Knox
Knox is a boys' name of Scottish origin meaning “round hill; rounded hillock.” It ranked #196 in the United States in 2025. From the Scottish Gaelic cnoc (hill).
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how do you pronounce Knox?
NOKS
where does the name Knox come from?
A transferred Scottish surname and place name, from the Scots Gaelic cnoc or Old English cnocc, a small round-topped hill.
John Knox, the 16th-century Scottish reformer, is the most famous historical bearer. The name gained mainstream celebrity attention when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt named their son Knox in 2008.
how popular is this name?
Knox has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 20 years since 1881, and fell outside it for 125. It peaked at #196 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #196 |
| 2024 | #209 |
| 2023 | #208 |
| 2022 | #199 |
| 2021 | #220 |
| 2020 | #238 |
| 2019 | #241 |
| 2018 | #219 |
| 2017 | #233 |
| 2016 | #245 |
| 2010 | #459 |
| 1900 | #968 |
| 1881 | #653 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Knox fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Knox
The Scottish reformer John Knox is the surname's best-known bearer.
who are famous people named Knox?
- John Knox (reformer)
- Knox Jolie-Pitt (celebrity child)
- Fort Knox (U.S. gold depository)
what names are similar to Knox?
what names go well with Knox?
Sibling names that share Knox's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Knox
What does the name Knox mean?
Knox means “round hill; rounded hillock”.
What is the origin of the name Knox?
Knox comes from the Scottish naming tradition.
How popular is the name Knox?
Knox ranked #196 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2025, at #196, and it has spent 20 years in the top 1,000 since 1881.
Is Knox a boy or girl name?
Knox is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Knox?
Knox is pronounced NOKS, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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