Surname Knott - Meaning and Origin

Rediscovering my Roots: The Unfurling Tapestry of The Knott Family through iGENEA DNA Testing

The deeply personal significance of my iGENEA DNA test has fundamentally reshaped my understanding of what it means to carry the surname Knott. The discovery of my ancient lineage, spanning across Celtic, Nordic, Scottish and Eastern European cultures, has fundamentally influenced my understanding of my family's identity and history.

P. Knott

Knott: What does the surname Knott mean?

The surname Knott is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Cnut", composed of the elements "cnotta", meaning knot, and "hnutu", meaning nut. The name was popular among the Danes, being borne by two kings of Denmark and England. The name could have also originated as a nickname for someone with a peculiar head or head shape, likened to a 'knot' or 'nut'. Over time, the spelling Cnut became Knott, due to changes in pronunciation and orthography. Instances of this surname can be found as early as 1198 in England. Variations of the surname include Knatt, Nott, Nutt and more. It should also be noted that 'knot' was used in Middle English to mean a hilltop or summit, so in some cases, the surname could also refer to someone who lived in such a location.

Knott: Where does the name Knott come from?

The surname Knott is of English origin, deriving from the Old English term "cnotta," meaning "knot." This name was often given as a nickname to individuals with curly hair, or potentially to rope-makers or sealers who would have regularly used knots in their trade. There may also be a connection to topography; someone who lived on a hill might be called "Knott". Surnames were often derived from a person's attributes, profession, or location in the early periods.

Today, Knott is most common in the United States, England and Canada. In the US, it is most frequently found in Kentucky due to an influx of English immigrants in the state's early settlement period. Other states with a high presence of the Knott surname include Texas, California, and North Carolina. In the United Kingdom, it is most prevalent in north England, particularly in areas of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and County Durham. Overall, it is not a very common surname.

Variations of the surname Knott

The surname Knott is believed to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon ethnic group, particularly in England before the Norman Conquest. Variants and spelling of this surname include Knot, Knott, Nott and Nutt. These names have been interchangeable throughout history, with slight spelling variations often depending on regional dialect or clerical interpretation.

There is also a possibility of connection to the German surname Knote and the Dutch surname Knottnerus. Additionally, Knott can link to the Norse-Gaelic surname MacNaught, pronounced 'MacNut', which became 'MacNott' and 'Knott' in Ireland.

The surname could be a nickname or occupational name derived from "cnotta" meaning "knot", "nautical knot" or "knot in a piece of wood". It could be referring to a thickset person, or a sailor, or a maker of knots in wood.

There are also topographic surnames derived from locations throughout the UK such as Knott in Cumberland, Knotsford in Cheshire, and Knatts Valley in Kent.

It's important to note that researching a specific surname involves considering all possibilities due to fluctuations in spelling, language, and location over centuries.

Famous people with the name Knott

• Michael Knott: Christian alternative/punk rock musician
• Ken Knott: Canadian politician
• Amanda Knott: American actress
• Louis J. Knott: American poet, essayist and novelist
• Sister Mary Joseph Knott: Irish-American nun and missionary
• Willie Knott: English footballer
• Dave Knott: Canadian musician
• Tom Knott: English footballer and manager
• Peter Knott: German-Australian miner, businessman and politician
• Steven Knott: American politician
• Keith Knott: US Navy captain
• Peggy Knott: American politician
• Al Knott: Canadian ice hockey player
• Margaret Knott: American singer and songwriter
• Maria Knott: American women's rights activist
• Craig Knott: English author
• Henry Knott: American Football player
• Stefano Knott: Italian-American photographer
• John Knott: English sculptor
• Greg Knott: American basketball player

Other surnames

KnotKnoteKnötelKnötgeKnötgenKnothKnotheKnottsKnotzKnötzeleKnötzlein