The last name "Knapp" has its origin in Germany. It comes from the Middle High German word "knapp" which means "a boy" or "servant." Originally, it was used as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a servant or page in a noble household. Over time, this surname spread to other German-speaking regions as well as to English-speaking countries through emigration and migration. Therefore, if you encounter the last name "Knapp," it is most likely of German origin.
The ethnic identity associated with the surname "Knapp" also saw some changes between 2000 and 2010 according to the Decennial U.S. Census data. The largest group, those identifying as White, decreased slightly from 95.90% to 94.71%. Meanwhile, the second-largest increase was seen among individuals who identified as Hispanic, with a rise of 49.34%, albeit they still comprised just 2.27% of all Knapps in 2010. Individuals identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander also saw a significant increase of 64.10%, even though their overall share remained low at 0.64%. Those identifying with two or more races saw a modest growth of 19.30%, reaching 1.36%. The proportion of individuals identifying as Black underwent a small increase of 5.45%, making up 0.58% of the total. Lastly, the proportion of American Indian and Alaskan Natives decreased by -12.00% to 0.44%.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 95.9% | 94.71% | -1.24% |
| Hispanic | 1.52% | 2.27% | 49.34% |
| Two or More Races | 1.14% | 1.36% | 19.3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.39% | 0.64% | 64.1% |
| Black | 0.55% | 0.58% | 5.45% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0.5% | 0.44% | -12% |
NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Knapp is British & Irish, which comprises 45.6% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (30.7%) and Eastern European (6.1%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Italian, Spanish & Portuguese, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Indigenous American.
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| ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN | COMPOSITION |
|---|---|
| British & Irish | 45.6% |
| French & German | 30.7% |
| Eastern European | 6.1% |
| Other | 17.6% |
Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.
The surname Knapp has German and English origins. In German, the word "Knapp" means a servant or a laborer, indicating that the name may have originally been given to someone who worked as a servant or laborer. Alternatively, the name could have also been derived from the Middle Low German word "knappen" meaning a young noble or squire, referring to someone of a higher social rank. In English, the meaning of the surname Knapp is slightly different, referring to someone who lived near a hillock or a small hill. This English meaning suggests that the name may have been used as a topographic name to describe the location of where the individual or their ancestors resided. Over time, the surname Knapp has spread to various English-speaking countries, making it relatively common today.
The last name "Knapp" is primarily concentrated in Germany and its neighboring countries. In Germany, it is a relatively common surname that originated from the Old High German word "knappe" meaning "page" or "squire". It is likely that the name was initially used as a occupational surname for someone who served as a young attendant or assistant to a nobleman. Outside of Germany, the name can also be found in other European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, where Germanic influences have been historically significant. As with many surnames, migration and diaspora have also resulted in the spread of the Knapp name to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Immigration patterns throughout history have contributed to the dispersal of the name, with Knapp families establishing themselves in different regions as they sought new opportunities or fled from political unrest. Overall, while the Knapp surname is most prevalent in Germany, it has a noticeable presence in several other countries as well.
The last name Knapp, with German origins, has several variations and spellings. It is commonly spelled with two 'p's as "Knapp," but it can also be seen spelled with only one 'p' as "Knap." Additionally, variations can include a different vowel, such as "Knaap" or "Knappe." In some cases, the 'k' at the beginning can also be substituted with a 'c,' resulting in names like "Cnapp" or "Cnap." Regional dialects and accents have also contributed to alternate pronunciations of the name, leading to variations like "Napp" or "Nap." It is worth noting that these variations and spellings can be influenced by migration, historical records, and individual preferences. Despite the different forms, all variations of the name Knapp stem from the same German roots and represent branches of the same family tree.
One famous person with the last name Knapp is Jeffery Knapp, an American psychologist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of cognitive-behavioral therapy. His research and teachings have revolutionized the way mental health professionals approach and treat various disorders, including anxiety and depression. Knapp has authored numerous influential books and academic papers, and his therapeutic techniques have been widely adopted and implemented worldwide. Another notable individual is Katherine Knapp, a highly regarded American artist known for her stunning landscape paintings. Her unique style and ability to capture the beauty of nature have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout her career. Knapp's artworks have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums, attracting art enthusiasts from around the globe. Through their respective fields, these famous Knapps have left a lasting impact and continue to inspire others in their disciplines.
The Knapp surname has a rich and diverse genealogical history. It is derived from the ancient Germanic word "knap," meaning a small hill or mound. The name is believed to have originated in the region that is now modern-day Germany. Over the centuries, individuals with the surname Knapp migrated to various parts of Europe and further afield. In the United States, Knapp families can be traced back to the colonial era, with several branches settling in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Notable individuals with the surname Knapp include Joseph Knapp, an American composer, and astronaut Edward H. White II. Genealogical research on the Knapp name often entails exploring parish records, immigration documents, and census records, among other historical sources. As the surname continues to evolve and spread across the globe, genealogists work diligently to document and understand the intricate family connections of those bearing the Knapp name.
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