Knud

Knud is a masculine given name used primarily in Denmark and the Nordic region. It is the Danish form of the name Canute (Cnut) and derives from the Old Norse Knútr. The meaning is often linked to “knot” or “binding,” with associations to strength and decisiveness, though the exact interpretation is uncertain. The name became established in the medieval era and was borne by several rulers in Danish history, including Knud IV of Denmark (c. 1043–1086), also known as Canute IV, who is remembered as a saint for his efforts to strengthen royal authority and church reform.

In modern usage, Knud remains a traditional Danish given name, though it is less common today than in past centuries. It is primarily encountered in Denmark and occasionally appears in other Nordic countries, especially among older generations or in families with strong Danish heritage.

Notable people named Knud include Knud Rasmussen (1879–1933), a Danish–Greenlandic explorer and ethnologist who led multiple Arctic expeditions and documented Inuit culture and languages. The name also appears in various historical and cultural contexts through other individuals bearing the given name.

See also: Canute, Knut, and other linguistic variants of the same name. Knudsen is a related surname derived from the given name. The name’s usage reflects Danish naming traditions and its historical links to Norse and medieval royal lineages.