Last Name Knauff

The surname Knauff is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German word "knuf" meaning knob or small hill. This surname was originally a topographical name for someone who lived on a small hill or mound, or possibly an occupational name for a carpenter or cooper, as the word could also refer to a wooden handle or the barrel of a vessel. Over time, various spellings have arisen, including Knauf, Knauff, and Knupp.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Knauff

The meaning and origin of the last name Knauff

The surname Knauff is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German "Knauf," which means "peg" or "nail." It is an occupational name for a maker of pegs, spikes, or nails, or a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where such items were made. The name's earliest recorded appearances are in Germany during the late Middle Ages, and it has since spread across Europe and to other parts of the world due to migration waves. In its various spellings, such as Knauf, Knaff, or Knaufft, the surname can be found among German-speaking populations in countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Knauff

The surname Knauff is predominantly found in Germany, where it originated from the Middle High German word "knauf" meaning 'peak' or 'ridge.' It is most concentrated in regions such as Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Hesse. The name has also spread to other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland due to historical migration patterns. Outside of Germany, the Knauff surname can be found in various parts of the world, primarily among German immigrants and their descendants. In North America, significant populations are found in the United States, particularly in states such as Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California, as well as in Canada, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia. Additionally, the surname Knauff can be found in Australia, South Africa, and Brazil, due to immigration waves from Germany during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Knauff

The surname Knauff has several variants and spellings due to historical and regional differences in transcription. Some of these include Knauff, Knab, Kneff, Knupp, and Cnauff, among others. These variations can be attributed to factors such as differences in spelling conventions over time, regional dialects, and errors in recording or transliterating names. Additionally, the name Knauff is of German origin and means "craftsman" or "maker." It stems from the Old High German word "knuof," meaning "craftsman," which was later modified to "Knauf" in Middle High German. The name has been common in various regions of Germany, particularly in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg states.

Famous people with the last name Knauff

Notable individuals with the surname Knauff include:

1. Thomas Knauff (born 1962), an American composer and conductor who has written numerous works for orchestra, opera, ballet, and film. His music has been performed by ensembles worldwide.

2. Michael Knauff (born 1945), a German entrepreneur and philanthropist. He co-founded the software company BrodatSoft, which was later acquired by SAP. He is also known for his charitable work, particularly in education and healthcare.

3. Hans Knauff (1870–1962), a German architect and urban planner who was influential in shaping the city of Karlsruhe. His most notable works include the State Library, the Zoological Museum, and the main railway station.

4. Andreas Knauff (born 1972), a German tennis player who reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 56 in 1998. He also played doubles professionally and won two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, at the French Open in 1996 and Wimbledon in 2004.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as music, business, architecture, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Knauff

The Knauff surname originates from Germany, specifically the Rhineland-Palatinate region, where it is believed to have emerged as a variant of the occupational name "Knauf" or "Knaus," which referred to someone who worked with plaster or straw. The earliest documented mention of the Knauff family can be traced back to the late Middle Ages in the 14th century. Over time, the family expanded and migrated, with significant populations settling in various regions of Germany, as well as in Switzerland, Austria, and the United States. In the United States, the name became particularly common in Pennsylvania due to German immigration during the 18th and 19th centuries. Notable individuals bearing the Knauff surname include Wilhelm Knauff, a renowned German violinist, and Hans Knauff, an influential German mechanical engineer known for his work on internal combustion engines.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Knauff"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends