Knox
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Round hill, hillock
Origin: Old English/Scottish
Popularity: Ranked #196 in 2025 with 1,836 babies born.
History: Knox derives from the Old English 'cnocc,' meaning a round hill or hillock. It is the surname of John Knox, the Scottish reformer who led the Protestant Reformation in Scotland in the 16th century. As a given name it became widely known when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt named their son Knox in 2008.
Name length: 4 letters
How common is Knox? About 1 in 1,800 babies born in 2025 were named Knox, or roughly 5.1 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Knox
What does the name Knox mean?
Knox means “Round hill, hillock” from Old English/Scottish roots.
What is the origin of the name Knox?
Knox has Old English/Scottish origin. The traditional meaning is “Round hill, hillock”.
How popular is Knox?
Knox ranked #196 in 2025 — given to 1,836 babies that year.
When was Knox most popular?
Knox peaked in 2022 with 1,900 babies registered that year.
Is Knox a boy or girl name?
Knox is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Knoxs in registered births are male.
Is the name Knox rising or falling in popularity?
Knox has risen 6225 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #6421 in 2020 to #196 in 2025.
How long has Knox been recorded?
Knox appears in birth records across 103 years — from 1881 through 2025.