Surname Knäussel - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Knäussel: What does the surname Knäussel mean?
The last name Knäussel is of German origin and is a variant of Kniessel. The literal translation of Knäussel is “little kneecap” and is indicative of the profession of those who once bore the name. It was a surname associated with carpentry since carpenters often had to crouch on their knees to do detailed work.
Kniessel can also be found as a topographic name and was given to those who lived by a low-lying or wet area. The German word knie translates to “knee,” and a sel or seil refers to some form of pool or water.
Alternatively, the name Knäussel could also be a habitational name, derived from places called Kniessel or Knussenkrug, indicating those who lived there.
Knäussel also has some other variants, such as Knieussel, Kneisel, and Kneissel. The name is still widely found in Germany today, particularly in the area of Lower Saxony, and many emigrants of the name have spread to the United States.
The name Knäussel is indicative of a humble beginning as a carpenter but has come to mean a family of hardworking individuals who are resilient and prideful of their origins.
Order DNA origin analysisKnäussel: Where does the name Knäussel come from?
The last name Knäussel is commonly found in Germany, although there is also a presence in other European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and France. It is believed to have first originated in northern Germany in the medieval era and spread gradually through the region. In modern times, the majority of Knäussels are located in the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Lower Saxony.
The name is quite rare in other countries outside of Germany. In the United States, there are a few Knäussels that have emigrated from Germany and can be found in Michigan, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Ohio. Similarly, in the United Kingdom there is a small number of Knäussels, most of whom are of German descent but have arrived from other countries.
In Germany, the last name Knäussel is quite common and can be found as a surname in many families. It is estimated that there are several thousand people with this last name living in Germany today, although precise numbers are difficult to estimate. The popularity of Knäussel in Germany generally originates from regional cultural identity and personal family pride, with many people feeling an attachment to the name and wanting to pass it on to the next generation.
Variations of the surname Knäussel
The surname Knäussel is derived from the German word Knäul, which means "knot" or "padlock." Because of this, the surname is often written with the letter K instead of the letter N, as is the case with some other German surnames. It is also sometimes spelled "Knaussl," "Knäusl," and "Knausl."
The surname Knäussel is found in various parts of the world, including Europe, the United States, and South America. Variants of the surname include Knäusell, Knäusle, and Knäuslacher. In some regions, the surname has evolved into "Knausser," "Kneussel," and "Knaesel." It is also common to find the surname with different spellings, such as "Knoetzl," "Knoetzell," and "Knoetzel."
In some parts of Germany, the surname Knäussel is associated with a noble family originating from Bavaria that dates back to the 16th century. This family is also known by other variants, including Knäuslein, Knässler, and Knässl. Outside of Germany, variants of the surname can also be found, such as Knussler, Knoppel, and Knopf.
In the United States, the surname Knäussel can be found among the descendants of German immigrants who arrived in the 1800s. Variations of the surname in the U.S. include Knoussel, Knaussle, and Knösel.
The name has also been correlated with a few other surnames such as Koenig, Konig, Neissel, and Niessl. None of these surnames are concurrently related to the surname Knäussel.
Famous people with the name Knäussel
- Micael Knäussel: A German physician and the founder of the German Armed Forces Blood Centre.
- Helmut Knäussel: A German former professional footballer.
- Louis Knäussel: Pastor of the Lutheran Church in Tempelburg, Germany.
- Alfred Knäussel: A German-born Jewish botanist.
- Rainer Knäussel: A West German professional cyclist who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics.
- Heinrich Knäussel: A German painter, architect, and draughtsman active during the early 16th century.
- Otto Knäussel: A German national socialist painter during the Third Reich.
- Amalia Knäussel: A German model and actress.
- Hermann Knäussel: A German pole vaulter who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
- Lisa Knäussel: A German classical pianist and music educator.