Surname Knaur - Meaning and Origin
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Knaur: What does the surname Knaur mean?
The last name Knaur is an occupational surname that originated in Middle High German. Although its exact meaning is unknown, it is believed to have been derived from the Old High German word "knur", meaning "miller" or "miller's assistant." This occupational name would have been used to designate a person who worked in the milling trade. It is likely that the people who held this surname were part of the peasant class during the Middle Ages.
The surname Knaur first appears in medieval Saxony, Germany and is believed to have originated in the region known as Mecklenburg. From there it spread into various parts of Germany and other countries including Austria and Switzerland. It is now commonly found in the United States, Canada, England, and other regions.
Since its earliest recorded use, the name Knaur has taken many different forms. Variations on the original spelling include Knauer, Knorr, Knier, and Knor. The spelling of the name is also dependent on the language. For example, in some Scandinavian languages, it may appear as Knurr.
The occupational surname Knaur is still used by many people today and is seen as a source of pride and connection to their ancestral roots. It is a great reminder of a shared past, and carries with it the values of working hard and remaining humble.
Order DNA origin analysisKnaur: Where does the name Knaur come from?
The last name Knaur is most commonly found in Germany today. It is believed to be of German origin, and it is likely that it was derived from a place name, or a person who originally had the surname.
There are approximately 1,700 people in Germany with the surname Knaur, making it a fairly rare name. It is found in Germany's most highly populated areas, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. It is also not uncommon to find the surname in the western part of the country, especially in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate.
The surname has also spread to other countries in Europe, such as Austria, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Knaur is also found in the United States, Canada and Australia.
It is likely that the surname was brought to North America mostly by German immigrants who left Germany in the 19th century. These immigrants may have been the ancestors of modern Knaurs.
The surname Knaur is likely to continue to be seen everywhere in the world where there is a German diaspora, given that Germany is Europe's most populous country. Moreover, given its rarity, it may even increase in popularity as families trace their ancestry and discover the name.
Variations of the surname Knaur
The surname Knaur is of German origin and several variants, spellings, and surnames have arisen from it. Some of the most recognized variants are Knauer, Knaurer, Knauerhase, and Knauh. It has been used to create a handful of related surnames, including Knarger, Knariger, Knaur, Knaurr, Knaurh, Knaurin, Knauhen, Knaurman, Knaurmaier, and Knauruch.
Knaur is an occupational surname derived from the German word “Knauer” or “Knaurer” meaning "carpenter". Thus, individuals with this surname may have descended from a family of carpenters or builders. This surname is also an abbreviated form of Knauerhase, which translates to "mole".
In Germany, the spelling of Knaur is often interchanged with Knauer. It is also used in several other countries, including Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. The spelling of Knauer is slightly different in these regions and is sometimes used interchangeably with Knaur.
The original spelling of Knaur is found in records dating back to the 1500s. This spelling typically appears in German records like parish registers, civil documents, and military rosters. Variants of the name first start to appear in the late 17th century. The variant Knauer is generally more common in records from Northern Germany while derivatives like Knaurr and Knaurh are typically found in records from Southern Germany.
Surnames derived from Knaur first started to be used in countries outside of Germany in the early 17th century. These surnames, such as Knarger, Knariger, and Knauhen, typically originate in Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. As of today, this surname is found in several regions and countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia.
Famous people with the name Knaur
- Kai Knaur: German actor and filmmaker.
- Sabina Knaur: Reality television star from Munich, Germany.
- Felix Knaur: German television presenter.
- Termine Knaur: German novelist and film director.
- B-Konstance Knaur: Austrian graphic designer.
- Pierre Knaur: international chess master.
- Guido Knaur: German management scientist.
- Josef Knaur: Austrian violinist and composer.
- Torsten Knaur: German television actor.
- Mark Knaur: American defensive lineman.