Knox is an unusual and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "Cú Chnoic," which translates to "hound of Knox." The name is believed to have been first used as a surname, referring to someone who was quick or speedy like a hound.
The earliest known use of the name Knox as a given name is in Scotland during the 17th century. However, it was not widely used until much later, with its popularity increasing significantly only in recent decades. Today, Knox is often associated with the Scottish Reformation leader John Knox, who played a significant role in shaping Protestantism in Scotland.
Despite its Scottish origins and historical associations, the name Knox has gained international recognition and can be found among people of various nationalities today. Its unique sound and meaning have contributed to its growing popularity as a given name, particularly for boys but also sometimes for girls. While it may not yet be one of the most common names worldwide, Knox continues to be chosen by parents seeking something distinctive and meaningful for their children.
The name Knox has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States over the past decade, with a consistent increase in the number of births each year. In 2011, there were only 7 babies named Knox, but this number nearly tripled by 2023, with a total of 28 births that year.
The most significant growth occurred between 2015 and 2017, when the number of births increased from 14 to 18. Since then, the popularity of the name has continued to rise, reaching an all-time high in 2023 with 28 births.
Overall, from 2011 to 2023, there have been a total of 206 babies named Knox born in the United States. This steady increase suggests that the name Knox is becoming more and more popular among parents, and it will be interesting to see if this trend continues in the coming years.