Knightley is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname "Knightley," which is itself an occupational surname that originally referred to someone who was employed as a knight's servant or retainer.
The name Knightley has a rich historical background, with many notable individuals bearing this name throughout history. The most famous of these is likely Sir Robert Knightley, who served as the Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme in the late 16th century.
In literature, Knightley also appears as a character in Jane Austen's novel "Emma." Mr. George Knightley is a wealthy and sensible gentleman who eventually marries Emma Woodhouse. This portrayal has likely contributed to the name's enduring popularity in recent years.
Today, Knightley is often chosen by parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child. While it may not be as common as many other names, its English origins and historical significance make it an appealing choice for those looking for something distinctive yet classic.
Overall, Knightley is a name with a long and storied history, one that reflects the values of chivalry, service, and tradition. It is a name that has been worn by heroes in real life and literature alike, making it a strong and powerful choice for any child.
The given statistics demonstrate a trend of increasing popularity for the name Knightley in the United States over the past decade and a half. Between 2009 and 2023, there were a total of 95 births registered with the first name Knightley.
While the number of newborns named Knightley fluctuated from year to year, we can observe that the popularity has been steadily growing since 2014. In fact, the peak was reached in 2021 with 13 births, which is a significant increase compared to the first recorded year (6 births in 2009). This upward trend suggests that the name Knightley may continue to gain favor among parents choosing names for their newborns.
Moreover, it's interesting to note that there was an uptick in popularity from 2018 onwards, with numbers higher than 10 births per year. This could indicate a growing appreciation for unique and distinctive names like Knightley.
Overall, these statistics illustrate the dynamic nature of naming trends in our society and provide insight into how the name Knightley has been embraced by parents in recent years.