Surname Knoflach - Meaning and Origin
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Knoflach: What does the surname Knoflach mean?
The last name Knoflach is of Austrian and German origin. It is a toponymic surname derived from an archaic term for a small stream, referring to the place of residence of someone who lived near a small stream. The surname is most commonly found in the province of Salzburg in Austria and the canton of Thurgau in Switzerland, but can also be found in other parts of Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
The surname is often believed to be derived from the old German word “knofla”, which means “a slamming noise”. However, the more likely explanation is the archaic term “knoflache”, which refers to a small stream and points to a place of residence located near a small stream.
The meaning of the name likely goes beyond a simple reference to a geographical place of origins; some linguists believe it is an allusive reference to qualities associated with a small stream or creek, such as its strength, persistence, and endurance. The name may also point to the qualities of industriousness, self-reliance, and frugality of its bearers.
The main bearer of the surname nowadays is Knoflach-Rudlof, a successful Austrian business tycoon. Despite the prestige and success of the surname, its original meaning was probably much more humble and unpretentious. It points to a place of residence near a small stream, symbolizing the strength, persistence, and endurance of those who proudly carry the Knoflach family name.
Order DNA origin analysisKnoflach: Where does the name Knoflach come from?
The last name Knoflach is common today in Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic. It is most commonly found in South Moravia, a region of the Czech Republic immediately south of the Moravian-Silesian region. In Austria, it is most often found in the districts of Burgenland, Styria, and Lower Austria. In Germany, it is most common in Upper Austria, Tyrol, and Bavaria.
The origin of the name is not entirely certain, although it appears to come from the German word "Knovel," which means "knob" or "handle." This lends itself to a few possible interpretations. It could refer to someone living by a knob or handle-shaped object (such as a hill or mountain), being in the service of someone with such an object as their symbol (as many of the regions above are home to a range of noble titles and families), or simply being known for being talented with a knob or handle-shaped object (such as a tool).
The name itself is said to have first appeared in Austria in the mid-14th century, when the region was still part of the much larger Holy Roman Empire. Today, Knoflach is still a fairly common name among the descendants of these families, many of whom still live in the same areas as their ancestors.
Variations of the surname Knoflach
The surname Knoflach has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants include Knopflacher, Knoffleger, Knoffelger, Knoffilger, Knopfler, Knoffeler, and Knopfleger. It is derived from the Old High German word ‘knoppelec’, which describes a person who works with a knife or other sharp instrument.
The surname Knopflacher is the most frequent spelling of this name in Germany and throughout the world. It is derived from the word ‘Knoppelec’ - a sharp-knifed worker. This name can also be found in Austria as ‘Knoffleger’. Here, the ‘-leger’ suffix is a variation of the word ‘lecker’ meaning someone who is highly proficient with a knife. The ‘Knoffelger’ variant may be found in Switzerland, and is similar in origin.
The ‘Knoffilger’ and ‘Knopfler’ variants may be found in Germany and the surrounding areas. The names are derived from the German words ‘knoppen’ and ‘fühlen’, which describe a person who works with a knife or other sharp instrument. The ‘Knoffeler’ variation may also be found in Germany, and is derived from the word ‘korfelen’ meaning ‘to chop’.
Finally, the ‘Knopfleger’ variation may be found in Austria, and is likely derived from the Middle High German phrase ‘knöppelegger’, which is a dialectal form of ‘knoppelec’. All of these variations of the surname Knoflach indicate an origin as a sharp-edged worker, possibly a butcher or shoemaker.
Famous people with the name Knoflach
- Daniela Knoflach-Stanič, Slovenian political journalist and politician
- Jürgen Knoflach, an Austrian Honduran artist
- Gabriel Knoflach, an Austrian ski jumper
- Michael Knoflach, a German oil painter
- Erich Knoflach, an Austrian professional ski-mountaineering athlete
- Tobias Knoflach, a founder of the Renewable Energy Economy Network (REN-NET) organization
- Robert Knoflach, an Austrian ice hockey goaltender
- Lily Knoflach, a Canadian author and illustrator
- Karl Knoflach, an Austrian shot put athlete
- Heiner Knoflach, a retired German football manager