Surname Knütter - Meaning and Origin

Knütter: What does the surname Knütter mean?

The last name Knütter is of German origin and is thought to have been derived from the Middle High German term "knütteren," meaning “to knot.” The name evolved from a trade, and was likely assigned to those who worked with knotting material or created items related to knotting.

Throughout history, knotwork has been a popular form of decoration that spans many different beliefs and cultures. Ancient Egyptians used knot patterns for decorative purposes, and their complex knot designs have been found in intricate jewelry and art objects. The Celts and the Norse have also used knot patterns in religious and cultural contexts.

In the Art Nouveau period of the late 19th century, Art Nouveau designers found inspiration in many of the Celtic knot designs. They used these patterns to create unique, textured designs on jewelry, textiles, wallpaper, and architectural elements. Many people took up the craft of knotting and used it in their jobs.

The surnames Knütter and similar names such as Knuthen, Knuttel, and Knutter likely reflect the profession of knotting and weaving, suggesting that the people bearing them were involved in either creating intricate items made of knotting material or creating items related to knotting. Today, people bearing these last names might continue in a similar profession, or simply enjoy the artistic beauty of knotwork.

Knütter: Where does the name Knütter come from?

The last name Knütter is especially common in German-speaking countries, especially in the western and central regions of Germany. It is thought to have originated in the Netherlands and it is also seen in both Scandinavian and Baltic countries, most notably Estonia. Furthermore, this surname is seen in the United States, Australia and Canada amongst families with a German or Dutch heritage.

In Germany, the name Knütter ranks as the 48th most common surname out of a total of 346, 362 last names included in the 2016 census. In the Netherlands, this name is the 456th most common surname, with over 7,000 people living there reporting it as their last name. In Australia it is the approximately 1,137th most common surname, with almost 15,000 people claiming it as their own. It does not appear in the top 1,000 most common surnames in either the United States or Canada, and in both countries is seen as being a relatively rare surname.

Overall, the last name Knütter is most prevalent in German-speaking countries, the Netherlands and Scandinavian and Baltic countries such as Sweden and Estonia. In other countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, it is seen as being more of a rare surname.

Variations of the surname Knütter

The surname Knütter has many variants and spellings, including Knuttner, Knutter, Knutner, Knuetter, Knuefer, Knuchel, and Knupon. Other surnames with the same origin are Knüpmann, Knipp, Knepp, Knepper, Knuepfer, Knuppen, Knipfer, Knaebel, and Knippel.

In Germany, the surname primarily comes from southern parts of the country, particularly the states of Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Baden-Württemberg. The original spelling of the name in German is “Knutter”, although it has taken on many variations due to the different regional accents.

Although Knütter is the most well-known spelling, this form of the surname became relatively widespread due to migration within Europe. The spelling variations become more diverse as the family spread throughout the world. For example, in the Netherlands the spelling is now usually “Knüpmann”, and in Switzerland it is mostly “Knuchel”.

Notable people with the surname Knütter include Philipp Knütter, a German classical pianist, and Arnold Knütter, a Dutch football player.

Overall, Knütter and it's many variants, spellings, and surnames are a testament to the ways in which surnames have evolved and spread as people have migrated and changed their names through the ages.

Famous people with the name Knütter

• Margareta Knütter, a Swedish singer.
• Hartmut Knütter, a German actor.
• Lena Knütter, a German model.
• Volker Knütter, a German politician.
• Helene Knütter-Köhne, a German artist.
• Tobias Knütter, a German composer.
• Cornelius Knütter, a German sculptor.
• Uwe Knütter, a German musician.
• Boris Knütter, a Swiss artist.
• Jan-Phillip Knütter, a German actor.
• Fanny Knütter, a Swedish artist.
• Jochen Knütter, a German journalist.
• Markus Knütter, a German author.
• Christa Knütter, a German author.
• Toni Knütter, a German cyclist.
• Felix Knütter, a German conductor.
• Joel Knütter, a Swedish actor and director.
• Julian Knütter, a German basketball player.
• Herbert Knütter, a German theologian.
• Michael Knütter, a German cryptographer.

Other surnames

Knuttel