Surname Knappe - Meaning and Origin
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You would never think of a last name as something beyond an identity tag, but my experience with DNA analysis at iGENEA unveiled an entire history behind my surname, Knappe. I unearthed family roots, traced back migration patterns of my ancestors and found a sense of belonging, all encapsulated in the meaning and origin of my family name.
N. Knappe
read moreKnappe: What does the surname Knappe mean?
The last name Knappe derives from an Old German word, "knapp" meaning "skilled in handcraft," or "bold and daring." Its root, "knepp," is an Old Norse word meaning "bold and daring," and the suffix “e” means “of” in Old German.
Historically, the Knappe surname was bestowed upon individuals who were "brave and willing to take risks" or were excellent in their handiwork. These traits were essential for surviving in an unforgiving environment. In an earlier time when trade and manual skills were closely linked, Knappes were essential for providing the basic necessities of life.
The Knappe surname is associated with people who are strong-willed, daring and skilled in their craft. Through the generations, people with the Knappe surname have become leaders, inventors, explorers, and more.
In modern times, the Knappe surname has garnered influence among various professions, including business, politics, and entertainment.
In sum, the last name Knappe carries a long tradition of strength, bravery, and skill going back to a time when those qualities were needed to survive.
Order DNA origin analysisKnappe: Where does the name Knappe come from?
The surname Knappe is most common today mainly in Germany, but is also found in other parts of northern Europe. In Germany, Knappe is currently the 381st most common family name, with 8,746 people having the name according to the most recent figures from the country's National Population Register from 2015. However, it's not only found in Germany - Knappe is also common in Hungary, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Denmark.
The name is of German origin, derived from Middle High German knappe, meaning 'knight', 'man-at-arms' or 'servant'. It's likely to have first been used as a nickname - for those who served in a knighthood or had a similar occupation. The name may also have been brought to other countries through emigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Knappe is a relatively uncommon name globally. As of 2020, according to records stored by the International Polygenetic Genealogical Society, less than 4,500 people have the surname worldwide. Beyond the aforementioned countries, the name can be found in other places such as Australia, the United States, France, Canada, Austria and even New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Knappe
The surname Knappe is a German or Dutch topographic name for someone living on a hill or knoll, derived from Middle Low German knappe, knape, meaning ‘a knoll or hill’. This name is also found as a Jewish occupational name for a peddler, from Yiddish knap, knapp, meaning 'peddler'.
Variations of the surname include Knape, Knap, Knapp, Knop, Knupp, Knöpfle, and Knöpp. This surname is also found in many different countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the Czech Republic.
The surname Knappe is also found with a variety of differing spellings. In English-speaking countries, Knappe may be spelled Knapp, Knape, or Knop. In German speaking countries, it is common to see Knappe spelled Knöpfle, Knöpp, or Knipp. In French speaking countries, it may be spelled Knap. In other spellings like the Dutch, Danish and Norwegian versions, it is spelled Knap(e).
The surnames derived from the base of Knappe follow similar patterns for spelling, including Knopf, Knöppler, Knüpp, Knuppel, Knepp, Knippel, Knipel, Knip, and Kneef.
Generally, the surnames Knappe, Knopf, Knape and Knapp are the main variants of the this name, and all can be used to trace this unique family lineage.
Famous people with the name Knappe
- Siegfried Knappe, Luftwaffe General
- Fritz Knappe, German SS officer
- Julius Knappe, Nazi general and SS officer
- Hans Peter Knappe, German stunt performer
- Anita Knappe, German soprano
- Karl Knappe, German Architect
- Thuri Knappe, German World War I Naval Commander
- Dana Knappe, German writer
- Ernst Knappe, German theologian
- Jerry Knappe, German baseball player
- Ulrike Knappe, German actress
- Alfons Knappe, German artilleryman
- Henry Knappe, German American Heritage Society leader
- Christine Knappe, German Paralympic athlete
- Franz Joachim Knappe, German lawyer
- Elizabeth Knappe, German actress
- Volker Knappe, German economist
- Brian Knappe, American mixed martial artist
- Mary Knappe, American painter
- Debra Knappe, American photographer