Surname Knauß - Meaning and Origin
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Knauß: What does the surname Knauß mean?
The last name Knauß can be traced back to the region of Germany, in particular the area around the city of Stuttgart. It is a name of German origin and is sometimes spelled ‘Knauf’.
The name likely refers to a profession and is likely derived from the Middle High German word ‘Knopf’ meaning button maker. This is consistent with the common practice of using professions as a basis when naming people, and of the geographic region of southern Germany for this particular name.
The name can also be traced back to a Latin word, ‘knottum’, which was used to mean a knob or lump. This could refer to either the physical button or the button-maker itself. Again, this origin also indicates the southern German region as its likely roots.
In modern terms, the Knauß family are likely individuals with German heritage or those from Germany itself. They are likely proud of their history and their heritage and they may have a strong sense of family or community. This could account for the high occurrence of the name in Southern Germany.
Regardless of the origin, the Knauß family is a strong and proud name. Of German origin, some may still have a deep connection to their roots and seek to pass that pride on through future generations.
Order DNA origin analysisKnauß: Where does the name Knauß come from?
The last name Knauß is a German language surname. It is most common today in the northeastern states of Germany, especially in the states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt. It is also found in the German states of Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin, and Brandenburg. Since the end of World War II, the last name Knauß has also been present in the countries of Poland, Denmark, Italy, France, and the United States. In the United States, the last name is most frequently found in the states of Pennsylvania, Florida, and California.
The origin of the last name Knauß is most likely to have come from an occupational name for a van painter or a servant of a knight. The name can also be spelled Knauf or Knaus. Variations of the name have been noted in the records of sirnames in Germany dating back to the 1500s. The first instance of the name was recorded in 1595 and the name has mostly been used in Germany since then.
The meaning of the word Knauß translates to 'firm' or 'resolute'. The name may have been derived from Southern German dialects, or it could be a variation of the German word knöcus which means 'briskness of spirit'. Today the name is mostly used in Germany and its various occupied territories, as well as in the United States.
Variations of the surname Knauß
Knauß is a German surname that has a wide variety of variations, spellings, and alternate surnames. The most common spelling of the surname is Knauß or Knauf. These are often abbreviated Kn. or Knf. respectively. There are also numerous other variants, including Knaupp, Knauff, Nauß, Naußer, Nauss, Nausser, Knotz, Knoth, Knöffel, Knüppel, and Knopp. All of these variations stem from the original spelling of the surname.
Another variation is the spelling Naus, which is quite common in some parts of Germany, especially in Bavaria and Austria. This is often abbreviated Na., and many spelling variants of Naus exist, such as Nauss, Nauser, Nausch, Nauscher, Nausche, Noos, Naumke, Neusch, and Neusser.
In some parts of Germany, Knauß surnames can also take the form of Knöppler, Kneul, Kniehl, Knaus, Knauss, Knausser, or Knasel.
The spelling of the surname varies widely between regions and countries. It is also not uncommon to see the surname translated into English with alternative spellings such as Knouse, Knus, Kneuss, Knibs, Knawes, and Knaws.
Finally, Knauß is a surname that can be found all around the world. There are many derivatives and immigrant variations of the name, including Nauss in the United States, Naus in Canada, Knaus in Australia, and Knauss in South America. All of these are variations on the original German surname.
Famous people with the name Knauß
- Gerd Knauß: German actor known for roles in films such as Die Mörder sind unter uns and Trifters.
- Karl Knauß: former U.S. Olympic fencer who competed in the 1952 and 1956 Summer Games.
- Johannes Knauß: Austrian painter of the Baroque period.
- Petra Knauß: German journalist and former Miss Germany 1990.
- Paul Knauß: Austrian writer and poet known for his works Kahlenberg and Der schwarze Schwan.
- Karl Knauß: Austrian composer and conductor who wrote operas, symphonies, and cantatas.
- Anton Knauß: Austrian-American violinist who was founding conductor of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Harald Knauß: German football manager and former player who made over 400 appearances for Hamburger SV.
- Gunnar Knauß: German photographer, professor, and recognized expert on digital photography.
- Marko Knauß: Austrian comedy actor known for his role in Tatort Stuttgart.