Surname Knofflok - Meaning and Origin

Knofflok: What does the surname Knofflok mean?

The last name Knofflok is derived from German and means “knoll” or “small hill”. The name appears to originate in an area close to the German-Polish border and may have emerged as a reference to the local terrain.

The name was once common in the Prussian region of Silesia, an area that is now a part of Poland. An early reference of the name dates to the late sixteenth century. Christian Knofflok was mentioned in the 1590 chronicle of Spirs.

A search for the name in present-day Germany indicates it is still being used, though it is considered relatively uncommon. The name is also used in the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Outside Europe, families bearing the name can be found in countries including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, and Namibia.

In general, the Knofflok family name is generally associated with a Prussian heritage. People carrying the name might share a rich history of a proud Germanic past.

Knofflok: Where does the name Knofflok come from?

The last name Knofflok is most common today in Germany. According to the German national census of 2017, it is estimated that approximately 6,100 people bear this surname. Knofflok is a rare name in many other countries outside Germany, though records show that the name knofflok has been used by families from South Tyrol in Italy and North-Eastern France.

The origins of the name Knofflok are unclear, though it is thought to have originated from either the archaic German word 'Knoff', which means 'pillar', or from the Norse name 'Knoffi', which means 'boulder'. In addition, the ending -lok is thought to originate from the Old German word 'lok', meaning 'look, view', and is used as a clue that whoever had this name may have been of high class and noble birth.

Knofflok is especially popular in areas around Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, and is estimated to be the 31st most common surname in Germany. As well as Germany, Knofflok has also made its way to North America, with 246 families having migrated to the United States and Canada since the 19th century.

Whether one traces their Knofflok lineage to Germany or elsewhere, the name offers a rare and distinct piece of family history. With its noble beginnings, use of inquiry and exploration, and its European heritage, it is a name that is hard to forget.

Variations of the surname Knofflok

The surname Knofflok is of German origin. This surname has variant spellings and several surnames of the same origin which is likely the result of immigration and census takers recording names that sounded similar to the original name.

The spelling for Knofflok can change slightly and include Knafflok, Knofelok, Konflok, Knoffelock. Other surnames that carry the same origin are Knafel, Knoff, Knoffel, and Knoffle.

The original spelling of Knoffelock was derived from German word "knopf" which means button. This combination was then combined with the suffix "lock" resulting in the interpretation of "button maker". There is also an additional interpretation of the surname being associated with Knoffel as a mapmaker.

In Trinity Lutheran Church Records from 1803 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, a record of the marriage for a John Knoffelok was included. The marriage was officiated by Rev Henry Melchor.

In the United States, immigration records show that a John Knoffelok departed from Hamburg aboard the the ship Humblot in 1867. He arrived in New York, United States on 08 August 1867. Also travelling on the ship were passengers Fritz Knoffelok and Andreas Knoffelok.

In addition, census records from the early 19th century included guests in Northampton County, Pennsylvania such as Mathias Knoff and wife Cathorina, who were noted to be of German origin. There were other household members such as the children Jacob Knofflok and Cathrina Knofflok who were then documented in the census records.

There is a good chance that all these family members and even guests from Northampton County, Pennsylvania and Franklin County, Pennsylvania were related due to their common surname. They all likely had the same German origin taking into account the spelling variations within the various records.

Famous people with the name Knofflok

• Jozef Kłopotowski: Polish film director and screenwriter.
• Michał Kłosiewicz: Polish composer and conductor.
• Wojciech Kłosowicz: Polish film director, music composer and actor.
• Agnieszka Knofflok: Polish actress.
• Anna Knofflok: Polish actress.
• Paulina Knofflok: Polish actress.
• Natalia Knofflok: Polish contemporary dancer.
• Pawel Knofflok: Polish ice hockey player.
• Oscar Knofflok: Brazilian singer and guitarist.
• Christopher Knofflok: German actor.

Other surnames

Knofflock