Origin & Meaning of the Knighton Surname
What does the last name Knighton mean?
The surname Knighton carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,139 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Knighton ranks as the #6,591 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Knighton come from?
The Knighton surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Knighton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Knighton trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Knighton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,591 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,139 |
| Per 100K People | 1.74 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Knighton
According to the US Census, the Knighton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,139 Americans with the Knighton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 60.48% |
| Black | 33.22% |
| Hispanic | 2.37% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.23% |
| Native American | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 2.9% |
Popularity of Knighton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Knighton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Knighton surname increased by 368 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Knighton Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Knighton Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Knighton
- ✓ The Knighton coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Knighton families live today
- ✓ Notable Knighton bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Knighton
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Knighton.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Knighton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knighton
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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