Knox is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname Knox, which has its roots in the Middle English word 'knokken', meaning 'round headed'. The name was originally used as a nickname for someone with a round head or bald pate.
The Knox surname has a notable history in Scotland, with one of the most famous bearers being John Knox (1513-1572), a Scottish Protestant clergyman and theologian who is regarded as the founder of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland. After his death, the name Knox became popular as both a first name and surname throughout Scotland and beyond.
Despite its original meaning related to physical appearance, the name Knox has evolved over time and is now often chosen for its sound and uniqueness rather than any specific association with round heads. It has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In terms of usage, Knox is typically used as a masculine given name but can also be used for girls. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Knox has seen steady growth in popularity since 2014, reaching its peak rank of 597 in 2018.
Overall, Knox is an uncommon yet appealing given name with a rich history and distinctive Scottish roots. Its unique sound and fascinating backstory make it an interesting choice for parents looking for something different from the traditional names.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe several trends regarding the number of births with the given name Knox in the United States from 1881 to present day.
From 1881 to around 1940s, the number of births with the name Knox was relatively low, ranging between 5 to 15 births per year. There were only a few exceptions where the numbers went above 20 births in specific years such as 1921 and 1923 with 22 and 21 births respectively.
However, starting from the late 1940s, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name Knox. Between 1950 to around mid-1980s, the annual births with this name varied between 5 to 17, but it began to rise steadily over time.
In the early 1990s, we start seeing significant growth in the number of newborns named Knox, reaching 341 births in 2009. The popularity of the name has continued to surge over the past decade and a half, with over 1500 births each year from 2012 onwards.
The most recent data shows that there were 1898 births named Knox in the United States in 2022, demonstrating an upward trend in popularity for this name. Overall, since 1881, there have been a total of 20576 births with the name Knox across the United States.
These statistics highlight how the popularity of the name Knox has evolved over time, initially being quite uncommon but gradually gaining traction and becoming one of the more popular names in recent years.