Knight

Occupational

Meaning

A medieval warrior of noble rank or a man-at-arms in service to a lord.

Etymology

From Old English 'cniht,' originally meaning a boy or young man, later evolving to denote a mounted warrior of the feudal system. The term became a hereditary surname for those who held the rank of knight or served in knightly capacities.

About the Knight Surname

Knight originally denoted individuals who held the military rank of knight in medieval England or served in knightly orders. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through families of noble or military standing.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 156,000 bearers in the United States #283 most common surname
Rare Common

Widespread throughout England and common in English-speaking regions including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Knight Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

People with the Knight Surname