The English and Scottish surname of Knox, originated with the Old English term of ‘cnocc’ and the Gaelic term ‘cnoc’ which both refer to a round topped hill or hump. The spelling variations for Knox include Knock, Nock and Knocks. In northern England is where most families with the Knox surname reside. The counties with the higher numbers include Northumberland, Durham and Lancashire. In Scotland the Knox surname is commonly spelled Knock and found mostly in Renfrewshire county. Within the United States the Knox surname originated in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois, Mississippi, Texas, Oregon and California. Famous: Henry Knox (American Revolution War Major General), John Knox (Presbyterian reformer in establishing the Church of Scotland), Buddy Knox (singer and songwriter), Elyse Knox (actress), Rose Knox (ran the Knox Gelatin Factory in NY), Thomas W. Knox (Civil war journalist) and Alfred ‘Dilly’ Knox (English code breaker during World War I).