Surname Kneib - Meaning and Origin
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Kneib: What does the surname Kneib mean?
The last name Kneib is an occupational surname of German and Swiss-German origin. It derived from the Old German word "kneipa", which means "an innkeeper or tavern keeper". The ancient German "kneipa" would have likely denoted someone who kept a rest stop or inn, or even a tavern, along a major thoroughfare. In the Middle Ages, inns were extremely important for both merchants and travelers as a place of rest, relaxation, refreshment, and entertainment.
The Kneib family name may have also been adopted by individuals who worked in breweries or beer halls; however the exact dates of origin of the name remain unknown.
In ancient times, the Kneib surname perhaps denoted an active and successful member of the local community. Not only did Kneib's provide a necessary service to travelers who were passing through town, but likely helped to lead festivals and tavern parties, as well as playing an important role in the local economic system. Today, the last name Kneib is still found among many families of German and Swiss-German descent.
Overall, the Kneib last name is quite unique and lends a sense of history to its bearer, signifying an individual from a family with a reputation rooted in hospitality and craftmanship.
Order DNA origin analysisKneib: Where does the name Kneib come from?
The last name Kneib (or sometimes spelled Kneipp or Kneeb) is a German surname that originated from the Franconian region in Germany. It is most common in Canada, the United States, and Switzerland, along with large populations in Germany and Brazil.
In Canada, Kneib is mostly found in the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta. The name is derived from the German "Knabis", which was an occupational surname for someone who was a "knight".
In the United States, the name Kneib is found predominantly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California. German immigrants who settled in the U.S. brought the name with them when they arrived, and it has since spread and become more common in other states.
In Switzerland, the Kneib family name is most popular in the canton of Basel-Landschaft, where it was a native phonetic variant of the German knight's name and eventually adopted by other areas. Today, the name is found in Zurich, Bern, and other cantons as well.
In Germany, 42 people with the last name Kneib were documented in 2017, making it more of a rarity compared to other countries. The name is especially prevalent in North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate.
Due to its German roots, the last name Kneib is widespread across the world, but is still relatively uncommon in comparison to other German surnames. As new immigrants take on the Kneib name, its geographical distribution will likely change in the future.
Variations of the surname Kneib
The surname Kneib is derived from the German-Swiss origin, and is a variation of the surnames Knaebel and Knebel. Kneib is most commonly found to be used in reference to Germanic- or Swiss-speaking peoples, and most commonly in modern day Switzerland.
Knaebel is a variation of Kneib that can be traced back as far as the 13th century. It has more recently been found to be commonly used in parts of France, Germany and Switzerland. Knaebel and Kneib are often used interchangeably between speakers of German and Swiss language.
Knebel is another variation of the surname Kneib that is commonly found in Swiss and German music circles. It is may also be used as a variation of the name in some parts of the United States and Canada.
The spelling of the surname Kneib can also vary depending on the spoken language of the family. The variations can include Knieb, Kniebel, Kneebel, and Knehbel.
As a surname, Kneib may also be spelled differently when written in other languages, such as Knuib in Dutch and Knep in Swedish. Additionally, the same surname may have multiple spelling and may be spelled differently depending on the country in which the family is based, such as Knyb in Ukraine and Kníž in Czech Republic.
Famous people with the name Kneib
- Jason Kneib, lawyer and founder of Kneib Law
- Christian Kneib, German political scientist
- Ben Kneib, professional golfer
- Audrina Kneib, soap opera actress
- Joe Kneib, chef
- Laura Kneib, Olympic weightlifter
- Matt Kneib, Major League Baseball outfielder and coach
- Erin Kneib, former professional softball player
- Adam Kneib, professional football player
- Brad Kneib, Major League Baseball pitcher