Surname Knussli - Meaning and Origin
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Knussli: What does the surname Knussli mean?
Knussli is a surname of Swiss German origin. Like many European surnames, its meaning can be traced back to a specific occupation or a geographical location. However, specific meaning of the surname Knussli is not well-documented or widely known. It's worth noting that in Swiss German, "Knussli" is a diminutive form which can be roughly translated as 'little knot' or 'little nut'. Still, without a comprehensive study or expert knowledge, the precise meaning or origin of the name remains uncertain. Remember, tracing the origins of a surname can be complex due to migration, changes in language and spelling over centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisKnussli: Where does the name Knussli come from?
The last name Knußli is commonly found in Germany and other Germanic-speaking countries such as Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The last name was likely derived from a personal name, such as Knut or Knud, which was derived from the Old Norse knútr, meaning knot.
Within Germany, the most populous areas with the Knußli surname are the north-western states of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. The former has the highest concentration of Knußlis, with around 650 people bearing the name. The census of 2019-2020 found that the largest cities in Lower Saxony with Knußlis were Bremen, Hanover, and Oldenburg.
The Knußli name is less common outside of Germany, with no more than 25 individuals bearing the name in the U.S., Canada, and the UK combined. Indeed, the surname does appear to be much more concentrated within Germany.
Ultimately, the last name Knußli is a relatively uncommon last name, especially in countries outside of Germanic speaking regions. Despite this, there are some individuals with the surname in Europe and North America.
Variations of the surname Knussli
Variants of Knussli include Knusli, Knaussli, Knasele, Knesli, Knasli, Knuselia, and Kneeceli. Many of these originate from the German form of the name, Knusli. This common variation of the surname is believed to have originated in the town of Nussli in Baden, Germany; it is thought to have been derived from “Kunz”, an old version of the name ‘Konrad’. As such, the name is most likely of Germanic origin.
In Austria, spellings of the name include Knaussli, Kneesli, and Kneeshl. Many of these variants are associated with the various dialects of German spoken in Austria at the time.
In Scandinavia, Knussli is often spelled with a ‘K’ instead of a ‘C’, as in Knasli and Knasele. In Switzerland, the most common spelling is Knusli or Knesli.
In the United States, the surname is found under a variety of variants, including Knulle and Kneceli. These are likely derived from less common spellings of the name in Europe, including the Swiss spelling of Knusle and the Austrian spelling of Kneesli. Some variants, such as Knudson, may even have undergone a slight change in the spelling due to immigration.
The surname also has many variants in other cultures. In Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, the name is sometimes seen as Knesel or Knichel, and in French, it appears as Knusel or Knezel.
Variations of the same surname are often found in different countries, with the spelling changing due to immigration, dialects, or even local customs. The many variants of Knussli serve as a reminder of this diversity.
Famous people with the name Knussli
- John Knussli, former Princeton University basketball player and professional in Europe.
- Marcus Knussli, Swiss race car driver and rally car driver.
- Sarah Knussli, Swiss alpine skier and professional snowboarder.
- Anna Knussli, Swiss ski mountaineer and mountain climber.
- Arnold Knussli, Swiss photographer and photojournalist.
- Adam Knussli, Swiss Army veteran and organizer of Europe’s largest outdoor music festival.
- Nicholas Knussli, Swiss world champion ski jumper.
- Claudia Knussli, well-known Swiss lawyer and activist.
- Paul Knussli, Swiss professional footballers and sports commentator.
- Claiborn Knussli, prominent Swiss businessman and entrepreneur.