Surname Knäuer - Meaning and Origin

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U. Knäuer

Knäuer: What does the surname Knäuer mean?

The last name Knäuer (pronounced “knou-er”) is of German origin and is derived from the term "knauer" or "knaiuer". This word means an artisan who worked with wood, such as a joiner, carpenter, or cabinet maker. The name is more commonly seen as Knauer in Germany, Hoffmann & Knauer in Austria, and Knauff in other parts of Central Europe.

The surname has been documented as far back as the fourteenth century, when it was frequently used for landowners or farmers who lived close to wooded areas. In German records of the time, the name appears as Knäuer, Knauer, Knauer, and various other spellings.

The modern Knäuer family came to be known for many things, but primarily for their work in the furniture industry. The present-day family is primarily found in the city of Aalen in Württemberg, southern Germany. They are descended from many generations of woodworkers and are known for their high quality craftsmanship in the creation of fine furniture pieces.

In the past two centuries, many Knäuers have emigrated from Germany to other parts of the world. United States, England, Canada, and Australia are all countries with strong Knäuer populations. They have all come to play an important role in the furniture industry in their new homelands, continuing the legacy of their ancestors’ craftsmanship.

Whether in Germany, North America, or elsewhere, Knäuer is a name that evokes a spirit of artisanship, craftsmanship, and pride.

Knäuer: Where does the name Knäuer come from?

The last name Knäuer is a German-origin name and is most commonly found in German-speaking countries today, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The name may also be found in other European countries, as well as in the United States, where many German immigrants settled in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The last name Knäuer is usually a patronymic surname, which means that it is derived from the male line of a family. In Germany, the name is derived from Knauer, which is a variant spelling of the original personal name Knorr. The personal name Knorr could be derived from a variety of origins: it could be derived from an old German given name from the word for "knight" or from the old German kunni, meaning "noble".

In the United States, the last name Knäuer is found in many different forms, such as Knauer, Knower, Knaur, and Knore. It is also a common name in Canada and in other countries around the world.

In terms of numbers, a 2018 survey conducted in Germany found that there were 44,812 people with the last name Knäuer. In Switzerland, the name was ranked 29th in order of popularity, with 5,989 people bearing the surname. In the United States, there are over 20,000 people with some variant of the last name.

Overall, the last name Knäuer is quite common in German-speaking countries and can also be found in other countries around the world, as a result of the migration of German immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variations of the surname Knäuer

The surname Knäuer (also spelled as Knaeuer, Knaeuer, or Knäuər) is a German surname that can trace its roots back to the Middle Ages. It likely originated from the Old High German word "knio", meaning a kneader of bread. In the early medieval period, kneading bread was an important task, and those who specialized in it gained recognition. As a result, many families adopted the surname Knäuer.

Variants of the surname Knäuer include Knauer, Knauerer, Knäusel, and Knauner. Spellings of the surname include Knauer, Knäuer, Kneuer, Knaeurer, and Knauser. Surnames of the same origin include Kneul, Kniewallner, Knuer, and Knockl.

Knäuer is one of the earliest recorded German surnames. The earliest documentation of the surname is found in the 13th century in the region of Thuringia. The first person to carry the name was Magnus Knauer, documented in 1272. Over the centuries, the surname spread to different German states, with several branches of the family settling in the more northern regions of Germany.

The family name Knäuer has also been found in the United States. During the 19th century, many German immigrants with the surname Knäuer settled in Pennsylvania. In the 20th century, descendants of the family have lived in other states such as Iowa, Ohio, Des Moines, and Wisconsin.

Throughout the centuries, the numerous variations of the surname Knäuer have come to represent a rich and fascinating history of people and cultures.

Famous people with the name Knäuer

• Arnold Knäuer (1908-1952), German Lutheran theologian and professor.
• Robert Knäuer (1930-2018), German writer, scientist, historian and child psychologist.
• Georg Knäuer (1896-1984), German sculptor and medalist.
• Karl Knäuer (1896-1935), German World War I pilot and aviation pioneer.
• Franz Knäuer (1905-1997), two-time German Olympic figure skater.
• Edgar Knäuer (1895-1961), German mathematician.
• Ernst Knäuer (1888-1942), German World War II field marshal.
• Jürgen Knäuer (1953–present), German former professional basketball player.
• Jürgen Knäuer (born 1961), German children's book author.
• Wolfgang Knäuer (1937–present), German musicologist and musicologist.

Other surnames

Knauert