Save Type Surname (from occupation) Usage English Pronounced Pron. NIET [key·IPA] Meaning & History From Old English cniht meaning "knight", a tenant serving as a mounted soldier. Categories American sprinters, bass guitarists, brand names, child actors, choreographers, English nouns, English verbs, game show hosts, gospel musicians, isograms, occupations, skiffle, soul musicians, voice actors, war, warrior, word names