Surname Knyvett - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Knyvett: What does the surname Knyvett mean?
The surname Knyvett is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "cnif", meaning "knife". It was likely used as a nickname or occupational name for a person who made or used knives. This surname belongs to a broad and miscellaneous class of surnames called trade names. Surnames of this type primarily serve as indicators of the duties, crafts, and occupations of the first individuals who used these names. Therefore, the original bearers of the surname Knyvett likely had some kind of association with knives, either as craftsmen or as users notable for their skill or frequent use. The name Knyvett has many variations, including Knivet, Knivett, and others, which all derive from the same root. Its evolution over time depicts the changes in the English language since the time of its origin. As with many other surnames, geographical distribution over time has also led to regional variations in spelling and pronunciation.
Order DNA origin analysisKnyvett: Where does the name Knyvett come from?
The last name Knyvett is common primarily in the United Kingdom. A number of records detailing the Knyvett surname and its variants can be found in the British National Archives. In fact, a search of the archives reveals numerous documents referencing individuals with this surname from the 11th century onward.
The Knyvett family was historically distributed widely throughout England, with some branches living in Cornwall, Surrey, and Yorkshire. This highly-regarded and influential family owned several properties and held many different titles throughout the ages. The family’s most prominent members were Sir John Knyvett, who held a high office at the court of King Edward IV, and his son, Sir Robert Knyvett, Lord Mayor of London. Historians believe the Knyvettes were part of the Domesday Survey and were among King William I’s barons.
Today, the Knyvett surname is still common in England, though it is much less so than it once was. It is particularly common in Kent and East Sussex counties. In addition, there are also individuals with this surname living in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and North America.
Variations of the surname Knyvett
The surname Knyvett has varied variants, spellings and surnames that have the same origin. Knyvett is an Old French family name derived from the words "gnoffe" and "vieil", which together mean "old knight". It is commonly spelled Knevett, Knevett, Knyvett or Knevitt. It may also be spelled Knaive, Knaeve, Knaeffe, Knyfe, Knevee, Knaeff, Kneaf, Knaev, and Knaeve. Additionally, the surnames Knight, Knighton, Knave, and Knayfe are also related to the same origin.
The surname was brought to Britain by the Norman Conquest of 1066 and has been in the British Isles since that time. It is most often found in England and Scotland. In Scotland, it is in the counties of Fife, Ayrshire and Wigtownshire and in the England it is in Somerset, Wiltshire, Essex, Lancashire, Shropshire and Oxfordshire.
Variants, spellings and surnames of Knyvett have been found in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. The most common spellings are Knevett, Knifet, Knavitt, and Knaive. Knaeve and Knaevee are also found in the United States, as well as Knighton, Kneaf, and Knevitt. In Australia and New Zealand, spellings of Knyvett are chiefly Knight, Knighton, Knave, Kneaf, Knaev and Knaeve.
Famous people with the name Knyvett
- Charles Knyvett (17th-century English organist and composer)
- Stephen Knyvett (16th-century English composer)
- William Knyvett (15th-century English composer and courtier)
- Nick Knyvett (21st-century English actor and author)
- Rob Knyvett (20th-century English actor)
- Edward Knyvett (18th-century English organist and composer)
- Sir William Knyvett (16th-century English courtier and courtier and constable of Windsor Castle)
- Christopher Knyvett (17th-century English organist and composer)
- Stephen Knyvett (17th-century English politician and courtier)
- Chris Knyvett (21st-century English cricketer)