Origin & Meaning of the Knutsen Surname
What does the last name Knutsen mean?
The surname Knutsen carries the meaning "Son of Knut." It is derived from the Old Norse language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,358 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Knutsen ranks as the #13,023 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Knutsen come from?
The Knutsen surname has its roots in Scandinavian heritage. Names of Scandinavian 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 Knutsen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Knutsen trace back to Old Norse. 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 | Knutsen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Knut |
| Origin | Scandinavian |
| Language | Old Norse |
| US Rank (2010) | #13,023 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,358 |
| Per 100K People | 0.8 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Knutsen
According to the US Census, the Knutsen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,358 Americans with the Knutsen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.36% |
| Black | 0.42% |
| Hispanic | 1.82% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.42% |
| Native American | 1.53% |
| Two or More Races | 1.44% |
Popularity of Knutsen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Knutsen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Knutsen surname increased by 316 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Scandinavian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Knutsen
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