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Knox

Boy name · 66 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Knox: 66 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 12 births in 2025.

With its sharp, single-syllable punch, Knox is a Scottish surname turned first name, originating as a place name from an Old English term meaning "round-topped hill." The name conjures instant recognition through John Knox, the fiery 16th-century clergyman who led the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's religious and educational landscape. Fort Knox in Kentucky, the legendary U.S. gold depository, was named after Major General Henry Knox, George Washington's artillery chief, lending the name an air of impenetrable security. Another famous bearer is the Hollywood actor Johnny Knoxville. While often perceived as modern, Knox has been used modestly in Scotland for decades, but its cool, brisk authority has made it a rising choice for boys in recent years.