Knute

♂ Boy

Pronounced NOOT /ˈnuːt/High

Meaning: Knute is an anglicized Scandinavian form of Knut (Old Norse Knutr), generally understood as 'knot.' It was borne by King Cnut the Great, who ruled England, Denmark and Norway in the eleventh century, and in America by the Norwegian-born football coach Knute Rockne. The initial K is silent in English. Both bearers are worth noting.Medium

In 30 seconds: Scandinavian Knut — Old Norse for 'knot' (said 'NOOT,' silent K). Think King Cnut and Knute Rockne.

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Origin HighScandinavian, Old Norse

MeaningKnute is an anglicized Scandinavian form of Knut (Old Norse Knutr), generally understood as 'knot.' It was borne by King Cnut the Great, who ruled England, Denmark and Norway in the eleventh century, and in America by the Norwegian-born football coach Knute Rockne. The initial K is silent in English. Both bearers are worth noting.

U.S. rank (2018)#13270 ↘ Falling

2018 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1931

Total births (all-time)≈ 681

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Knute is an anglicized form of Scandinavian Knut, from Old Norse Knutr, usually read as 'knot.' Its most famous bearer was Cnut the Great, the eleventh-century king of England, Denmark and Norway — the one of the tide-and-throne story. In the United States it belongs to Knute Rockne, the Norwegian-born coach at Notre Dame. The initial K is not sounded (said 'NOOT').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, Norse, and sturdy.

Did you know? The K in Knute is silent — it is said simply 'NOOT.' The name is the Scandinavian Knut, 'knot,' carried by Cnut the Great, who ruled England and Denmark, and in America by the coach Knute Rockne (said 'NOOT').

Overall data confidence 70%

References — Knute — Scandinavian Knut / Old Norse Knutr 'knot'; King Cnut; Knute Rockne

Variations

KnutCanuteCnut

Nicknames

KnuttyNuteK

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Knute mean?

Knute is a Scandinavian form of Knut, from Old Norse Knutr, generally understood as 'knot.'

How do you pronounce Knute?

It's said NOOT /ˈnuːt/ — one syllable, with a silent K.

Is Knute a boy or girl name?

Knute is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Knute?

Knute is a very rare name for boys in the U.S.