Surname Knoepfle - Meaning and Origin

Knoepfle: What does the surname Knoepfle mean?

The surname Knoepfle is of German origin, and loosely translates to ‘Knuckle’ or ‘Knot’. It is likely derived from a noun meaning a small lump or knot found on the leaves, stems, or roots of certain plants. It is not a particularly common name, but is found primarily in Germany and in the United States.

The earliest known record of the name is in the mid fifteenth century in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, from a man named Barkhausen Knoepfle. In the century since then, the surname has spread relatively-minimally with few Knoepfles found outside of Germany and the United States.

Etymologically, the name is likely derived from the recognisable English words ‘knuckle’ and ‘knot’ and is therefore simple to pronounce and spell.

This simple surname carries with it an interesting origin story and could be proud for any of its holders. It is not found widely, and those with this name may benefit from its uniqueness, recognisability and the interesting story that goes with it.

With a symbolism inspired by nature, the last name Knoepfle is interesting and mysterious. Trees, plants and nature as a whole can be powerful symbols of strength and longevity, which is fitting for any bearer of this surname.

Knoepfle: Where does the name Knoepfle come from?

The last name Knoepfle is most commonly found in the United States and Germany. According to the US Census of 2000, the last name Knoepfle was most prevalent in the Midwest, with the highest concentrations in Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin. In Germany, the last name has a much longer history, first appearing as early as the 13th century in Bavaria.

In the US, the last name Knoepfle is mainly concentrated in Ohio, with holdings in many other midwestern states throughout the Great Lakes region, and can also be found in Missouri, North Carolina, and Virginia. The name has a strong presence in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton, Ohio, along with Toledo, Ohio. In Indiana, Knoepfle can be found in the largest cities of Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and South Bend.

In Germany, the last name is found in Bavaria as both Knöpfle and Knöpfl, and is also common in Hamburg, Frankfurt, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Knöpfl and Knöpfle are more commonly found in Austria. As part of the European Union, Knoepfle can also be found in European Union countries that have opened their borders with Germany, such as France, Netherlands, and Denmark.

Overall, the last name Knoepfle is somewhat common throughout the United States and Germany, however its prevalence is much more concentrated in the Midwest.

Variations of the surname Knoepfle

Knoepfle is a uncommon German surname which is derived from the Lower Saxon word ‘knöpflei’, which means ‘small button’. It is more likely to be found in northern Germany and Austria. This surname has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin which include Knöpfler, Köpfle, Knöpfel, Knopfel, Knopfler, Knopfle, Knopfler, Knoopfler, Knopfl, Knöpfelner, Knoopfl, Kniefl, Knuffel, Knoefel, Knofle, Knoepfler, Knoppfler, Knopffler, Kneppfler, Knefel, Knoppfle, Knuefel, Knoppel, Knapper, Knueppel, Knopfling, and Knoepffel.

The variants and surnames of Knoepfl can be further expanded to non-German origins. This includes Dutch variants such as Knopen, Knopel, Knoppen, Knuppel, Knoeffel, Knoffel, Knipfel, Knippel, Knoeppel, and Kneppel. Other spellings with similar origins include Knapfel, Knaphle, Knaffel, Knoffle, and Knofl.

The anglicized versions of Knoepfle include Knepfle, Nipfle, Knipple, Nipple, Knepfel, Knappfel, and Knapfel. The French variants of the name include Knouffel, Kneuvel, Knouffelle, and Knouffle. The Italian variant is Knoffel, and in Russia, the name is known as Knopol or Knopel.

Altogether, there are many spellings and origins of the same surname, Knoepfle. Most of the variations determine the personality, origin, markets, and ethnicity of an individual bearing the particular name.

Famous people with the name Knoepfle

• Michelle Knoepfle: Michelle Knoepfle is an acclaimed American television actress known for her appearances on ABC Family’s The Fosters.
• Teresa Knoepfle: Teresa Knoepfle is a celebrated dancer, actress, and artist. She’s also an alumna of the prestigious Juilliard School of Music.
• Bill Knoepfle: Bill Knoepfle is an award-winning American singer, songwriter, and performer. He’s been in the music industry since the late 1970s.
• Ross Knoepfle: Ross Knoepfle is an esteemed Canadian businessman who served as the President and CEO of Archer Daniels Midland Canada for 12 years.
• Ryan Knoepfle: Ryan Knoepfle is a renowned American athlete and entrepreneur. He's the founder and CEO of a successful tech startup.
• Gregory Knoepfle: Gregory Knoepfle is a renowned American entrepreneur and investor. He's the founder and CEO of multiple multi-million dollar companies.
• Charles Knoepfle: Charles Knoepfle is a celebrated American businessman and philanthropist. He's the founder and president of a successful real estate development firm.
• Joe Knoepfle: Joe Knoepfle is an acclaimed American football player. He's been playing in the NFL since the mid-2000s.
• Robert Knoepfle: Robert Knoepfle is an accomplished American author and journalist. He's most famous for his series of books on cooking and entertaining.
• Maria Knoepfle: Maria Knoepfle is an esteemed Swiss biologist who made pioneering contributions to the field of ecology. She's best known for her work on the effects of habitat alteration.

Other surnames

KaackKaacksteenKaadenKaajavaKaakKaakschliefKaardinKaardinenKaartinenKaavaKabacoffKabacovKabakKabakciKabakoffKabakovKabakowKabasakalKabeKabelKäbelKabellKabenKäberKäberichKäberleinKäbermannKabernagelKabesKabina