Surname Knechtges - Meaning and Origin
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Knechtges: What does the surname Knechtges mean?
The last name Knechtges is of German origin and literally translates to "servant of the court." It is likely derived from Middle High German words, including the word "Knecht," which means servant, and the word "gericht," which means court. It is believed that this name was given to individuals who held roles such as court assistants, scribes, or secretaries within a state or a kingdom.
In keeping with its original meaning, the surname Knechtges has long been associated with nobility and aristocracy in Germany. During the Middle Ages, such individuals might have been employed by a local lord to keep records, draft documents or perform other such administrative tasks. Over time, the name became a common surname among German families, even those not directly associated with nobility or court work.
The Knechtges surname also has many variations, such as Knechtke, Knacht, Knech, Konbits, Gonbits, etc. Some early examples of the surname include Hannes Knechtges from the Timmele region of Germany in 1450 and Hans Croon von Knechtges, mentioned in a 1350 document.
Today, individuals with the last name Knechtges can be found in many different countries throughout Europe, with the largest concentration being in Germany.
Order DNA origin analysisKnechtges: Where does the name Knechtges come from?
The last name Knechtges is thought to have its roots in the German language and is still quite common in central Europe and parts of the United States. In Germany, it is one of the most common last names. In fact, it is estimated that more than 140,000 people currently living in Germany have the Knechtges surname.
In the United States, the last name Knechtges is most common among people of German and Dutch ancestry. It is commonly found in large metropolitan areas such as New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles. It is also found in many Midwestern states and in parts of Texas and Arizona.
In addition to the United States and Germany, the last name Knechtges is also found in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and South America. There is also a sizable population of Knechtges in various parts of South Africa.
Overall, the last name Knechtges is widely distributed around the world, in both English-speaking countries and in many continental European countries. Its global popularity is a testament to the global reach of the German language.
Variations of the surname Knechtges
Knechtges is a Germanic surname derived from the German word “Knecht”, meaning servant or laborer. The name is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages when the owners of large farms or estates would hire servants or laborers to help them with their work. The name is related to the English surname “Knight”.
Variants of the Knechtges surname include: Knechges, Knechtsges, Knechsges, Knechtgesse, Knege, Knickge, Kneckge and Knige.
Variants of the name have also been spelled differently according to dialect. For example, in the Frisian dialect, the name is spelled as Kneechtsges or Knechtsges; while in the Low German dialect, Knechge and Knickge are also commonly used.
Surnames related to Knechtges include the German-based Knight and Knaak, as well as the Dutch-based Knips and Knor.
The Knechtges surname is still common in many parts of Germany, as well as in other parts of Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the surname is increasingly rare.
Famous people with the name Knechtges
- Paul Knechtges (1919-2013): Professor Emeritus of Chinese language and literature at the University of Washington.
- John Knechtges (1921–2001): American Major General and Chief of Chaplains Emeritus of the United States Air Force.
- Timothy Knechtges (b. 1964): American diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, who served in various positions in China, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
- Richard Knechtges (1925–2011): American composer, professor emeritus of music theory at the University of Washington.
- Alfred Knechtges (1918–2005): German art historian and archaeological scholar, Prof. Dr. phil. art. hon. at the University of Bonn.
- Wally Knechtges (b. 1943): American circuit judge in the Ohio Ninth District Court of Appeals since 1991.
- Edwin Knechtges (1933–1997): American scholar of Ancient Roman history and Classical languages.
- Ernst Knechtges (1886–1972): German Jewish banker and philanthropist.