Surname Knäusel - Meaning and Origin
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Knäusel: What does the surname Knäusel mean?
The German surname Knäusel is derived from the Old High German word “knösel”, which means to gnarl or knot. Thus, Knäusel was originally used as a nickname for someone with a knotted or twisted appearance. In the Middle Ages, this name ultimately came to describe a particular family line whose members were said to possess distinctive facial features.
Over time, the original meaning of this surname was lost and interpretations began to focus primarily on the tangible aspects of the name. Knäusel has come to describe someone of courage and determination; a quality that was admired and respected throughout the local communities in which this family lived.
The Knäusel family’s tradition of courage and unflinching dedication to a cause is still alive today and it defines many of the descendants of this name. To this day, Knäusel family members are well-known for their strength of character and dedication to their endeavors. The surname is now associated with those unflappable and courageous individuals who are widely recognized for their determination and commitment to whatever task they choose to undertake.
Order DNA origin analysisKnäusel: Where does the name Knäusel come from?
The last name Knäusel is most common today in the German-speaking countries, particularly Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In Germany, Knäusel is the 8th most common name, with more than 12,500 people bearing the name. It is ranked in the 31stpercentile of German last names, making it a relatively common name.
The origin of this surname is probably from the Middle High German, “knuosel”, which translates to a rounded stone. It is widely believed that the name was given to those who lived near an area where rounded stones were commonly found, such as in a stream bed or in a meadow.
Knäusel is also an extremely popular last name throughout Austria and Switzerland. In Austria, it is the 17th most common name, with more than 10,000 people bearing it. In Switzerland, it is ranked in the 76th percentile of Swiss surnames, making it a fairly common last name in the country.
There is also a small population of people with the Knäusel surname who are scattered throughout various parts of the United States. It is impossible to know exactly how many people have the name, as many Knäusel families have changed their names due to immigration.
The surname Knäusel is quite common in the German-speaking countries and has a large population in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. It is also scattered throughout the United States, although it is hard to know exactly how many people have the name.
Variations of the surname Knäusel
The surname Knäusel (also spelled Knaeusel) is German in origin and can be found in records across Central and Eastern Europe. The variant spellings of Knäusel are Knaeusel, Knäsel, Knausl, Knäussl, and Knausel.
In German-speaking countries, Knäusel or Knaeusel is typically found as an alternate spelling of Knösel, Knossel, or Knussel. All of these variants are derived from the Middle High German word "knusel," meaning "small round stone,” and originated as a toponymic occupation surname for a stone worker.
In Poland, the variation Knauszał is typically found in records and throughout the United States, the surnames Knouse and Knowles are closely linked to Knäusel (Knaeusel). Knouse is a regional variation of Knäusel found more often in Pennsylvania Dutch (Deitsch) country, while the surname Knowles originated as a patronymic of "Knösel," with the English spelling of "Knowle" or "Knowles."
Knäusel (Knaeusel) can also be found in records in the Czech Republic as Knaušlová and in Slovakia as Knošl or Knosl. In Hungary, the variations Kozsel, Kozsöl, Kozöll, and Kozsely typically appear in records.
Overall, it is important to note that surnames derived from a particular toponymic occupation tends to have many different variants due to regional dialects or family traditions. Therefore, it is important for researchers to consult multiple records and variant spellings to accurately trace their ancestral lineage.
Famous people with the name Knäusel
- Rico Knäusel: German football player.
- Gereon Knäusel: German electrical engineer and professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
- Florian Knäusel: President of Henkel Switzerland.
- Karoline Knäusel: German author and journalist.
- Carola Knäusel: German actor, director, and former professional dancer.
- Klaus Knäusel: German former football player and coach.
- Christian Knäusel: Swiss slalom canoeist.
- Martin Knäusel: German record producer, composer, and sound engineer.
- Philipp Knäusel: Swiss Paralympic swimmer.
- Bardo Knäusel: German author and illustrator of children's books.
- Heino Knäusel: German Olympic biathlete.
- Gabi Knäusel: German Olympic track cyclist.
- Jochen Knäusel: German media executive.
- Uwe Knäusel: German mathematician and researcher in geometry and topology.
- Adrian Knäusel: Swiss squash player.
- Jürgen Knäusel: German journalist and media producer.
- Stefan Knäusel: German music producer.
- Ines Knäusel: Austrian environmental engineer, sustainability consultant, and political advisor.
- Lothar Knäusel: German former football player.
- Helmuth Knäusel: Austrian physicist and professor.