Fun Facts About the Name Knowledge
- More than 2 thousand babies named Knowledge: U.S. records list 2,496 babies given the name Knowledge from 1880 through 2025. Even 124 girls received the name Knowledge - about 1 girl for every 19 boys.
What Does the Name Knowledge Mean?
Knowledge is an English word name. Its meaning is the same as the English noun: understanding, learning, or the state of knowing something. The noun comes from Middle English knowleche, a formation from the verb know (Old English cnāwan, 'to know') plus a noun ending. The ending -ledge is not a separate word meaning 'ledge'; it is a suffix that also appears in acknowledge. The modern spelling with -d- may have been influenced by acknowledge or by other Middle English forms. In symbolic use, the name can stand for wisdom or the pursuit of learning, but that is an extension of the word's literal sense, not a separate origin.
Knowledge Name History & Origins
The word knowledge has been part of English since the Middle English period, when forms such as knowleche and knouleche were used. It developed from the verb know, which descends from Old English cnāwan. The modern spelling and pronunciation settled later, and the -d- in the middle of the word is a later development, perhaps influenced by acknowledge. As a personal name, Knowledge is an English word name rather than a name inherited from the Bible or from a saint. It belongs to the broad tradition of abstract noun names, which in English-speaking Protestant cultures includes Prudence, Patience, Charity, and Experience. The word also appears as an allegorical character named Knowledge in the late-medieval morality play Everyman, where Knowledge guides Everyman toward Confession. That literary role is a personification, not evidence of widespread use as a given name. Compared with common virtue names, Knowledge is unusual and is usually chosen for the literal idea of knowledge or learning.
How Popular is the Name Knowledge?
Knowledge has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2020. Its best rank was #1,020 in 2020.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #9,190 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 2024 | #9,900 | 10 | 0.0006% |
| 2023 | #9,321 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 2022 | #7,471 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 2021 | #6,543 | 18 | 0.0011% |
| 2020 | #7,768 | 14 | 0.0009% |
| 2019 | #11,924 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2018 | #9,503 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2017 | #13,443 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2016 | #11,363 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 2014 | #17,961 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2013 | #18,040 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #1,303 | 150 | 0.0088% |
| 2024 | #1,141 | 184 | 0.0107% |
| 2023 | #1,125 | 188 | 0.0110% |
| 2022 | #1,095 | 198 | 0.0114% |
| 2021 | #1,141 | 177 | 0.0101% |
| 2020 | #1,020 | 204 | 0.0118% |
| 2019 | #1,198 | 160 | 0.0089% |
| 2018 | #1,313 | 139 | 0.0077% |
| 2017 | #1,536 | 107 | 0.0058% |
| 2016 | #1,507 | 113 | 0.0060% |
| 2015 | #1,925 | 76 | 0.0040% |
| 2014 | #2,010 | 71 | 0.0037% |
| 2013 | #2,445 | 51 | 0.0027% |
| 2012 | #2,058 | 67 | 0.0035% |
| 2011 | #2,160 | 61 | 0.0032% |
| 2010 | #2,492 | 50 | 0.0026% |
| 2009 | #2,428 | 53 | 0.0027% |
| 2008 | #2,982 | 40 | 0.0020% |
| 2007 | #3,283 | 34 | 0.0016% |
| 2006 | #2,810 | 41 | 0.0020% |
| 2005 | #3,131 | 33 | 0.0017% |
| 2004 | #3,592 | 26 | 0.0013% |
| 2003 | #3,685 | 24 | 0.0012% |
| 2002 | #2,580 | 38 | 0.0020% |
| 2001 | #2,967 | 31 | 0.0016% |
| 2000 | #4,007 | 20 | 0.0010% |
| 1999 | #3,650 | 21 | 0.0011% |
| 1998 | #6,099 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 1989 | #8,634 | 5 | 0.0002% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
Explore More Lists with Name Knowledge
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How the Name Knowledge Shapes Your Personality and Life?
EXTREMES in fortune, health and spirituality. You are very versatile, idealistic and intuitive. You either enjoy great success or suffer abject misery. The solution is service to others. Use your leadership abilities for humanity and not for self-glorification. You are frank, methodical and believe in law, system and order.
You find the best contentment in life when you own your own home and provide well for your family and loved ones. You have a great sense of responsibility and duty. You are comforting, appreciative and affectionate. Your obligation in life is to hold justice and truth, and if you follow the Law, you can find the great happiness and satisfaction.
✦ Knowledge's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Knowledge's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.