Surname Knowland - Meaning and Origin
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Knowland: What does the surname Knowland mean?
The surname Knowland is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "cnoll" or "cnol," which means "hill" and "land," which translates to "land." Thus, Knowland may be interpreted as "land on or by the hill." Originally, it could have been a topographical name given to someone who lived in such a location. Surnames were often derived from a person's residence, occupation, or distinguishing attributes during ancient times. Like many other English surnames, the spelling underwent various changes over centuries, leading to multiple variations such as Knoland, Nolin, Knowling, and more. Keep in mind that surname interpretations can only be educated guesses since the original meanings often got lost through language transformations over time. Overall, Knowland is a significant name, carrying the history and cultural identity of those who bear it.
Order DNA origin analysisKnowland: Where does the name Knowland come from?
The last name Knowland is primarily common in the United States. As of the 2020 US census, the last name is most prevalent in California, Texas, and Washington, with large concentrations of people bearing the name living in the cities of San Francisco, San Antonio, and Seattle, respectively.
It is also found in smaller numbers throughout the rest of the United States, particularly on the east coast and in the midwest. Beyond the US, Knowland is a relatively uncommon surname. Its lack of prevalence in other countries is likely due in part to the fact that the spelling of the name is not especially common, outside of the US.
The origins of the last name Knowland are obscure, but it is likely derived from Anglo-Saxon influences. It may have been a locational name, denoting someone who lived on land that was attached to another, larger estate. Alternatively, it may have signified someone who worked on the estate of their lord. It is also possible, however, that Knowland is an occupational surname, signifying someone who was involved in the maintenance of royal or otherwise important grounds.
Overall, the last name Knowland is primarily concentrated in the US, although it does continue to see some use outside the US as well. Due to its spelling, however, it is still a rather uncommon name outside the United States.
Variations of the surname Knowland
Knowland is a surname of English origin. It is related to the Old English personal name Cnut, which was popular during the Anglo-Saxon period. Variants of the surname include Knowles, Knowleson, Knowling, Knowels, Knowle, and Knowlyn. All of these spellings are derived from the Middle English word "knol," meaning "knowledge."
The spelling variants of Knowland include Knowleson, Knowles, Knowling, and Knowleson. These spellings stem from the Old English roots of the name. The pronunciation of the name changed over time, leading to the various spellings seen today.
The surname Knowledge is also related to Knowland. Knowledge derives from the Old English root knol, which means "knowledge." The spelling Knowleson is related to nouns that developed meaning “son of Knowing and Knowleson is related to son of Knowledge.
Surnames related to Knowland include Knowles, Knowleson, Knowling, Knowleson, Knowle, Knowles and Knowledge. These surnames are all derived from the same root, Cnut. The various spellings may have been influenced by the way the surname was pronounced in Middle and Early Modern English, or they may reflect a desire to differentiate one family of Knowlands from another.
Famous people with the name Knowland
- William Knowland: American politician who served as a Senate Majority leader.
- William F. Knowland: member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California during the 1950s.
- Kramer Knowland: an American professional golfer.
- Stan Knowland: American Major League Baseball player in the 1940s and 1950s.
- Tony Knowland: British actor who starred in numerous film and television projects.
- Maxine Knowland: an American writer who wrote books on various subjects such as business, money and health.
- Sean Knowland: Canadian hockey player who played in the NHL.
- Jenna Knowland: American author and television personality.
- John Knowland: British actor who has appeared in a number of films and television shows.
- Heather Knowland: Canadian curler and Olympic gold medalist.