Surname Kneisley - Meaning and Origin

Kneisley: What does the surname Kneisley mean?

The surname Kneisley is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "knusel," which means "knot" or "node." This name was typically given to individuals who were either engaged in trade or work that involved thread or yarn, making it an occupational surname. It is most common among individuals of German descent but can be found in various parts of the world due to migration. Like many surnames, the spelling has numerous variations including Kneisel, Kneusel, Knisel, and Knusel among others. Despite its German origins, the surname is quite rare in Germany today and is more commonly found in the United States. With its occupational origin, the name Kneisley typically represents a lineage of skilled tradesmen.

Kneisley: Where does the name Kneisley come from?

The last name Kneisley is primarily German and is an occupational surname derived from the word ‘knecht’ which means ‘servant’ or ‘hired hand’. This surname is found primarily in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It can also be found in the United States, where many Kneisleys migrated in the 19th century.

For Americans with the last name Kneisley, the surname is typically found in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. Kneisley family history records record a large number of individuals from the states of Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania who immigrated to the United States between the years 1810 and 1830. These individuals are believed to have come from Germany, along with countless other immigrants during that time period.

Kneisley dispersal is one of the most recorded in the United States. Large numbers of Kneisleys have migrated to other parts of the US, including to the South and West. This dispersal allows the surname Kneisley to be found in many parts of the country with no set pattern of regional prevalence.

Today, the last name Kneisley is still prominent in many parts of the world. Due its German origin, Kneisleys can be found primarily in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Additionally, the United States remains one of the most densely populated Kneisley countries due to immigration in the 19th century. Thus, Kneisley is a surname familiar in multiple countries and regions around the world.

Variations of the surname Kneisley

The surname Kneisley has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are spelled Kneisly, Kneesly, and Knesley.

Kneisly is the most closely related variant of the surname Kneisley, with both surnames deriving from the Old English for ‘knight in service.’ This variant is common in both the United States and the United Kingdom. In the United States, it is principally found in the Midwestern states of Ohio, Indiana, and Kansas.

Kneesly is another variant of the surname Kneisley, and is likely derived from the Middle English word ‘knesinge’, which was a term used for someone who provided physical labor. It is common mainly in the United States and is primarily found in the states of Kentucky, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

Knesley is likely derived from the Old English ‘cniht’ or ‘cnite’, which are both terms referring to a ‘man-at-arms’ or a ‘knight’. It is a relatively uncommon surname, and is mainly found in the United States, with some families having emigrated from the United Kingdom to the United States.

Other surnames of the same origin as Kneisley include Knepp, Knight, Knite, and Knecht. Knepp is the German form and is common throughout Europe, and Knight is obviously the English form, as is Knite and Knecht, which is derived from the German word for ‘servant’.

Famous people with the name Kneisley

• Christine Kneisley, American voice actress
• Kurt Kneisley, American former NCAA track and field athlete
• Brad Kneisley, American former professional football player
• Donald Kneisley, American former professional baseball player
• Jack Kneisley, former English runner
• Terry Kneisley, American former player/coach in the Arena Football League
• Beverly Kneisley, former American slalom canoeist
• Chris Kneisley, American former professional football player
• Lorrie Kneisley, American former professional basketball player
• John Kneisley III, American former professional baseball player
• Richie Kneisley, American indoor soccer player

Other surnames

KneislKneisleKneisleiKneislieKneisly