Kight

Origin and Meaning: Kight is a surname of English origin. The name is believed to have originated from the Old English word "cniht," which means "boy" or "servant." In medieval times, a "knight" referred to a mounted and armoured soldier.

History: The Kight surname is recorded in various historical documents, dating back to the medieval period. The name was likely occupational in nature, denoting someone who served as a servant or a page to a knight. Over time, the family name may have been passed down through generations, evolving into the modern-day surname Kight.

Distribution and Popularity: The Kight surname is relatively rare, with most occurrences found in the United Kingdom and the United States. In the UK, concentrations of the surname are recorded in regions with historical ties to medieval knighthood, such as England.

Notable Individuals:

  • Sir William Kight (c. 1230–1290): A notable knight during the reign of King Edward I of England, Sir William Kight distinguished himself in various military campaigns.
  • Eleanor Kight (1867–1945): A pioneer in the field of nursing, Eleanor Kight's contributions to healthcare reform in Victorian England have left a lasting impact.

Coat of Arms: The Kight family may have had a coat of arms associated with their surname. However, as with many heraldic symbols, variations in design and usage could exist depending on specific branches of the family.

In contemporary times, the surname Kight continues to carry the legacy of its medieval origins, resonating with themes of chivalry, service, and tradition.

There are approximately 149 people named Kight in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Kight.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alastair
  • Albert
  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • Jonathan
  • Mark
  • Martin
  • Rob
  • Simon
  • Stephen
  • Trevor

Female

  • Angela
  • Bridget
  • Charlotte
  • Diane
  • Doreen
  • Dorothy
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jacqueline
  • Joyce
  • Maureen
  • Patricia
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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