Surname Knisley - Meaning and Origin
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Knisley: What does the surname Knisley mean?
The surname Knisley is of German origin. It is primarily derived from the Middle High German word "kneisel" or "kneisel," which means a "small knife" or "penknife." This initially may have been an occupational name for a person who made or sold small knives or possibly a nickname for someone who carried such a weapon. Over time, the term evolved into the surname Knisley, being passed down through generations. As with many surnames, geographical distribution and linguistic changes influenced variations in spelling. It should be noted that surname meanings can be approximate since most have evolved over time into their current forms, often losing their original meanings. Different sources may also provide alternative interpretations. Given the historical migration of German peoples, this surname can be found in various countries today, maintaining its links to its cultural and linguistic roots in Germany.
Order DNA origin analysisKnisley: Where does the name Knisley come from?
The last name Knisley is a distinctive surname that is most common in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and southeastern states. The highest concentration of Knisleys is in the state of Ohio, both in the larger cities and the rural areas. A few other states where the name is found a bit more often include Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, and Kentucky.
In the US, the surname Knisley can be found throughout the country, but it is sparsely populated in California, Texas, Idaho, and Oregon. The last name likely originates from German immigrants who arrived in the US as early as the 1600s. Since then, they have spread throughout the country, although they have stayed within the midwestern and southeastern region.
The spelling of the name can vary slightly, with 'Knisley' the most popular form in the United States. However, spellings such as 'Knisely', 'Kniesley', and 'Kneisley' occur in census and other records, as well as in some cases it can be spelled as 'Kneelay', 'Kneisly', and 'Kneely'.
In recent times, the surname Knisley has been used by a few other notable artists and writers. Elizabeth Knisley is a contemporary abstract painter whose work often features bright colors, and Stephen Knisley is a former US diplomat who wrote a book about diplomatic relations in the Middle East.
Variations of the surname Knisley
Knisley is a surname of English and German origin. It is most commonly spelled Knisley, but can also be spelled as Kneisley, Kneissley, Kniesely, Kneeslee, kneisslee, and Niesley. Common alternative spellings of this surname include Knysley, Knisalys, Kneessley, Nysly, Nysley, Nycely, and Niessley.
The surname is derived from the German personal names Niclas and Nicholaus, which is composed of the elements for 'people' and 'victory.' The surname was often used as a diminutive of Nicholas. In some cases, it was likely derived from a place name, such as Knisly in the Yorkshire region of England, or the village of Neislingen, Germany.
Variants of the surname have been found in records dating back to the early fourteenth century, including a Johan Niesslin of Bavaria in 1304, a Burchardus Nyssele of Baden in 1337, and a Heinrich Onysle of Wurttemberg in 1350.
Today, the surname is particularly common in Germany, mostly located in Bavaria, Baden, and Saxony. Knisley can also be found in regions of England and the United States. In England, the surname is particularly common in Lancashire and Yorkshire. In the United States, it is common in areas with a large number of German immigrants, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Famous people with the name Knisley
- Abigail Knisley, American chef and cookbook author.
- August Knisley, American Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Brad Knisley, American co-founder of the Cascade Stables equestrian center.
- Chris Knisley, former American college football coach.
- Clyde Knisley, American professional golfer.
- David Knisley, former American college football coach.
- George Knisley, American Major League Baseball center fielder.
- Harry Knisley, American Major League Baseball pitcher.
- John Knisley, American Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Karen Knisley, American jockey.
- Maurice Knisley, American Major League Baseball third baseman.
- Ryan Knisley, American travel photographer and author.
- Will Knisley, American Major League Baseball second baseman.