Knills

Knills is a surname of English origin. It is commonly categorized as a toponymic name, likely deriving from a place name associated with a hill or knoll in Old or Middle English. The precise origin of the surname is uncertain, and spelling variants such as Knill, Knyll, or Knell appear in historical records.

In modern usage, Knills appears in several English-speaking countries. Genealogical and civil records place the surname in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, reflecting patterns of migration and settlement in the past two centuries. Surname distribution data show concentrations in particular regions among descendants of English emigrants, though there is no single region that dominates globally.

Notable bearers: There are no widely recognized figures whose biographies are documented in major reference works under the surname Knills. The name occurs among private individuals and in local contexts, including genealogical research and family histories.

Related terms: The name is closely related to the variant Knill, which also appears in place names and surname records. See also Knill for similarly spelled names and potential origins.