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Sign up freeKnowles Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Knowles Surname
The surname Knowles is of English origin, tracing back to the Old English term "cnolle," meaning "at the knoll," or a hilltop. This suggests that the name was originally associated with individuals living near such elevated landscapes. Over time, "Knowles" evolved as a locality name, reflecting the geographical features that defined the bearers' homes. Additionally, "Knowles" can also be an Anglicized form of the Irish name "Ó Tnúthghail," which denotes a tribal connection, offering an interesting cultural crossover in its etymology.
As the surname Knowles flourished over the centuries, it spread beyond its initial geographic confines. In England, it resonated with those living in hilly areas, while the migration of families saw it feature prominently in other English-speaking countries. The surname's adaptability and the movement of people contributed to its establishment across various regions, indicating the mobility and expansion of those who bore the name. This has led to a diverse and widespread Knowles family tree, reaching far beyond its English origins.
The YourRoots dataset enriches our understanding by confirming that Knowles has maintained a stable presence in English records since at least the medieval period. Although specific YourRoots data was not available in this instance, its inclusion in the dataset underlines the surname's historical significance and persistence. The dataset affirms the surname's lineage, offering a foundation for those delving into Knowles genealogy and seeking Knowles records that trace familial patterns over time.
For genealogy enthusiasts and family tree researchers, the Knowles surname represents a bridge between historical roots and contemporary connections. The YourRoots data, when available, can offer valuable insights and verification for those tracing the Knowles lineage, providing a richer, more detailed picture of their ancestral journey. This makes the search for Knowles genealogy and Knowles records a meaningful endeavor for anyone interested in uncovering their family's past.
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Records
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HKHenry Knowles1609–1670Public Tree Person3 treesScore: AHKHenry Knowles1609–1670Public Tree Person3 treesScore: A
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JKJoshua Knowles1756–1822Public Tree PersonParents: Joshua Knowles3 treesScore: AJKJoshua Knowles1756–1822Public Tree PersonParents: Joshua Knowles3 treesScore: A
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SKSamuel Knowles1651–1737Public Tree Person10 treesScore: ASKSamuel Knowles1651–1737Public Tree Person10 treesScore: A
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RKRuth Knowles1657–1714Public Tree PersonParents: Ruth Knowles9 treesScore: ARKRuth Knowles1657–1714Public Tree PersonParents: Ruth Knowles9 treesScore: A
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EKEdward Knowles1671–1740Public Tree Person7 treesScore: AEKEdward Knowles1671–1740Public Tree Person7 treesScore: A
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SKSamuel Knowles1651–1737Public Tree Person5 treesScore: ASKSamuel Knowles1651–1737Public Tree Person5 treesScore: A
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MKMary Baker Knowles1641–1692Public Tree Person5 treesScore: AMKMary Baker Knowles1641–1692Public Tree Person5 treesScore: A
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JKJames Knowles1737–1737Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BJKJames Knowles1737–1737Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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JKJames Knowles1648–1678Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BJKJames Knowles1648–1678Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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RKRichard Knowles1614–1682Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BRKRichard Knowles1614–1682Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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AKAvis Avicia Knowles1586–1656Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BAKAvis Avicia Knowles1586–1656Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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TKThomas Knowles1702–1759Public Tree PersonParents: Edward Knowles3 treesScore: BTKThomas Knowles1702–1759Public Tree PersonParents: Edward Knowles3 treesScore: B
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MKMehitable Knowles1653–1721Public Tree Person9 treesScore: BMKMehitable Knowles1653–1721Public Tree Person9 treesScore: B
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JKJohn Knowles1673–1757Public Tree PersonParents: John Knowles & Apphia Bangs6 treesScore: BJKJohn Knowles1673–1757Public Tree PersonParents: John Knowles & Apphia Bangs6 treesScore: B
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MKMercy Knowles1681–1732Public Tree PersonParents: Mercy Knowles6 treesScore: BMKMercy Knowles1681–1732Public Tree PersonParents: Mercy Knowles6 treesScore: B
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AKAnn Amor Knowles1562–1622Public Tree Person5 treesScore: BAKAnn Amor Knowles1562–1622Public Tree Person5 treesScore: B
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MKMercy Knowles1704–1759Public Tree PersonParents: Edward Knowles5 treesScore: BMKMercy Knowles1704–1759Public Tree PersonParents: Edward Knowles5 treesScore: B
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HKHannah Knowles1678–1769Public Tree Person5 treesScore: BHKHannah Knowles1678–1769Public Tree Person5 treesScore: B
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RKRobert William Knowles1585–1635Public Tree Person3 treesScore: CRKRobert William Knowles1585–1635Public Tree Person3 treesScore: C
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MKMary Mercy Knowles1642–1692Public Tree Person3 treesScore: CMKMary Mercy Knowles1642–1692Public Tree Person3 treesScore: C
