Skip Ancestry main menuMain MenuAncestry
HomeTreesSearchDNAHelpExtras
Sign In
Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
  • Support Centre
  • About Us
  • Site Map
  • Gift Memberships
    • Ancestry Corporate
    • Fold3.com
    • ForcesWarRecords.com
    • Geneanet.org
    • Newspapers.com
    • ProGenealogists.com
    • RootsWeb.com
  • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
Group of people

Meaning of the first name Canute

Origin

Scandinavian

Meaning

Knot

Variations

Alicante, Anstey, Anuhea
The name Canute derives from the Scandinavian language and can be traced back to Old Norse. It originated from the word kntr which translates to knot in English. In ancient Scandinavian culture, knots held significant symbolic meaning, representing both strength and unity. As such, the name Canute came to be associated with these qualities, and it held prominence throughout history.

In history, the name Canute saw noteworthy usage in relation to several prominent figures. One such figure was King Canute the Great, who reigned over England, Denmark, and Norway during the 11th century. Known for his military conquests and strong leadership, King Canute left a lasting legacy. Over time, the name Canute continued to receive recognition in literature and other historical records.

In modern times, the name Canute has retained its significance, even if it is less commonly used. It can still be found as a given name in Scandinavian countries, where it serves as a reminder of the illustrious past. Additionally, the name has made appearances in various works of fiction, further solidifying its place in popular culture. Despite its reduced prevalence, the name Canute remains an enduring testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Scandinavia.

Based on our records...

Johnson

Johnson

This is the most common surname associated with Canute.
Emma

Emma

This is the most common name of those married to a Canute.
Andrew

Andrew

This is the most common name for a child of a Canute.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

What are you curious about?

Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
Start a free trial
Order AncestryDNA
calendar.webp
Based on our records...

Did you know?

1877 is when there were the most people born with the first name Canute.

Explore the origins of another name.