Knox
Knox: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /nɑks/ · /ˈnɒks/
Meaning and origin of Knox
Root meaning: “round hill”
- A male given name from the surname.
Etymology
Borrowed from Scottish Gaelic cnoc (“round hill”).
How popular is Knox?
Since 1880, 240 girls and 24,142 boys in the U.S. have been named Knox (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4731 in 2022. Its highest rank for boys was #196 in 2025. In 2025 it ranked #196 for boys, with 1,849 babies given the name.
More Scottish boy names
Sibling name ideas for Knox
Sister and brother names that share Knox's Scottish roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Knox FAQ
What does the name Knox mean?
Knox traces back to a root meaning "round hill". A male given name from the surname. Borrowed from Scottish Gaelic cnoc (“round hill”).
What is the origin of the name Knox?
Knox is listed as a name of Scottish origin.
How popular is the name Knox?
Since 1880, 240 girls and 24,142 boys in the U.S. have been named Knox (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4731 in 2022. Its highest rank for boys was #196 in 2025. In 2025 it ranked #196 for boys, with 1,849 babies given the name.
Is Knox a boy or girl name?
Knox is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 240 girls and 24,142 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.