The surname Knox is a name with a rich history and widespread distribution across different countries. In this article, we will explore the origins and meanings of the surname Knox, as well as its prevalence in various regions around the world.
The surname Knox has its roots in Scotland, where it is believed to have originated as a Scottish surname. The name is thought to have derived from the Old Norse word "Knutr," which means knot or hillock. It is likely that the surname Knox was originally used as a nickname for someone who lived near a prominent hill or knoll.
Another possible origin of the surname Knox is that it may have been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a navigator or pilot, as the name is also associated with the Gaelic word "cnoch," which means a small hill or hummock. This suggests that the surname Knox may have been used to denote someone who lived or worked near a navigational point.
Over time, the surname Knox spread beyond Scotland and became common in other English-speaking countries, such as England, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and the United States. The popularity of the name in these regions may be attributed to Scottish migration and the influence of Scottish culture.
In the United States, the surname Knox is relatively common, with an estimated incidence of 57,479 individuals bearing this surname. The name is most prevalent in areas with a history of Scottish immigration, such as the Northeast and Midwest regions of the country. Some notable individuals with the surname Knox in the United States include Secretary of State Henry Knox and American football player John Knox.
In the United Kingdom, the surname Knox is especially common in Scotland, with an estimated incidence of 3,303 individuals in Scotland alone. The name is also found in other parts of the UK, such as England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a total incidence of 10,345 individuals bearing the surname Knox across the country. The surname Knox is often associated with Scottish heritage and may be found in heraldic records and clan histories.
In Canada, the surname Knox has a significant presence, with an estimated incidence of 5,059 individuals bearing this surname. The name is most common in provinces with a history of Scottish settlement, such as Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia. The surname Knox is often found in Canadian genealogical records and family histories.
In Australia, the surname Knox is relatively common, with an estimated incidence of 4,662 individuals bearing this surname. The name is most prevalent in states with a history of British colonization, such as New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. The surname Knox may be found in Australian immigration records and convict registers.
Outside of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the surname Knox is also present in various other countries around the world. Some of the countries with a significant incidence of the surname Knox include South Africa (2,598 individuals), New Zealand (1,196 individuals), Ireland (578 individuals), Kenya (253 individuals), and Papua New Guinea (160 individuals).
The surname Knox has a global presence and is a testament to the enduring legacy of Scottish heritage and migration. The name has evolved over time and continues to be a prominent surname in many English-speaking countries.
Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same happens in the case of Knox, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname that may be found in all the countries of the globe. In the same manner you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people using the surname Knox is higher than in other countries.
The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Knox on earth, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves on the map, for a tangible country, we can begin to see the tangible number of individuals because of the surname Knox, to acquire in this manner the complete information of all Knox that you could presently find in that country. All this also assists us to understand not just in which the surname Knox arises from, but also in excatly what way the individuals that are initially the main household that bears the surname Knox have moved and moved. Just as, you can see by which places they've settled and grown up, which explains why if Knox is our surname, it appears interesting to which other nations regarding the globe it will be possible that one of our ancestors once moved to.