Surname Knightly - Meaning and Origin
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Knightly: What does the surname Knightly mean?
Knightly is an English surname of Norman origin, derived from the Old French word ‘cniht’, meaning ‘knight’ or ‘servant’. In its most literal sense, it is an occupational surname for someone who served or worked for a knight or nobleman.
The surname Knightly is associated with a proud history of chivalry, noble work, and loyalty to one’s family and country. It was widely used by personal military servants and officers in the medieval age and later, serving as a hereditary title of rank for royal and noble households. Such knightly families were considered distinguished and their members were expected to practice a code of conduct that maintained their honour and dignity.
The Knightlys were loyal and courageous warriors, dedicated to protecting their country, lands, and people. They were highly respected in their communities and earned a prestigious reputation for their bravery and military prowess. They were also often granted lands and estates of their own.
Today, the surname Knightly continues to evoke a sense of strength, nobility, and honour. In many countries, the surname is still associated with those who possess a spirit of adventure, courage, and dedication. It can also be seen as a tribute to the brave men and women who lived and fought by these values throughout history.
Order DNA origin analysisKnightly: Where does the name Knightly come from?
The last name Knightly is most prevalent today in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it was first recorded in the 12th century. While it has also been spotted in other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, its presence is not as widespread.
In the UK, Knightly is among the 40 most commonly found surnames. It is an Anglo-Saxon name, derived from the Old English word 'cniht' which is defined as a 'servant or retainer'.
The family's shield is said to be derived from the time when they were part of the Knights Templar in the 11th and 12th centuries, when the surname was established as 'de Knoutley'. Today, the name is still used as part of the title 'Sir' in many parts of the British Isles.
The current Lord Knightly is Sir Mark Knightly, Baron of Bletchingley, who is a prominent member of the House of Lords. He currently situates himself as a Conservative Party Member, and is well known in the areas in and around London.
Knightly is also widely used as a surname in the area of Devon, Southwest England; it was first recorded there in 1276. It is thought that this location is the birthplace of the family, as it first appears in literary works within this time and place.
Evidently, the name Knightly has a long and established history, especially in British culture and is still widely used in the modern day.
Variations of the surname Knightly
Knightly is a surname of English origin. Variants, spellings and surnames of similar origin are as follows:
Knightley - This is a variation of the name Knightly, typically found in Staffordshire.
Knight - This spelling is the English spelling of the French origins of the name Knightly.
Knyght - This is an archaic spelling of Knight, and it can be found in old records.
Knicht - This is an old Scots variation of the name Knightly.
Knighte - This is another old English spelling of the name Knightly.
Knycht - This spelling is found in German records.
Knighton - This is a variation of the name Knightly, with an added suffix.
Knyghton - This is an old spelling of Knighton.
Knightes - This is a plural form of the name.
Knightman - This is a combination of the name Knightly and the word ‘man’.
Knyghte - This is found in old records.
Knit - This is a phonetic spelling of the name Knightly.
Knightbridge - This is another variation of the name, with an added suffix.
Knighty - This is a nickname of the name Knightly.
Knyghtely - This is an old spelling of Knightly.
Knite - This is another phonetic spelling of the name Knightly.
Knightwood - This is a variation of the name that has been anglicised.
Knightley is found in other languages such as French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Swedish with slight variations in spelling. Surnames relating to Knightly are Nachtigal, Nachtigall, and Nachtigol.
Famous people with the name Knightly
- Keira Knightley: Keira Knightley is an English actress known for roles in films like Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, and Bend It Like Beckham.
- Nat Knightly: Nat Knightly is an American actor, comedian, and television personality who is best known for roles in films like Monk and Rescue Me.
- Michaela Knightly: Michaela Knightly is an English actress and model who has appeared in films like G.I. Joe: Retaliation and The Power of Few.
- Jacob Knightly: Jacob Knightly is an English actor who has appeared in films like Old School and American Gangster.
- Simon Knightly: Simon Knightly is an English actor best known for playing the role of Abanazar in the musical Aladdin.
- Leif Knightly: Leif Knightly is an American actor and producer known for films such as Valerie and Quitters.
- Bob Knightly: Bob Knightly is an American actor and writer known for films such as My Mom's New Boyfriend and Stressed to Kill.
- Sir William Knightly: Sir William Knightly was the 16th century English knight and politician known for his role in the War of the Roses.
- Ian Knightly: Ian Knightly is a British actor and comedian known for roles in films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Immediate Family.
- Lord John Knightly: Lord John Knightly was a 19th century English peer and politician who served as a Member of Parliament.