Knut is a Scandinavian name of Norwegian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word "knútr," which means "knot." The name has been used in Scandinavia for centuries and has a rich history.
The earliest known instance of the name Knut is in the 9th century, when it was borne by a Swedish Viking named Knut Lambe. However, the most famous bearer of the name is undoubtedly Knútr VII, also known as Canute the Great, who ruled England, Denmark, and Norway in the early 11th century.
In Norway, Knut has been a popular boys' name for centuries. It was among the top ten most popular names for boys in Norway in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it remains relatively common today.
Despite its popularity in Scandinavia, Knut is less commonly found in other parts of the world. However, it has been used as a given name or nickname in some English-speaking countries, such as England and the United States.
The meaning of Knut, "knot," is not typically associated with any particular qualities or characteristics. However, some people may choose this name for its unique sound or its Scandinavian heritage. Overall, Knut is a distinctive and historic name with deep roots in Norway.
Statistics on the given name Knut show a varying pattern of usage over time in the United States. Between 1916 and 2013, there were a total of 59 babies named Knut born in the U.S., with the number of births fluctuating annually.
The earliest year recorded was 1916, with five newborns given the name Knut. This figure remained consistent until 1930, with another five births occurring during this period. The name's popularity then dipped briefly to four births between 1943 and 1957 before rebounding to six in 1955 and seven in 1960.
Interestingly, Knut experienced a resurgence in the late 1960s with eight births recorded in 1968. However, this uptick was not sustained, as only six babies were named Knut in 1985. More recently, there were seven Knut births registered in 2013.
Overall, while Knut has not been among the most popular names in the U.S., its usage has demonstrated some fluctuations over time, with periods of modest popularity interspersed with less frequent occurrences.