Knut (Norwegian and Swedish), Knud (Danish), or Knútur (Icelandic) is a Scandinavian first name, of which the anglicized form is Cnut. In Germany both "Knut" and "Knud" are used. The name is derived from the Old Norse Knútr meaning "knot". People (medieval) It is the name of several medieval kings of Denmark, two of whom reigned also over England during the first half of the 11th century, notably: Cnut the Great (d. 1035), Viking king of England, Denmark and NorwayHarthacnut (d. 1042)… (More on Canute)