Surname Kneisl - Meaning and Origin
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Kneisl: What does the surname Kneisl mean?
The last name Kneisl is a German surname which is generally a variation of Knauss. It means “masculine” or “manly”. Kneisl is a variation of the same name, but is more common in Austria and other German speaking countries in Central Europe. The family likely originated in the Bavarian region of what is now Germany.
The surname Kneisl is derived from the Old High German “kneaz”, which translates to “powerful man”, or “swordsman”. This surname was originally adopted by noble families who held a high social rank. The name also reflects the bravery and skill of its bearers, as well as the value they put on strength and honor.
Some more modern variants of the Kneisl surname include Kneisel, Kniesel, Kneisler, and Knissel. These variations all have the same noble origins and generally still carry the same meaning.
Today, there are many people who bear the Kneisl name in different countries. Although the name may not be as prominent as it once was, it is still very much alive and in use. With its history of bravery and honor, Kneisl is certainly a last name to be proud to carry.
Order DNA origin analysisKneisl: Where does the name Kneisl come from?
The last name Kneisl is most commonly associated with the German-speaking region of Europe today. In particular, it is particularly common in the countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Kneisl is an occupational name which was originally derived from the Middle High German word "kneistel" or "knistel" which meant "stone mason," as well as a variant of the term “knecht” which means “servant.” The surname was more popular in areas where the need for skilled stone masons was greater, such as the mountain regions of Austria and Switzerland. Over time, the surname spread, and it can now be found in other European countries, as well as in the United States.
In Germany, the surname is quite common in Bavaria and Baden-Württemburg and is recorded in the Ausführliches Ortsfamilienbuch (AOF) family book related to those regions. Similarly, in Austria, the name is most frequently found in Lower Austria, Styria, and Upper Austria in the AOF for those regions.
According to the 2020 US Census, Kneisl is the 6,221st most common surname in the United States. It is slightly more common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with the 2020 German Census reporting it as the 11,837th most common last name in Germany, the 5,417th most common surname in Austria, and the 1,274th most common surname in Switzerland.
Variations of the surname Kneisl
Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kneisl can include any of the following versions: Knössl, Knöss, Knössli, Knösle, Knösser, Knösler, Kneisel, Kneissl, Kneissler, Kneissle, Kneissler, Kneissle, and Kneisser.The surname Kneisl is an old German name. The root of this surname is a combination of two elements, “Kn” and “eisl” and it means “knife” or “dagger”. This name was likely given to a blacksmith or sword maker. It is also possible that this surname was given to a warrior or a soldier, as it is quite descriptive of their profession.
The surname Kneisl can also be found in other German speaking countries such as Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, as well as some countries in Eastern Europe. It can also be found in other countries such as England, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the United States.
In some countries, different spellings can be used to refer to the same surname. In this case, alternate spellings of Kneisl can include Knössli, Knösser, Kneisel, Kneissl, Kneissler, Kneissle, and Kneisser.
The Kneisl surname is also known to be used by other surnames. A few variations of other surnames of the same origin include Knauss, Knaußer, Knauf, Knauffer, Knaut, Knauth, Knoepfel, Knöfler, Knösser, Knössel, and Knötel.
Overall, the surname Kneisl and its variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin appear to be quite common and it can be found in many different countries and regions.
Famous people with the name Kneisl
- Jan Kneisl (1910: 1996): A Czech poet, journalist and translator of Russian literature.
- Gerhard Kneisl (1922: 2009): An Austrian-born American composer and music educator. 3.John Kneisl (1886: 1959): An Austrian architect who was important in the building of modern Vienna.
- Stephen Kneisl (1852: 1924): An Austrian-American Jesuit theologian.
- Maria Kneisl (1908: 2003): An Austrian-American opera singer.
- Karl Kneisl (1945: 1995): An Austrian sculptor.
- Julius Kneisl (1832: 1901): An Austrian painter.
- Adolf Kneisl (1851: 1923): An Austrian cabaret performer and actor.
- Jonathan Kneisl (1965: Present): An American musician.
- David Kneisl (1918: 2003): An Austrian-born American painter.
- Andreas Kneisl (1927: Present): An American industrial designer.
- Erich Kneisl (1871: 1933): An Austrian politician and Außerordentlicher Professor, attending and speaking at the International Conferences for Peace in the West.
- Leopold Kneisl (1854: 1914): An Austrian civil engineer who worked on a variety of international projects.
- Maximillian Kneisl (1909: 1993): An Austrian-born immigration judge in the United States.
- Erwin Kneisl (1928: 2011): An Austrian professional football player.
- Doris Kneisl (1933: 2014): An Austrian-American actor, noted for her performances in television and off-Broadway plays.
- Reinhold Kneisl (1907: 2000): An Austrian author, journalist and film producer.