Knight Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Knight' originates from the Old English word 'cniht,' meaning 'servant' or 'young man.' It evolved over time to denote a mounted warrior or nobleman. The name has historical roots in the feudal system of medieval England, where knights were significant figures. The modern perception of the name carries connotations of bravery and nobility, with no direct biblical association.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Knight"
Pronunciation
/naɪt/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name 'Knight' derives from the Old English word 'cniht,' which means 'servant' or 'young man.' Over time, it evolved to signify a mounted warrior or nobleman who was granted land in exchange for military service.
Meaning
warrior, servant, nobleman
Language Evolution
Old English: cniht, Middle English: knyght, Modern English: knight
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity during the medieval period in England, particularly in the context of chivalry and the feudal system, where knights held significant status.
Variants & Derivatives
Knyght, Knighte, Knyghton
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name 'Knight' is often associated with nobility, bravery, and chivalric values. It carries a romanticized image of medieval knights in popular culture.
Famous People
Knight Ridder (media company founder), James Knight (American businessman), Shane Knight (American actor)
📊 Knight Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Knight Name Visualizations
✨ Knight Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 74 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 7 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Knight" - Complete Guide (2 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Knight". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 2 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Knight" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Knight"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Knight"
"Knight" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7162nd of 7545 | 6 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6773rd of 6773 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 16616th of 16616 | 5 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6594th of 24088 | 173 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2354th of 23106 | 689 |
Regional Popularity of "Knight" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
51.03% 3808th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
57.32% 2572nd/4487 |
35.31% 2409th/6822 |
33.83% 2123rd/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Knight" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Knight"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Knight" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Knight" in the United States
The name Knight is most popular in Hawaii, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Knight has been stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Knight' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7162nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6773rd out of 6773 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 16616th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6594th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2354th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Knight' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.