Summary

The surname Knighton has English origins and is derived from the Old English words 'cniht' meaning 'knight' and 'tun' meaning 'enclosure' or 'settlement'. This surname is associated with individuals who were either knights or lived in a settlement inhabited by knights. Knighton has a rich history and is often found in records dating back to medieval times.
There are
5139
Knightons in the USA
Knighton is the
6591st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Knighton

HenryKnighton

Medieval chronicler known for writing the 'Chronicon Henrici Knighton' which provides valuable insight into the events of the 14th century.

WilliamKnighton

Physician to King George IV and later to King William IV of the United Kingdom during the early 19th century.

MargaretKnighton

English novelist and poet who gained recognition for her works in the early 20th century.

Thomasde

Chaplain and steward to Edward III of England known for his involvement in various diplomatic missions and his accounts of historical events.

RobertKnighton

Celebrated knight in the service of King Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) during the 12th century.

ElizabethKnighton

Prominent suffragette and women's rights activist in the late 19th and early 20th century.

JohnKnighton

Colonel in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War, known for his bravery and leadership.

Knighton Genealogy

OriginsThe surname Knighton originates from the Old English words 'cniht' meaning 'boy' or 'servant' and 'tun' meaning 'settlement' or 'enclosure'. It is believed to have initially referred to a place where knights lived or held land.
Geographic DistributionKnighton is a surname primarily associated with England, particularly in areas with a historical connection to knighthood and feudalism.
VariationsVariations of the surname Knighton include Knighten, Knyghton, and Nighton.
Migration and ImmigrationKnighton migration and immigration occurred throughout history, particularly during periods of social and economic change. Significant movements took place during the medieval period, when knights and their families often relocated as part of military campaigns and land acquisitions. Additionally, migration and immigration of Knighton families occurred during the British colonization of various regions, such as North America, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as during periods of industrialization and urbanization.