All about the name KNOXVILLE

Meaning, origin, history.

Knoxville is an uncommon yet distinctive given name of American origin. It derives from the city of Knoxville, Tennessee, which was named after Henry Knox, a military officer and the first U.S. Secretary of War.

The name Knoxville is not widely known as a given name, but it has been used occasionally throughout history. It is believed to have been inspired by the city's name, suggesting that the parents of those bearing this name had a strong connection or admiration for Tennessee or its history.

There is no specific meaning attributed to the name Knoxville when used as a given name. However, one could infer that it might carry associations with strength and determination, given its derivation from a military figure like Henry Knox.

In terms of popularity, Knoxville is not among the most common names in the United States or elsewhere. According to data from the Social Security Administration, no more than five boys have been named Knoxville in any given year since record-keeping began in 1879.

Despite its rarity as a given name, Knoxville has gained some visibility through pop culture references and notable figures bearing the name. For instance, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright has a son named Vachon "Knoxville" McGarrigle, born in 2011.

In conclusion, Knoxville is an uncommon yet historically significant given name of American origin. While it may not carry a specific meaning when used as a personal name, it evokes images of strength and determination, possibly reflecting the parents' admiration for Tennessee's history or military heritage. Its rarity makes it a unique choice for those looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name.

See also

United States

Popularity of the name KNOXVILLE since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The name Knoxville has seen a consistent popularity in the United States over the past few years. According to the data available, there were five babies named Knoxville in 2014 and another five in 2023, making a total of ten births with this distinctive name across these two years.

It's interesting to note that while the number of births with the name Knoxville is relatively low compared to more common names, it has maintained a steady presence on the birth records over time. This suggests that there may be a specific appeal or significance associated with the name Knoxville for some families, causing them to choose it for their newborns year after year.

Furthermore, these statistics can also give us insight into the broader trend of unique and less conventional baby names gaining popularity in recent years. As people become more open to choosing distinctive names for their children, we might expect to see a continued increase in the variety of names being used, including those that were once quite uncommon like Knoxville.

In conclusion, while the name Knoxville may not be among the most popular choices for newborns in the United States, its steady appearance on birth records over time indicates that it holds some appeal for parents looking for a distinctive and memorable moniker for their children.