Origin & Meaning of the Mcknight Surname
What does the last name Mcknight mean?
The surname Mcknight carries the meaning "Son of Mcknight." It is derived from the Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 34,055 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcknight ranks as the #1,023 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcknight come from?
The Mcknight surname has its roots in Irish/Scottish heritage. Names of Irish/Scottish 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 Mcknight name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcknight trace back to Gaelic. 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 | Mcknight |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcknight |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,023 |
| US Count (2010) | 34,055 |
| Per 100K People | 11.54 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcknight
According to the US Census, the Mcknight surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 34,055 Americans with the Mcknight last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 59.44% |
| Black | 35.04% |
| Hispanic | 2.2% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 0.47% |
| Two or More Races | 2.37% |
Popularity of Mcknight Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcknight surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcknight surname increased by 1,669 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Irish/Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mcknight
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