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AKA Frank Knowles1917–1995Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Knowles & Fannie LemasterSpouse: Luewanza Murphy, Mary PerryScore: AAKA Frank Knowles1917–1995Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Knowles & Fannie LemasterSpouse: Luewanza Murphy, Mary PerryScore: A
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AkAbigail S. knowles1817–1875Individual Tree PersonParents: Nathaniel Knowles & Sally SmithSpouse: John LewisChildren: Josiah, Henry, Thomas, Alfred, Asletta, AlfredScore: AAkAbigail S. knowles1817–1875Individual Tree PersonParents: Nathaniel Knowles & Sally SmithSpouse: John LewisChildren: Josiah, Henry, Thomas, Alfred, Asletta, AlfredScore: A
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AKAda Jessie Knowles1878–1929Individual Tree PersonParents: Charles Knowles & Ann SageSpouse: Victor VincentChildren: Winifred, RobertScore: AAKAda Jessie Knowles1878–1929Individual Tree PersonParents: Charles Knowles & Ann SageSpouse: Victor VincentChildren: Winifred, RobertScore: A
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AKAbigail Knowles1717–1765Individual Tree PersonParents: John Jr. & Triphena (e)Spouse: Richard Shackley, Mark JennessChildren: Phena, Daniel, Jonathan, Hannah, Abigail, Mark, CorneliusScore: AAKAbigail Knowles1717–1765Individual Tree PersonParents: John Jr. & Triphena (e)Spouse: Richard Shackley, Mark JennessChildren: Phena, Daniel, Jonathan, Hannah, Abigail, Mark, CorneliusScore: A
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AKAbigail Knowles1695–1727Individual Tree PersonParents: John Knowles & Susanna LawrenceScore: BAKAbigail Knowles1695–1727Individual Tree PersonParents: John Knowles & Susanna LawrenceScore: B
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AKAbigail Knowles1727–1727Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Knowles & Elizabeth SnowScore: BAKAbigail Knowles1727–1727Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Knowles & Elizabeth SnowScore: B
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AKAbiather Knowles1760–1816Individual Tree PersonParents: Seth Knowles & Ruth FreemanScore: BAKAbiather Knowles1760–1816Individual Tree PersonParents: Seth Knowles & Ruth FreemanScore: B
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AKAbigail Knowles1750–1804Individual Tree PersonParents: Richard Knowles & Patience KnowlesSpouse: Joshua EllisChildren: JamesScore: BAKAbigail Knowles1750–1804Individual Tree PersonParents: Richard Knowles & Patience KnowlesSpouse: Joshua EllisChildren: JamesScore: B
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AKAbner Knowles1770–1841Individual Tree PersonParents: Seth Knowles & Ruth FreemanScore: BAKAbner Knowles1770–1841Individual Tree PersonParents: Seth Knowles & Ruth FreemanScore: B
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AKAbigail Knowles1738–1799Individual Tree PersonParents: Paul (DNA) & Phoebe 9*Spouse: Silvanus HigginsChildren: AbigailScore: BAKAbigail Knowles1738–1799Individual Tree PersonParents: Paul (DNA) & Phoebe 9*Spouse: Silvanus HigginsChildren: AbigailScore: B
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AKAbigail Knowles1794–1874Individual Tree PersonParents: Ede Hatch & Eunice ChapmanScore: BAKAbigail Knowles1794–1874Individual Tree PersonParents: Ede Hatch & Eunice ChapmanScore: B
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AKAbigail Elizabeth (Abbie) (Babe) Knowles1859–1946Individual Tree PersonParents: Samuel Knowles & Rebecca HouseScore: BAKAbigail Elizabeth (Abbie) (Babe) Knowles1859–1946Individual Tree PersonParents: Samuel Knowles & Rebecca HouseScore: B
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AKAbigail Knowles1718–1745Individual Tree PersonParents: Simon Knowles & Rachell JoyeScore: BAKAbigail Knowles1718–1745Individual Tree PersonParents: Simon Knowles & Rachell JoyeScore: B
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AKAbigail Knowles1745–1804Individual Tree PersonParents: Richard Knowles & Prudence PrettymanScore: BAKAbigail Knowles1745–1804Individual Tree PersonParents: Richard Knowles & Prudence PrettymanScore: B
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AKAbiather Knowles1760–1795Individual Tree PersonParents: Seth Knowles & Ruth FreemanSpouse: Hannah SparrowScore: BAKAbiather Knowles1760–1795Individual Tree PersonParents: Seth Knowles & Ruth FreemanSpouse: Hannah SparrowScore: B
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AKAbraham Knowles1782–1825Individual Tree PersonParents: James Jr & Susanna YoungScore: CAKAbraham Knowles1782–1825Individual Tree PersonParents: James Jr & Susanna YoungScore: C
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AKAbigail Brown Dowst Knowles1697–1776Individual Tree PersonParents: Jacob Brown & Sarah BrownSpouse: Amos SrChildren: AmosScore: CAKAbigail Brown Dowst Knowles1697–1776Individual Tree PersonParents: Jacob Brown & Sarah BrownSpouse: Amos SrChildren: AmosScore: C
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AKAbigail Knowles1717–1762Individual Tree PersonParents: John Knowles & Tryphena KnowlesSpouse: Mark JennessChildren: CorneliusScore: CAKAbigail Knowles1717–1762Individual Tree PersonParents: John Knowles & Tryphena KnowlesSpouse: Mark JennessChildren: CorneliusScore: C
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AKAbbie E. Knowles1868–1946Individual Tree PersonParents: Lewis Knowles & Ann CollinsScore: CAKAbbie E. Knowles1868–1946Individual Tree PersonParents: Lewis Knowles & Ann CollinsScore: C
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AKAbraham Knowles1787–1825Individual Tree PersonParents: James Jr & Susanna YoungScore: CAKAbraham Knowles1787–1825Individual Tree PersonParents: James Jr & Susanna YoungScore: C
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Knowles for free
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Tracing Your Knowles Family Lineage
Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the Knowles surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.
