Knightley

Knightley is an English surname and, less commonly, a given name. It is typically of toponymic origin, derived from a place-name in England, with the suffix -ley indicating a clearing or meadow in Old English. The element Knight may reflect an occupational association with knights or derive from a personal name. Variants include Knightly and Knightlie, reflecting orthographic variation over time.

In literature, the surname appears as a prominent family in Jane Austen's Emma (1815). George Knightley, a well-to-do landowner, is a central character whose relationship with Emma Woodhouse drives much of the plot and thematic development.

In contemporary usage, Keira Knightley (born 1985) is the best-known bearer, an English actress with a global career. The surname also appears in genealogical records and local histories in Britain and among the British diaspora.

Geographic distribution has historically been strongest in the United Kingdom, with descendants and bearers in the Commonwealth and, to a lesser extent, North America. Spelling variants such as Knightly are encountered in historical documents underlining regional dialects and evolving orthography. The name is primarily associated with English-speaking contexts and literary references.