One instance where a phonetic spelling might be better.

Like many names that have strong political connotations, the attractiveness of the name Clinton will be affected by your world-view. But, taking politics out of the equation, Clinton has a lovely pastoral meaning, a strong sound and a tremendously wearable nickname - Clint - all which would seem to be in its favor for at least a second thought.

Knowlton is a habitational surname, indicating one's ancestors lived in Knowlton, England. There were two historical English towns called Knowlton, one in Kent and the other in Dorset.

This surname name may offer a pronunciation challenge, to those unfamiliar with Michael Crichton novels, but its fresher than Hunter or Cooper.