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Home › Baby Names Directory › Knightley

Knightley

♀ Girl

Pronounced NYT-lee /ˈnaɪt.li/Medium

Meaning: Knightley is an English surname and place name, usually read as 'knight's meadow' or 'knight's wood-clearing.' Known via actress Keira Knightley; used here for a girl though it leans surname and cross-sex.Low

In 30 seconds: A surname with a noble ring: Knightley means 'knight's meadow' (said 'NYT-lee'). Known via Keira Knightley; more often a surname, we note.
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Origin MediumEnglish
MeaningKnightley is an English surname and place name, usually read as 'knight's meadow' or 'knight's wood-clearing.' Known via actress Keira Knightley; used here for a girl though it leans surname and cross-sex.
U.S. rank (2024)#12793 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 102

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202120092024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

As a girl's name Knightley draws on an English surname and place name, 'knight's meadow' (or 'clearing'), with a nod to actress Keira Knightley. It reads as a strong surname-style pick that leans cross-sex, which we note (said 'NYT-lee').

For girls it appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare, surname-style, and stately.

Did you know? Knightley is an English surname meaning 'knight's meadow' or 'knight's clearing,' familiar today through actress Keira Knightley. As a first name it leans surname and cross-sex, which we note (said 'NYT-lee').
Overall data confidence 44%
References — Knightley — English surname 'knight's meadow'; Keira Knightley; cross-sex

Variations

KnightlyNightleyKnightlee

Nicknames

NiteLee

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Knightley…

Kingsley— a like noble-toned -ley surname name
Presley— a like surname-style -ley pick
Everly— a like modern surname-turned-given name
Waverly— a like stately -ly surname choice

Explore names like Knightley

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Knightley mean?

Knightley is an English surname meaning 'knight's meadow' or 'knight's clearing.'

How do you pronounce Knightley?

It's said NYT-lee /ˈnaɪt.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first; the K is silent.

Is Knightley a boy or girl name?

Knightley is used for both and as a surname; it leans surname and cross-sex — we note the lean.

How popular is Knightley?

Knightley is a rare name for girls in the U.S.

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