Knightley

Meaning & origin

Knightley is a modern unisex name with roots in an English surname, first appearing on U.S. birth certificates in 2009. The name is rare: as of 2025, it ranks 14,942 nationally and is given to roughly 1 in 321,453 newborns. Its peak popularity came in 2021, but use has been falling since that year. The name is not concentrated in any particular state, as its top states list is empty. Knightley is a notable example of a surname style that has gained traction as a first name, similar to names like Harper and Avery. While the name may evoke the character Mr. Knightley from Jane Austen's Emma, its recorded use predates the 2020 film adaptation, suggesting a broader appeal for its strong, image-rich sound.

Knightley is a modern given name derived from the English surname Knightley, which itself is a habitational name from a place in Northamptonshire, meaning 'clearing of the knight' (Old English cniht 'knight' + leah 'clearing'). The surname is most famously associated with the English actor Keanu Reeves's role as Mr. Knightley in the 2020 film adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, which may have contributed to its adoption as a first name. However, the direct linkage to the film is speculative; the name's appearance on U.S. birth certificates began in 2009, predating the film's release.