Last Name Knierim

The surname Knierim is of German origin. It is derived from various place names in Germany, particularly those that are associated with churches or monasteries. Some of these places include Knehrim near Bremen and Knerrheim in Thuringia. The name likely evolved from the Old High German "chunari" which means "monastery" or "church," and "-heim" meaning "home." Therefore, the surname Knierim may have originally referred to someone who lived near a monastery or church.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Knierim

The meaning and origin of the last name Knierim

The surname Knierim is of German origin, derived from a topographical name for someone who lived near a small pond or marshy area. The name is formed by combining the Middle High German word "knei" meaning 'swamp' or 'marsh,' and "rim," meaning 'edge.' Over time, it has been spelled in various ways including Knierem, Kniermann, Knirsch, and Knierim, reflecting regional variations and changes in pronunciation. The name appeared in recorded history for the first time in the mid-14th century, with mentions of Knierim families in Mecklenburg, a region in northern Germany. The surname later spread to other parts of Europe, including Denmark, Sweden, and North America, as a result of migration during the Middle Ages and beyond.

Geographical distribution of the last name Knierim

The surname Knierim is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, with high concentrations in Germany and neighboring countries such as Austria and Switzerland. Historically, it originated from the region around Rostock in northern Germany, where it was first recorded in the late Middle Ages. Over time, emigration waves have resulted in a global dispersion of individuals bearing the name. In the United States, the highest concentrations can be found in states with a significant German-American population, such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. In Australia, the surname is most common in New South Wales and Victoria. Additionally, smaller communities of Knierims can be found in various parts of Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, reflecting the diaspora of German immigrants over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Knierim

The surname Knierim has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Kniereim, Knierem, Knirrm, Kneerem, Kneiereim, and possibly others depending on regional dialects and historical records. These variations may occur as a result of errors in spelling during migration or due to differences in the way names were recorded at different times and places. Despite these variations, they all originate from the same root name, which is of German origin and likely means "farmer" or "servant on a farm."

Famous people with the last name Knierim

Notable individuals with the surname Knierim include:

1. Alexa Scimeca Knierim: An American figure skater who competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics, partnered with Chris Knierim. They won the U.S. national championships in 2017 and 2019.

2. Chris Knierim: A former American football player who played as a long snapper in the National Football League (NFL) for teams like the New York Giants, Detroit Lions, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also competed in powerlifting after his NFL career.

3. Michael Knierim: A German former professional tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 148 in 2009. He also played doubles, reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2007.

4. Tim Knierim: A German rower who competed in the men's coxless pair event at the 2016 Summer Olympics. He won a gold medal in the same event at the 2015 World Rowing Championships.

Genealogical research on the last name Knierim

The Knierim surname originates from Germany and is believed to have roots in the region of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Records indicate that the name was first documented in the late Middle Ages, with notable early bearers including John Knerem (1463) and Jacob Knereme (1529). The name Knierim is a variant of the original Knerrmann or Knorrenmann, which meant "little knot" or "small tuft."

During the 17th century, many individuals with the surname Knierim emigrated from Germany to Scandinavia and later to North America. In the United States, a significant number of Knierims settled in Pennsylvania and Maryland during the late 18th century, often as part of the larger wave of German immigration to these regions. Some families later migrated westward, establishing communities in states such as Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Today, the Knierim surname is most commonly found in North America, with a concentration in the United States and Canada. The name has produced notable figures in various fields, including academia, sports, and politics. Despite its German origins, the Knierim surname has become truly international in distribution.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Knierim"
• 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

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