Surname Knollys - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Knollys: What does the surname Knollys mean?
The surname Knollys is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has a significant historical background. It is derived from the Old English word 'cnoll', which means 'hilltop' or 'summit.' Therefore, it's likely that this surname was initially given to individuals who resided on or near a hilltop. The spelling variations could be attributed to an effort to phonetically translate this old name, resulting in different forms like Knollys, Knolles, or Knowles. Some historical figures bear this surname, such as Catherine Knollys, the daughter of Sir Thomas Knollys, an English courtier in Tudor Times. Hence, the surname has a dual implication of geographical signification and nobility linkage. It is mainly found among the British population and people with ancestor links to Britain.
Order DNA origin analysisKnollys: Where does the name Knollys come from?
The surname Knollys is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name “Cnoll," which means a hillock or a knoll, and the suffix "-s" denoting "son of". The addition of this suffix is a clear indication of a patronymic name, implying the name means "son of Cnoll". It is not a common name today and is considered rare in the United States and England. However, it carries historical significance due to its royal connections, the most notable being Sir Francis Knollys, an English courtier in the court of Elizabeth I. Several members of the British nobility also bear this surname. Today, it may be encountered most frequently in England, particularly in regions with strong historical ties, although it still remains relatively uncommon. Over time, variants of the surname Knollys have emerged including Knowles and Nollys.
Variations of the surname Knollys
The surname Knollys has multiple variations due to geographical differences, phonetic spelling, regional dialects, or even translation mistakes over centuries. Some variants of the surname Knollys include Knoll, Knolles, Knol, Knowles, Noles, Noll, Nolles and Knowls.
A few variants appear to have evolved from misunderstandings or misinterpretations of handwriting in past centuries. For instance, the spelling "Knowles" might have been misread from an intricately written "Knollys". Similarly, "Noles" or "Noll" might have originated from a cursive, swift handwriting where the letter "K" was not clearly visible.
The surname Knollys, and its many spelling variants, is English in origin. This surname was often granted to individuals who lived at, or near, a hill, knoll, or top of a hill. Despite the varying spellings appearing in different registers, they represent the same family lineage and are likely to share a common ancestor. All these variants are considered interchangeable and represent the same surname origin.
Generally, variations of a surname are common, and were created based on phonetic issues or personal preference. They all contribute to the rich tapestry of historical surnames and their evolution.
Famous people with the name Knollys
- Alexander Knollys, 1st Earl of Banbury: a British nobleman from the Elizabethan era.
- Sir Francis Knollys: a courtier in the court of Henry VIII.
- Sir William Knollys: a nobleman and English statesman in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
- Sarah Knollys: a British heiress and socialite, who was the mistress of King Charles II of England.
- Mervyn King, Baron King of Lothbury: an English economist and former civil servant, who was Governor of the Bank of England from 2003 to 2013.
- Robert Knollys: an English professor at Oxford University in the late 19th century.
- Ridgway Knollys: a British army officer and MP, who served with the East India Company in India from 1806 to 1818.
- Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York: a British businesswoman, public speaker, and former wife of Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
- Alfred Knollys: a British Army officer in the Crimean War.
- Dorothy Knollys: a British novelist, short story writer, and journalist in the early 20th century.
- Christopher Knollys: a British screenwriter and playwright in the early 20th century.
- John Knollys: a British MP in the 17th century.