NomOrigine Background

Last Name Knauf

What is the origin of the last name Knauf?

The surname Knauf is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "knopf," meaning "button." The name may have originally been an occupational surname for a button maker or seller, or could have been a nickname for someone who was small or round like a button. The Knauf surname is fairly common in Germany and is also found in other German-speaking regions such as Austria and Switzerland.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Knauf

The meaning and origin of the last name Knauf

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Geographical distribution of the last name Knauf

The surname Knauf is primarily found in Germany, where it is most heavily concentrated. It is a Germanic surname that likely originated from the Middle High German word "knopf," meaning "button." There are also smaller populations of individuals with the last name Knauf in other European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Poland. Additionally, some individuals with the surname Knauf can be found in the United States, specifically in states with significant German immigrant populations like Wisconsin, Illinois, and Texas. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Knauf shows a concentration in Germany, with smaller pockets of individuals bearing the surname scattered throughout other European countries and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Knauf

The last name Knauf can be spelled and variations include Knapf, Knoff, and Knauff. Other variations of the name may include Knauffe, Knauft, Knauve, and Knaufmann. The name Knauf is of German origin and is believed to have originated from the Middle High German word "cnopf," meaning "button" or "knob." Over the years, different branches of the family may have adopted slightly altered spellings of the name, leading to the various variations seen today. Some individuals may choose to spell the name slightly differently for personal preference or to differentiate themselves from others with the same last name. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, the name Knauf has a rich history and is likely to be passed down through generations to come.

Famous people with the last name Knauf

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Genealogical research on the last name Knauf

The surname Knauf is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "knauf" meaning "knob" or "button". It is believed to be an occupational surname, referring to a maker or seller of buttons or knobs. The Knauf family can be traced back to the medieval period in Germany, particularly in the regions of Bavaria, Hesse, and Saxony. Over the centuries, branches of the Knauf family have spread to other parts of Europe and eventually to other continents through immigration. The surname Knauf has seen variations in spelling over time, including Knopf, Nauf, and Knuffer. Today, individuals with the last name Knauf can be found around the world, with notable bearers of the name making contributions in various fields such as business, academia, and the arts.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Knaan (Last name)

surnames > knaan

The last name Knaan has its origin in the Hebrew language, derived from the word "knaan" which means "merchant" or "trader". It is often considered to be of Jewish or Israeli desce...

Knaap (Last name)

surnames > knaap

The last name "Knaap" is of Dutch origin. It is a occupational surname derived from the Middle Dutch word "knape", meaning servant or page. The name would have been used to denote ...

Knaff (Last name)

surnames > knaff

The last name "Knaff" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "knappen," meaning squire or servant. It likely originated as an occupational surname for ...

Knafo (Last name)

surnames > knafo

The last name "Knafo" is of Moroccan Jewish origin. It is derived from the Hebrew name "Knafo," meaning "tailor" or "seamstress." The name likely originated as an occupational surn...

Knaider (Last name)

surnames > knaider

The last name "Knaider" is of Arabic origin. It is believed to be derived from the Arabic word "kneider," which means "a person who has a firm grip" or "one who holds fast." This s...

Knak (Last name)

surnames > knak

The last name "Knak" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "knack" meaning "knob" or "lump", and is likely to have been an occupational surname for so...

Knaker (Last name)

surnames > knaker

The last name "Knaker" is of Dutch origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Dutch word "knacker", meaning a butcher or slaughterer. The surname likely originated as a...

Knakkancheri (Last name)

surnames > knakkancheri

The last name "Knakkancheri" originates from India, specifically from the state of Kerala. It is a combination of the words "knakkam," meaning gift or offering, and "cheri," meanin...

Knakr (Last name)

surnames > knakr

The last name "Knakr" is of Norwegian origin. It is a topographic name for someone who lived near a hill or a rocky outcrop, derived from the Old Norse word "knakkr" meaning "bump"...

Knakriah (Last name)

surnames > knakriah

Knakriah is not a common last name and does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English.

Knauss (Last name)

surnames > knauss

The last name "Knauss" is of German origin. It is a variation of the surname "Knauß" which derives from the Old High German word "knuz" meaning "bold" or "brave". The name likely ...