Mcknight — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Irish/Scottish origin Rank #1,023 in the US 34,055 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#1,023
▼ Down 43 since 2000
People in the US
34,055
11.54 per 100K people
Origin
Irish/Scottish
Gaelic

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.

Irish/Scottish Gaelic

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.

White 59.44%
Black 35.04%
Hispanic 2.2%
Asian/PI 0.48%
Native American 0.47%
Two+ Races 2.37%
Ethnic distribution of the Mcknight surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White59.44%
Black35.04%
Hispanic2.2%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.48%
Native American0.47%
Two or More Races2.37%

Popularity of Mcknight Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcknight surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#980
32,386 people
Down 43
Census 2010
#1,023
34,055 people

The number of Americans with the Mcknight surname increased by 1,669 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Mcknight Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Mcknight ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Mcknight

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mcknight.

Other Irish/Scottish Surnames

Explore more surnames with Irish/Scottish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Irish/Scottish origin as Mcknight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mcknight

The surname Mcknight is of Irish/Scottish origin. Son of Mcknight
The surname Mcknight is ranked #1,023 in the United States with approximately 34,055 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Son of Mcknight. The name has Irish/Scottish roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Mcknight surname is distributed as: 59.4% White, 35.0% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Mcknight ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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