Last Name Kniebihli

The surname Kniebihli is a German-Swiss patronymic name derived from the personal name Konrad or Corneille (French form of Cornelius). The name likely originated as a nickname for someone with a similar physical characteristic, such as a hunchback, due to the old High German word "knie" meaning knee and "behl" meaning hump. This interpretation is based on the variant Knebel or Knobel, which has been used as a nickname for people with a prominent knee or hump. However, it's essential to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and historical connections, and this explanation should be considered one of many possibilities.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kniebihli

The meaning and origin of the last name Kniebihli

The surname Kniebihli is of Swiss origin, specifically from the German-speaking part of Switzerland. It is derived from a place name or a topographical designation, indicating that it was originally given to someone who lived near a bend in a river or stream, as "Knie" in German means bend and "Bach" or "Li" (an old Swiss-German variant for Bach, meaning brook) refers to a small stream. The surname Kniebihli is predominantly found in the canton of Aargau, but it has also spread to other parts of Switzerland and beyond due to migration over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kniebihli

The last name Kniebihli is primarily distributed in Switzerland, with a significant concentration in the German-speaking part of the country, particularly in the cantons of Aargau, Zurich, and Basel-Landschaft. This surname originates from the Old High German "Knecht" (meaning servant or farmhand) and "Bühli" (a diminutive form of a topographic name), indicating a servant who lived near a small hill or mound. While the Kniebihli family has been traced back to the 14th century in Switzerland, there are also sporadic occurrences of this surname in Germany and Austria, suggesting potential migrations from Switzerland over the centuries. Additionally, due to Swiss immigration to various parts of the world, particularly the United States and Canada, some Kniebihlis can be found outside Europe as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kniebihli

The surname Kniebihli has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include:

1. Kneubühler - This is one of the most common variations found in German-speaking regions. It is derived from the original surname, possibly originating from a location named "Kneubühl."
2. Kneubüeli - A Swiss German variation of the name, which maintains the root "Kneubühler" but uses the Swiss German diminutive suffix "-li."
3. Kneubühl - This variation retains the original name without any suffixes or diminutives.
4. Kniebehler - A variation found in some English documents, possibly resulting from a misinterpretation of the original German spelling.
5. Kniebihl - Another variation that may have evolved due to phonetic changes over time or transcription errors in historical records.
6. Kneubiel - A less common variation, possibly resulting from a misspelling or regional dialect.
7. Kniabihl - This spelling is less common but may be found in some genealogical records, possibly due to variations in how the name was transcribed over time.

Famous people with the last name Kniebihli

Notable individuals with the surname Kniebihli include:

1. Thomas Kniebis (born 1963), a Swiss ice hockey player who competed in the 1984 Winter Olympics and won the Spengler Cup five times with HC Davos.

2. Marcel Kniebis (born 1966), a former professional tennis player from Switzerland, who reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 309 in 1991.

3. Beat Kniebihl (born 1975), a Swiss cross-country skier who competed in the Winter Olympics in 2006 and 2010, earning a bronze medal in the team sprint event at Torino.

4. Daniel Kniebis (born 1984), a Swiss racing cyclist, who has won multiple stages of the Tour de Suisse and other international races.

5. Michael Kniebihl (born 1960), a Swiss entrepreneur and politician, known for co-founding the outdoor clothing company Mammut Sports Group in 1862.

Genealogical research on the last name Kniebihli

The Kniebihlis are a Swiss surname of likely Germanic origin, derived from the personal name "Knud" or "Konrad," which means "brave as a warrior" or "bold counselor." Variations of this name include Kneubühler, Kneubühl, Kniebuhl, and Kneibohl. The family is believed to have origins in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, where records indicate that a Knud (Konrad) was recorded as living there around the 13th century. Throughout history, members of this family have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, law, and theology. One notable figure is Matthias Kniebihl, who served as a member of the Great Council of Bern during the late 18th century. The Kniebihl lineage can be traced to present-day Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other countries with Swiss immigration.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kniebihli"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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