knox Oliver Knox William Knox Henry Knox Alexander Knox Reid

Sibling Names

Ryder Lennox Jagger Saylor Piper Wilder

Also a Girl Name

Knox is also used as a girl name, ranked #6074.

View Knox as a girl name →

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Playground Safety

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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.

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.