Origin & Meaning of the Knowles Surname
What does the last name Knowles mean?
The surname Knowles carries the meaning "Son of Knowles." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 28,460 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Knowles ranks as the #1,239 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Knowles come from?
The Knowles surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese 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 Knowles name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Knowles trace back to Spanish. 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 | Knowles |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Knowles |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,239 |
| US Count (2010) | 28,460 |
| Per 100K People | 9.65 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Knowles
According to the US Census, the Knowles surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 28,460 Americans with the Knowles last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 81.01% |
| Black | 13.19% |
| Hispanic | 2.73% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.56% |
| Native American | 0.59% |
| Two or More Races | 1.91% |
Popularity of Knowles Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Knowles surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Knowles surname increased by 1,080 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Knowles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knowles
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