Boy · 245th of 23,106
Knox
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
22,521
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2022
Peak Popularity Year
1,929
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Knox stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Knox is a Scottish name that means 'hill.' It has its roots in Old Norse and has evolved through various forms in the English language. The name is often associated with strength and has gained historical significance through figures like John Knox. It lacks biblical relevance and has seen a resurgence in modern culture.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/nɒks/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Knox comes from the Scots word 'cnoc,' meaning 'hill' or 'mound.' It is derived from Old Norse 'knokkr,' which also refers to a hill or a rounded hillock.
Meaning
hill
Language Evolution
Old Norse: knokkr, Middle English: noc, Modern English: Knox
Historical Usage
The name Knox gained popularity in Scotland and was notably used as a surname before becoming a given name. It became more widely recognized in the 16th century, especially due to John Knox, the Scottish Reformer.
Variants & Derivatives
Knoxie, Knoxx
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Knox is perceived as strong and masculine, often associated with a sense of ruggedness and resilience. It has gained popularity in modern times, partly due to its use in popular culture.
Famous People
John Knox - Scottish Reformer, Knox Overstreet - a character from the film 'Dead Poets Society', Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban named their son Knox.
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Consistently Rising
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,929 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 9 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1962nd of 7545 | 261 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2224th of 6773 | 207 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2885th of 7552 | 155 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6632nd of 10718 | 32 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6333rd of 16616 | 95 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 984th of 24088 | 2,846 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 245th of 23106 | 18,670 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 32490th of 35406 | 7 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 6537th of 30306 | 220 |