Discover people named James Knott

The last name Knott has its origins in England, deriving from the Old English word "cnotta," which means "a knot" or "a lump," and is often associated with a topographical feature or a nickname for someone who was tied to a particular place or characteristic. The name is believed to have first appeared in the medieval period, particularly in regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire, where it was used to denote individuals who lived near a notable knot in the landscape or were involved in occupations related to knot-making, such as sailors or fishermen. Variations of the surname can be found in different cultures, including "Knot" in some German-speaking areas and "Knott" in Scandinavian regions, reflecting slight differences in spelling and pronunciation. The surname has also been recorded in various historical documents, showcasing its presence in different forms throughout the centuries, but it remains primarily associated with English heritage.