Surname Knotts - Meaning and Origin

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H. Knotts

Knotts: What does the surname Knotts mean?

Knotts is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It comes from the medieval personal name Knott, which is derived from the Old Norse 'Knottr.' This term meant a knot or a lump and was often used as a nickname for a thickset or stout person. There are several variations of this last name, including Knott, Knot, and Knotte among others. The distribution of the Knotts surname is rather widespread, with individuals bearing it found in England, the United States, Australia, and some parts of Europe. Some of the earliest records of this surname date back to the 13th century in county records of Yorkshire, England. Notable people with the surname Knotts include the comic actor Don Knotts, known for his roles in US television shows such as "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Three's Company".

Knotts: Where does the name Knotts come from?

The last name Knotts is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "cnotta," which means "knot." The surname likely started as a nickname for someone who was either stout or cunning. It might also be an occupational name for someone who made and sold knots or netting. In some cases, Knotts could also be a locational name from places like Knott in Cumbria or Naughton in Suffolk, England. During the migration period, many bearers of the Knotts name moved to Ireland.

Nowadays, the last name Knotts is most common in the United States and UK. According to census data, the highest concentration of people with the surname Knotts in the U.S is in West Virginia. However, it is also prevalent in other states including Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio. In England, the Knotts surname is particularly common in the North West, in regions including Cumbria and Greater Manchester.

Variations of the surname Knotts

The surname Knotts originates from the Old English pre-7th Century word "cnotta", meaning knot. This name historically served as a nickname for someone with some peculiarity or twitch which resembled the movements of a bird pecking. Alternatively, it could have been a metonymic occupational name for a rope maker, from the process of making knots.

Various spelling forms of Knotts have emerged over time due to the phonetic spelling nature of medieval scribes. These alternate spellings include Knot, Knott, Nott, and Notts.

There are also variations of the surname Knotts found in different regions and languages. For instance, the German equivalent is Knott and Knoth, Dutch variation is Knot, and the Scandinavian version is Knut, Knot, or Knud.

In terms of surname, Knotts might also connect to places named after the word 'Knot', such as Knots Landing.

Despite the different spellings and variations, all these forms essentially trace back to the same Old English origin and carry a similar connotation. Please note, the exact relationship between the different forms may vary based on geographical regions and historical contexts.

Famous people with the name Knotts

• Don Knotts: Television and film actor known for his role as Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show
• Dustin Knotts: Stand-up comedian, writer, and actor
• Sam Knotts: American actor on TV
• Gary Knotts: Major League Baseball player
• Nick Knotts: Canadian actor, stuntman, and model
• Karen Knotts: American actress, daughter of Don Knotts
• Melville Knotts: US Senator from Rhode Island
• Dave Knotts: American jazz saxophonist
• Don Knotts Jr.: American businessman
• Robert Knotts: US Army lieutenant general and Air Force major general

Other surnames

Knott