KNOWLES
Knowles
Origin and Meaning: Knowles is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word cnoll, which means "hilltop" or "top of a hill." The name would have originally been used to describe someone who lived near a prominent hill.
Historical Significance: The surname Knowles has been recorded in England since medieval times. It is believed to have originated in the Anglo-Saxon period and may have been used as a locational surname to identify individuals from a place named Knowle or Knoll. Over the centuries, the name has spread and been adopted by various families across the British Isles and beyond.
Famous Bearers:
- Beyoncé Knowles: An American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame as part of the music group Destiny's Child before establishing a successful solo career.
- Richard Knowles: A British author known for his historical novels set in medieval England.
- Patricia Knowles: A renowned British artist known for her landscape paintings.
Variations: Variations of the Knowles surname include Knoll, Knolle, and Knollys. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects or spelling variations in historical records.
Modern Distribution: The surname Knowles is most commonly found in England and the United States, reflecting historical migration patterns. It is also present in other English-speaking countries due to colonization and immigration.
Coat of Arms: The coat of arms associated with the Knowles surname typically features symbols such as hills or knolls, reflecting the name's origin. These heraldic emblems may vary according to specific branches of the family.
In conclusion, the surname Knowles has a rich history dating back to medieval England and continues to be borne by individuals of diverse backgrounds today. Its etymology and variations offer a glimpse into the linguistic and cultural evolution of British surnames.
There are approximately 26,491 people named Knowles in the UK. That makes it the 304th most common surname in Britain. Around 407 in a million people in Britain are named Knowles.
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
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Janet
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.