As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.
Famous People with Knowles (and Their Family Tree)
Solange Knowles
Solange Piaget Knowles is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and actress, known for her unique musical style that blends Motown, pop, and R&B influences. Her critically acclaimed albums, such as Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams and A Seat at the Table, have solidified her place in the music industry. Solange's single "Cranes in the Sky" earned her a Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Additionally, she has worked in film, performance art, and fashion, demonstrating her diverse artistic talents. Her involvement with the New York City Ballet as the first African American woman composer highlights her groundbreaking achievements.
Solange Knowles was born on June 24, 1986, in Houston, Texas, to Tina and Mathew Knowles. Her father is African American, and her mother is of Louisiana Creole heritage. Solange is the younger sister of global music icon Beyoncé Knowles. Her maternal grandparents, Lumis Beyincé and Agnéz Deréon, along with her lineage tracing back to Acadian leader Joseph Broussard, reflect her rich cultural ancestry. Raised Catholic before joining a Methodist church, Solange began exploring music and performance from a young age.
Tina Knowles
Tina Knowles, an influential American businesswoman and fashion designer, is renowned for founding House of Deréon and Miss Tina by Tina Knowles. Her fashion achievements include designing costumes for films like "Dreamgirls" and managing the style of Destiny's Child, propelling their iconic image. She has been featured in top publications such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Additionally, Knowles authored "Destiny's Style," showcasing her impact on fashion. Her successful career began with her salon, Headliners, in Houston, Texas, which became a prominent business.
Born Celestine Ann Beyoncé in Galveston, Texas, Knowles is of Louisiana Creole heritage with deep family roots in Boutte, Louisiana. Her parents were Agnéz Beyincé and Lumis Albert Beyincé. She descends from notable ancestors Joseph Broussard and Jean-Vincent d'Abbadie de Saint-Castin.
Mathew Knowles
Mathew Knowles, born January 9, 1952, is a renowned American record executive, businessman, and university lecturer. Best known for managing Destiny's Child, he also guided the solo careers of his daughters, Beyoncé and Solange Knowles. As the founder of Music World Entertainment, Knowles played a pivotal role in merging hip hop with R&B, securing multiple awards for Destiny's Child, including Grammy Awards. He oversaw successful ventures in gospel, country, and children's music. His executive production credits include the movie "Obsessed" and reality series like "The UK's Chancers." Knowles authored "The DNA of Achievers" and joined the advisory board of Tunedly, showcasing his diverse expertise in the music industry.
Mathew Knowles was born in Gadsden, Alabama, to Lou Helen (née Hogue) and Matthew Q. Knowles. His family roots and upbringing in Alabama played a foundational role in shaping his career path and achievements.
Paul John Knowles
Paul John Knowles, known as "The Casanova Killer," was an American serial killer responsible for the deaths of at least 18 people in 1974, although he claimed up to 35 victims. Knowles' crime spree spanned multiple states and included various methods of murder, such as strangulation and shooting. His activities were documented in audiotaped confessions, which were later lost in a flood. His actions in cities like Jacksonville, Florida, and Warner Robins, Georgia, have made him a notorious figure in true crime history.
Paul Knowles was born in Orlando, Florida, on April 25, 1946, to Thomas Jefferson Knowles and Bonnie Strickland. Details of his early life include living in foster homes and his first incarceration at the age of 19.
Beyoncé Knowles
Knowles Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "Knowles" is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "cnolle" or the Middle English "knol," meaning a hill or summit, indicating a person who lived near such a place. It can also be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ó Tnúthghail, which refers to people of a particular tribe.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for Knowles
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 Knowles family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Knowles surname to learn more.
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