Surname Knoechel - Meaning and Origin

Knoechel: What does the surname Knoechel mean?

The last name Knoechel is believed to be of German and/or Dutch origin and means “head of a small shop.” Scholars have found that this surname is derived from the German word “Knochel,” which meant “tool,” or “utensil.” Similarly, in Dutch, it is believed to have derived from the Dutch word “Knochel,” which meant “tool.” The surname could also have been derived from the Dutch word “Kneksen,” which meant “owner of a small shop” or “shopkeeper.”

For many generations, Knoechel descendants have spread all throughout Germany and the Netherlands. Therefore, it is believed that families who originated from either of these two countries are likely to have the last name.

Knoechel is considered to be one of the more rare surnames in both Germany and the Netherlands. Therefore, for those who are fortunate enough to bear this name, it is likely to be special and meaningful. It not only symbolizes the life and journey of an ancestor, but also signifies the ancient craft that is now slowly fading away in this modern world.

Knoechel: Where does the name Knoechel come from?

The last name Knoechel is most common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. According to the World Names public database, the surname has an estimated 4,594 occurrences in those countries combined. It is relatively uncommon elsewhere.

In Germany, Knoechel is estimated to have 1,641 occurrences, making it the 918th-most common name in the country. In Austria, the surname is estimated to have 1,890 occurrences, making it the 246th-most common surname in the country. In Switzerland it is estimated to have 1,063 occurrences, making it the 848th-most common surname in the country.

The name is common enough in Germany that there are several villages where the surname is especially plentiful. For instance, in Nordrhein-Westfalen, there are about 127 people per km2 with the surname Knoechel. In Bavaria, the surname is most populous in Woerth an der Isar, where roughly 21 people per km2 bear the surname.

The surname originated in the early Middle Ages as German and Swiss variants of a Dutch patronymic surname from the given name Knoet. The given name Knoet is likely a Germanic form of the name Nicholas.

Today, although much less common, the surname is still found throughout Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

Variations of the surname Knoechel

The surname Knoechel is a German name, originating from the words "Knöchel," which mean "ankle," and is derived from the lower-German word "Knoch," which means knee, suggesting an ancestor with a reputation for having strong lower limbs. It can be found spelled variously as Knoechel, Knöchel, Knochel, Knoechl, Knöchl, Knoechlein, Knoechelmann, and Knoechler.

In the United States, it generally appears as Knoechel, while in Germany and other German-speaking countries such as Austria or Switzerland, it predominantly appears as Knöchel. The name Knoechel is a spelling variation of other surnames as well; for example, Knochel and Knoechelmann are likely derived from the same root, with Knoechelmann being a patronymic form, indicating a relationship to someone named Knoechel (son of Knoechel).

Knodel is another variant of the same root, and is found in some locations in Germany. As a patronymic, it is found as Knodell (son of Knodel) or Knödell (son of Knodel). In Germany, the Knoechel form of the name is often spelled as Knoechele, and in Switzerland, it is often found spelled as Knoecexpress-express-hleaf, with the last part being an old spelling habit of the Swiss for -l, the vocalof the word.

Outside of Germany and Switzerland, the most common spelling of the surname tends to be Knoechel, in areas such as the United States and Canada, as well as in Hungary, Slovakia, and The Netherlands.

Most of these variants of the same root are found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the United States. Other German-based countries, such as Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and The Netherlands, have seen other variants of this surname, though not all are found in these areas.

Famous people with the name Knoechel

• Herman Knoechel: Herman Knoechel is a German theologian, philosopher, pastor, and professor. He is best known for his work in theology and ethics.
• Carol Knoechel: Carol Knoechel is an emerita professor of psychology at Duke University.
• Liam Knoechel: Liam Knoechel is a modern artist based in Berlin. He is known for his large-scale sculptures and public installations.
• Paul Knoechel: Paul Knoechel is an American composer and multi-instrumentalist. He specializes in composing epic, melodic tunes that blend classical, jazz, and contemporary styles.
• Robert Knoechel: Robert Knoechel is a Swedish journalist and writer. He is best known for his work in Sweden and the USA, where he is a permanent contributor to the New York Times.
• Alexander Knoechel: Alexander Knoechel is a German physicist and professor at the University of Dortmund. He is best known for his work in quantum mechanics.
• Marc Knoechel: Marc Knoechel is a German architect and professor at the Technical University of Munich. He specializes in energy-efficient buildings and urban planning.
• Charlotte Knoechel: Charlotte Knoechel is a German architect and professor at the University of Stuttgart. She is known for her modern designs in urban architecture.
• Katarina Knoechel: Katarina Knoechel is a Swedish fashion designer and entrepreneur. She is known for her eclectic, bold designs and her commitment to sustainable fashion practices.
• Mathias Knoechel: Mathias Knoechel is a German politician. He is a member of the Green Party and is currently a member of the Bundestag.

Other surnames

Knoechelmann