Rising since 1988, #196 for boys today.
Popularity of Knox since 1881
Babies named Knox per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 15 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 20 |
| 1910s | 111 |
| 1920s | 173 |
| 1930s | 95 |
| 1940s | 111 |
| 1950s | 92 |
| 1960s | 41 |
| 1970s | 20 |
| 1980s | 30 |
| 1990s | 127 |
| 2000s | 753 |
| 2010s | 12,055 |
| 2020s | 10,494 |
Meaning & origin
Knox is a surname-turned-first-name with Scottish and English origins, derived from the Gaelic word 'cnoc' meaning 'round hill'. The name has been in use as a given name since at least 1881, but its modern popularity is a recent phenomenon. After a long period of obscurity, Knox began a steady rise in the late 1980s, around 1988, and has been climbing ever since. It reached its peak in 2022, and as of 2025 it ranks 196th in the United States, with roughly 1 in every 930 newborn boys receiving the name. The name is particularly favored in states like Wyoming, Nebraska, and North Dakota. Its strong, clipped sound and historical associations with the Scottish Reformation give it a distinctive, no-nonsense appeal. Knox fits into the modern trend of using sturdy surname-names, and its recent trajectory suggests it will remain a popular choice for parents seeking a name that feels both traditional and fresh.
Knox derives from the Scottish Gaelic 'cnoc', meaning 'round hill', and originally functioned as a locational surname for someone living near such a hill. The name came into use as a given name in the 19th century, partly inspired by the Protestant reformer John Knox. It has gained popularity in the United States since the late 20th century.
Where Knox is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Knox” around the world
Where Knox lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
New Zealand
18
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Knoxy
Variants: Knocks
Sibling names for Knox
Names that share Knox's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Blair, Wren, Sloan, Brynn, Maeve, Lux, Stori, Kapri, Maylee, Zaylie, Cachet, Camber, Grae, Hazeleigh, Jinx, Kelda, Knova, Lakely, Lynnex, Navey, Sway, Swayzee, Arli, Azalynn, Bexlie, Brenn, Dawt, Jovee, Knoxley, Kouvr, Tynleigh
Brothers: Reid, Jack, Finn, Cole, Grant, Jace, Jase, Ace, Dax, Hendrix, Jensen, Jett, Kace, Kye, Maddox, Maxton, Riggs, Tru, Valor, Beaux, Blade, Brixton, Cayde, Chozen, Cross, Crue, Gaige, Gauge, Jaxtyn, Jaxx, Jet, Kohl, Kreed, Krew, Kross, Krue, Lennox, Maddex, Saxon, Stryker, Yale, Bane, Banx, Boe, Brax, Brix, Daxx, Hayze, Huxton, Jaxten, Kaid, Kol, Kruze, Kyngston, Kyser, Mattix, Maze, Quaid, Riddick, Rise, Roczen, Ryken, Sevin, Steel, Syre, Taz, Trea, Tuff, Zylen, Bohden, Brick, Cinch, Dak, Diezel, Espn, Foxx, Hayzen, Jager, Kasch, Kasten, Kayn, Koal, Kolston, Koy, Lenix, Maijor, Mavrik, Mavryk, Moxon, Negan, Slayter, Wake, Xayne, Zaylyn, Johnte, Kaulder, Tag, Trew, Acelin, Andric, Arson, Boen, Boomer, Brex, Brixten, Brixx, Cartel, Cashe, Chanz, Chasin, Chisum, Haize, Jex, Khale, Khylo, Knoxton, Kraven, Kroi, Kysin, Kysir, Lejend, Lynk, Madyx, Memphys, Random, Riott, Rydge, Savage, Stylez, Syx, Tracer, Treu, Vonn, Wensley, Wylde
Names like Knox
Names whose popularity has moved with Knox's over the last 50 years.
