Knut

boyOld NorseChristian

Knut is a Christian boy name of Old Norse origin, meaning “Knot”.

MeaningKnot
GenderBoy
OriginOld Norse
Pronunciationk-NOOT
TraditionChristian, Modern & Classic
Used inNorway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany

Meaning and origin of Knut

Knut comes from the Old Norse word knútr 'knot', perhaps once a nickname for a sturdy, compact person. Its most famous bearer is Cnut the Great, who ruled England, Denmark and Norway in the eleventh century. The Norwegian novelist Knut Hamsun won the Nobel Prize in 1920. In Scandinavian languages the k is pronounced, giving a quick 'k-noot'.

Is Knut a Christian name?

Saint Canute, King Knud IV of Denmark, killed in 1086, is honoured as Denmark's patron saint, so the name has a place in Scandinavian Christian history.

How popular is Knut?

A traditional name in Norway and Sweden, today mostly worn by older men.

Gifts with the name Knut

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Spellings and variants of Knut

KnudCanuteCnutKnútur

Names similar to Knut

More Christian boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Knut mean?

Knut means 'Knot'. It is of Old Norse origin.

Is Knut a Christian name?

Saint Canute, King Knud IV of Denmark, killed in 1086, is honoured as Denmark's patron saint, so the name has a place in Scandinavian Christian history.

How do you pronounce Knut?

Knut is pronounced k-NOOT.

Is Knut a boy or girl name?

Knut is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.