"from the round hill"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Knox
Pronunciation: [ n-AHKS ]
Does Knox flow with your last name?
A bold Scottish hill name with unstoppable energy
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Meaning & Origin
"hillock, knoll"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: Scottish
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The Story of Knox
Knox is a Scottish and English surname derived from the Old English 'cnocc' meaning 'round hill' or 'hillock.' It became a prominent Scottish clan name, most famously associated with John Knox (1514-1572), the firebrand Protestant reformer who shaped the Scottish Reformation. As a first name, Knox carries the rugged, one-syllable energy that has made it popular for boys — and increasingly, as a boundary-breaking choice for girls.
Knox's rise as a first name accelerated after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt named their son Knox Leon Jolie-Pitt in 2008. For girls, it represents the growing trend of using traditionally masculine, surname-style names, following paths forged by names like Quinn, Blair, and Sloane.
In Scottish history, John Knox's role in the Reformation makes the name synonymous with fierce conviction and intellectual courage. In American culture, Knox is associated with Fort Knox — the US Army installation in Kentucky housing the nation's gold reserves — making it a symbol of strength and security.
Historical Record
Knox first appeared in US Social Security records in 2011.
Over 227 babies have been named Knox in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Knox is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #6,074 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Fort Knox, Kentucky, holds approximately 147 million troy ounces of gold — the largest known depository in the US
- John Knox founded the Presbyterian Church of Scotland in the 16th century, shaping modern Scottish identity
- Knox was chosen by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt for their son in 2008, sparking its rise as a given name
Knox in Other Languages
French
Knox
German
Knox
Spanish
Knox
Scottish Gaelic
Cnoc
Popularity Over Time
#6,074
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #6,074
- Total SSA Count
- 20
- Cultural Origins
- American Scottish English Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
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
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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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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
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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 Boy Name
Knox is also used as a boy name, ranked #209.
View Knox as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Knox
What does the name Knox mean?
"from the round hill" (from Old English). "hillock, knoll" (from Scottish Gaelic). Knox is a Scottish and English surname derived from the Old English 'cnocc' meaning 'round hill' or 'hillock.' It became a prominent Scottish clan name, most famously associated with John Knox (1514-1572), the firebrand Protestant reformer who shaped the Scottish Reformation. As a first name, Knox carries the rugged, one-syllable energy that has made it popular for boys — and increasingly, as a boundary-breaking choice for girls.
What is the origin of the name Knox?
Knox has Old English, Scottish Gaelic, American, Scottish, English, and Australian origins. In Old English, it means "from the round hill". In Scottish Gaelic, it means "hillock, knoll".
Is Knox a boy or girl name?
Knox is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #6074. As a boy name, it is ranked #209. 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 #6074 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Knox?
Popular middle name pairings include Knox Marie, Knox Elizabeth, Knox Anne, Knox Grace, Knox Jane, and Knox Leigh.
What are good sibling names for Knox?
Names that pair well with Knox as siblings include Jax, Crew, Zara, Beau, Quinn, and Sloane.
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 an uncommon name, ranked #6074 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Knox
Knox is a girl name with American, Scottish, English, and Australian origins . The name means "from the round hill" in Old English .
Is Knox a boy or girl name? Knox is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #6,074 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #209. Knox is more commonly used as a boy name.
Knox is currently ranked #6,074 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Knox has 1 syllable and is pronounced n-AHKS, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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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