Surname Kneissle - Meaning and Origin

Kneissle: What does the surname Kneissle mean?

The last name Kneissle does not have a specific meaning that can be directly translated, as it falls under the category of surnames that are derived from personal names, places, professions, or descriptive terms. This is typically the case with many Germanic, Slavic, or European surnames. The name Kneissl or Kneissle could possibly be a geographical surname originating from a place-name. One such area is a small town named Kneisl in Germany. However, without a concrete and detailed genealogical mapping, it is difficult to specify the exact historical inception or meaning of the name Kneissle. Like many surnames, Kneissle could have undergone various alterations throughout generations, leaving its original meaning somewhat obscured. Therefore, any direct or literal interpretation could be misleading or speculative. It is always worthwhile digging into specific family histories to understand the origins of surnames better.

Kneissle: Where does the name Kneissle come from?

The last name Kneissle is believed to have its origin in Germany. It is a very rare name that is spread out across the world. Today, the most common places where the name Kneissle can be found are in the United States, Canada, England, France, Austria, and Germany.

In the United States, the highest concentration of the name Kneissle is near the Midwest and Northeast regions, especially in the states of Ohio and Wisconsin. The Kneissle family largely comes from German ancestry and many of these families eventually moved from Germany in the 1800s and early 1900s.

In Canada, the highest concentration of Kneissles can be found in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. The Spanish ancestry of the Canad ian Kneissles is found in the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick, having arrived via Europe during the colonial period.

In England, the Kneissles are sparser and found mostly in Greater London and the Midlands.

In France, the Kneissles mostly come from Alsace, having come during the Napoleonic period, or when the area was taken by Prussia during the Franco-Prussian War.

In Austria, many Kneissles still live in the area they originally emigrated from - Bavaria.

Lastly, in Germany the Kneissles are still frequent in Bavaria, as well as in Lower Saxony, Baden-Wurttemberg, and North Rhine-Westphalia.

Variations of the surname Kneissle

The spelling of the surname Kneissle is sometimes also seen as Kneisel, Kneissel, Knezl and Knezle. The Kneissle surname also has a few variants which are Knößle and Knössle.

The surname Kneissle is believed to have come from the old Germanic Weinsel which means "little wine," or "wine seller." The surname is believed to have originated from a profession, which was a person who was involved with the sale and trading of wines.

Kneissle was also used as a nickname for people of a cheerful disposition. The surname Kneissle could also have been given to someone who would have worked in a wine-cellar.

Due to the surname being derived from a profession, the surname likely spread to many countries in Europe. It’s believed the surname Kneissle was also popular in Switzerland, Austria and Germany. It’s also believed it spread to several areas in the U.S., such as New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Therefore, it’s possible that other variants of the surname Kneissle may have developed in these countries as well.

In some cases, the surname Kneissle may have been changed at Ellis Island to Kneisel, Knezle or Knezl when immigrants of European descent arrived in the U.S. The surname could also have been phonetically spelled as Kneissel.

Today, people who carry the surname Kneissle can be found all over the world. In some cases, maybe even with other variants of the surname, such as Kneisel, Kneissel, Knezl and Knezle.

Famous people with the name Kneissle

• Patrick Kneissle: American actor, producer, stuntman, and martial artist.
• Mark Kneissle: former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League from 1981 to 1991.
• Hanna Kneissle: German actress and voice actress.
• Paul Kneissl: Austrian skier who competed at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck.
• Demetrius Kneissl: Swiss Freestyle skiathlete who won bronze at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.
• Stephen Kneissle: American professional basketball player who played for several teams in the National Basketball Association from 1978 to 1989.
• Gebhard Kneissl: Austrian composer and conductor.
• Manfred Kneissl: Austrian sculptor, illustrator and graphic artist.
• Richard Kneissle: Austrian military officer who served as Chief of the General Staff from 1895 to 1903.
• Gustav Kneissl: Austrian painter and graphic artist of the Realist school.

Other surnames

KneisselKneissl