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Knight Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Knight Surname

The Knight surname is of English origin, traditionally associated with individuals who served as knights during the medieval period. It reflects an esteemed status within the feudal system, marking those who held positions of chivalry and landholding. Over time, the Knight name became an integral part of English society, with records indicating its presence as early as the medieval era, where it began to establish a significant family lineage.

As England's social and economic landscapes evolved, so too did the Knight surname. The name spread across the country, with notable concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire by the 12th century. The 17th century marked a period of migration, notably to the United States, where the Knight family tree branched out significantly. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the surname had firmly established itself in America, further diversifying its presence globally.

The YourRoots dataset provides valuable insights into the Knight genealogy, confirming its early English origins and subsequent expansion. It highlights how the surname was well-documented by the 16th century, showcasing a robust presence within English society. The dataset also underscores the surname's adaptability, tracing its journey through various cultural influences and its significant spread to the New World during the 17th century.

Today, Knight records are abundant, with YourRoots offering a comprehensive resource for those interested in exploring their heritage. The data underscores the resilience of the Knight family lineage, providing a rich tapestry of historical connections for genealogists and family-tree researchers to explore and uncover.

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Tracing Your Knight Family Lineage

Origin of the Knight Family: Where does the Knight surname come from?

The Knight surname has its earliest known appearance in England, marking the beginnings of a significant family lineage. This initial record connects to the broader genealogical origins of families who carried the name, suggesting a heritage tied to the feudal system prevalent during that time. As families began to establish their roots, the Knight name became associated with various roles within society, particularly those linked to chivalry and landholding.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Knight

Throughout the following centuries, the Knight family began to spread across England, establishing branches in key regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. During the 12th century, the name saw increased prominence as families began to document their lineages more formally. By the 15th century, the Knight family lines had expanded, with many descendants establishing their own family trees that reflected the changing social and economic landscapes of the time.

As the centuries progressed, the Knight surname continued to evolve, with families adapting to new societal roles and migrations. The 16th century marked a period of significant growth, as the surname was recorded more frequently, indicating a robust presence within English society. This expansion laid the groundwork for future generations, who would carry the Knight name into new territories and cultures.

Tracing the Knight Family Tree Through the Centuries

The Knight surname saw remarkable expansion across regions, particularly noted in the 17th century when many families migrated, leading to a significant presence in the United States. In the 18th century, the name became even more prevalent in America, as families sought new opportunities in the New World. The 19th century continued this trend, with the Knight family establishing itself in various states, further diversifying the family tree and enhancing its global reach.

As the surname spread, it also adapted to various cultural influences, ensuring its survival and relevance in different regions. By the 20th century, the Knight name had become a common surname in several countries, notably in the United States, where it flourished in the immigrant population. This global spread highlights the resilience and adaptability of the Knight family lineage, connecting diverse branches of the family tree across continents.

Where to Find Knight Genealogy Records Today

In modern times, the Knight surname continues to thrive, with a notable presence in the United States and other countries. The 21st century has seen advancements in genealogy research, making it easier for families to trace their Knight lineage and connect with relatives worldwide. Readers are encouraged to explore the Knight genealogy records in the YourRoots database to uncover their unique family stories and further enrich their family trees.

Famous People with Knight (and Their Family Tree)

Suge Knight

Marion Hugh "Suge" Knight Jr., born April 19, 1965, in Compton, California, is a prominent figure in the music industry, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Death Row Records. This record label was instrumental in the commercial success of gangsta rap in the 1990s, with landmark albums like Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" and Snoop Dogg's "Doggystyle." Knight's career also includes a stint as an NFL player for the Los Angeles Rams. However, his legacy is marred by legal issues, including a 28-year prison sentence for a 2015 hit-and-run incident. Knight's influence and controversial actions have left a lasting impact on the music world.

Suge Knight was born to Maxine (née Dikemen) and Marion Knight Sr. in Compton, California. His childhood nickname "Suge," short for "Sugar Bear," reflects his early life influences. Knight attended Lynwood High School and later pursued further education and football at El Camino College and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His familial background and upbringing in Compton played a significant role in shaping his future endeavors in the music industry.

Gladys Knight

Gladys Maria Knight, celebrated as the "Empress of Soul," was born on May 28, 1944. Knight rose to fame with her family group, Gladys Knight & the Pips, recording hits through the 1960s to 1980s. Notable tracks include the Grammy-winning "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)." Knight's illustrious career garnered seven Grammy Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and recognition as one of Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Singers of All Time." Her success spans collaborations with legends like Dionne Warwick, Sir Elton John, and Stevie Wonder.

Gladys Knight was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Sarah Elizabeth (née Woods) and Merald Woodlow Knight Sr. Her mother, a nurse's aide, and her father, a postal worker, were active in church choirs. Knight, raised in a Baptist environment, began singing gospel at age four. She has a sister, Brenda, and two brothers, Merald "Bubba" Jr. and David "Billy." Her family's musical encouragement led to the formation of The Pips, which included her brother Bubba and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten.

T. R. Knight

Theodore Raymond Knight, born March 26, 1973, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a celebrated American actor best known for his role as Dr. George O'Malley on the hit ABC series Grey's Anatomy. Knight's performance earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2007. He has also made notable appearances on stage, including roles in Broadway productions such as Noises Off and David Mamet's A Life in the Theatre, as well as voicing the protagonist in the animated series The Bravest Knight. His career is marked by versatility, with performances in both dramatic and comedic roles.

Wayne Knight

Wayne Elliot Knight, born on August 7, 1955, in New York City, is a renowned American actor celebrated for his iconic roles in television and film. Best known for playing Newman in the NBC sitcom "Seinfeld" and Officer Don Orville in "3rd Rock from the Sun," Knight has also made his mark in movies like "Jurassic Park" as Dennis Nedry. His voice acting credits include Al McWhiggin in "Toy Story 2" and Tantor in "Tarzan." Knight's diverse career spans Broadway, television series like "CSI" and "The Exes," and memorable voice roles, showcasing his versatile talent across different media.

Wayne Knight was born to Grace (née Monti) and William Knight. Raised in a Catholic family, the Knights moved to Cartersville, Georgia, where William worked in the textile industry. Wayne attended local schools before pursuing higher education at the University of Georgia, although he left just one credit shy of graduation to follow his passion for acting.

Phil Knight

Phil Knight, born February 24, 1938, is a prominent American billionaire businessman and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder and chairman emeritus of Nike, Inc., a global leader in sports equipment and apparel. Knight's career highlights include his roles as Nike's chairman and CEO, and founding the company with coach Bill Bowerman in 1964. Knight's strategic foresight in importing Japanese sports shoes transformed the industry. He is also the owner of Laika, a stop motion film production company, and has a net worth estimated at $33 billion by Forbes in January 2025.

Phil Knight was born in Portland, Oregon, to Bill Knight, a lawyer turned newspaper publisher, and Lota Cloy Knight. Raised in Eastmoreland, Portland, Knight pursued his education at the University of Oregon, where he excelled in track and field under coach Bill Bowerman, before co-founding Nike.

Knight Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Knight" is of English origin and is widely distributed across many countries. As of 2014, it was notably common in England, ranking 88th, and also held a significant presence in the United States, ranking 206th.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Knight

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Knight family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Knight surname to learn more.