Boy
Scottish / Old English
1 syllable
Knox
NOKS
/nɒks/
"Standing firm on high ground" — a name with the strength of Scottish stone
Knox is a Scottish surname turned given name, derived from the Old English and Gaelic 'cnocc' meaning 'round hill' or 'hillock.' The name is most famously associated with John Knox, the 16th-century Scottish reformer who founded Presbyterianism. In the modern era Knox gained celebrity when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt named their son Knox in 2008, launching it into the spotlight as a bold, masculine choice.
Quick Facts
Letters4
SyllablesKnox
GenderBoy
OriginScottish / Old English
Root WordCnocc
MeaningRound hill; hillock
PopularityPopular
Peak Year2022
Trend
↑ Rising
Nicknames
KnoxyK
About the Name Knox
Knox means 'round hill' or 'hillock,' from the Old English and Gaelic 'cnocc.' As a place name it referred to settlements built on elevated ground. As a given name it carries connotations of elevation, solidity, and natural strength.
Knox has been one of the fastest-rising names in the United States, entering the top 100 recently. It gained significant attention after Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt used it in 2008, and it has continued to rise as a bold, modern choice.
Knox is associated with strength, independence, and a bold, no-nonsense character. People named Knox are often perceived as natural leaders — commanding, reliable, and resilient. The name's single-syllable punch gives it an assertive energy.
Longer middle names create great contrast with the punchy Knox: Knox Alexander, Knox Theodore, and Knox Fitzgerald all sound distinguished. More rugged options like Knox Wilder or Knox Emerson suit the name's adventurous character.
Knox is a Scottish and northern English surname derived from Old English 'cnocc' meaning hill. It was most famously carried by John Knox, the 16th-century reformer, before transitioning to use as a given name in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Knox is rarely shortened given its single syllable. Knoxy appears occasionally in affectionate family use, and 'K' is used as an initial. Most bearers use the full name.
Personality of Knox
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Knox
Creativity
62%
Elegance
64%
Independence
86%
Intelligence
74%
Strength
90%
Warmth
68%
Famous People Named Knox
J
John Knox
16th-century Scottish Protestant reformer who founded Presbyterianism
K
Knox Jolie-Pitt
Son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, born 2008
F
Fort Knox
Famous US military installation and home of the US Gold Bullion Depository
K
Knox Overstreet
Fictional character from Dead Poets Society
Middle Names for Knox
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Knox
Knox Knox Alexander
Knox Knox William
Knox Knox Elliot
Knox Knox Theodore
Knox Knox James
Knox Knox Harrison
Knox Knox Beckett
Knox Knox Wilder
Knox Knox Emerson
Knox Knox Fitzgerald
Names Similar to Knox
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Knox
1514
John Knox born in Haddington, Scotland; will become the father of Scottish Presbyterianism
1572
John Knox dies; his legacy cements the name Knox in Scottish Protestant identity
2008
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt name their son Knox, catapulting the name to fame
2015
Knox enters the US top 200 and continues its climb toward the top 100
Numerology & Symbolism of Knox
1
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
6
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Capricorn
1
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Black
💎
Lucky Stone
Black Tourmaline
🌸
Lucky Flower
Thistle
Knox Around the World
How Knox is written in different languages and scripts
نوكس
Arabic
ノックス
Japanese
Нокс
Russian
녹스
Korean
诺克斯
Chinese
Νοξ
Greek
नॉक्स
Hindi
נוקס
Hebrew
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