Last Name Kniss

The last name Kniss is of German origin. It is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a small knoll or hill, Middle High German "knusse" meaning "knoll". Alternatively, it could have been an occupational name for a pastry chef, from the verb "knuzen," which means to knead in Middle High German. The German surname has several variations such as Knies, Kneiss, and Knoess, reflecting the regional dialects in Germany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kniss

The meaning and origin of the last name Kniss

The surname Kniss is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word "knisse," meaning "knead" or "kneaded dough." This name was originally an occupational surname for a baker or a kneader of dough. Over time, the spelling has evolved, with variations such as Knieß, Kniesse, and Kniss appearing in different regions. The name spread throughout Germany during the Middle Ages and later among German-speaking immigrants to other parts of Europe and the Americas. Today, it remains relatively uncommon but can be found primarily in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kniss

The surname Kniss is primarily distributed across several European countries, with significant concentrations found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein. In these nations, it is among the more common surnames, particularly in regions like Bavaria, Swabia, and Aargau. Smaller populations of individuals bearing this name can also be found in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Additionally, there has been migration from Europe to North America, specifically the United States and Canada, where Kniss is also represented but in smaller numbers compared to its European origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kniss

The surname Kniss has various spelling variations, including Knis, Kniess, Knieß, Knice, Kniese, Knisse, Knysse, and Knise. These differences may arise due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or different conventions for spelling names. Despite these alterations, they all originate from the same Germanic root, likely meaning "knee" in Old High German. The name may have been given to a person with a physical characteristic resembling a knee, or it could be a topographic surname for someone living near a prominent bend or curve in a body of water.

Famous people with the last name Kniss

The Kniss surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In the world of sports, Markus Kniss is a former professional footballer who played for German clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04, while Christina Kniss is an American Olympic swimmer who won silver at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In the realm of academia, Dr. Robert Kniss, a Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh, is recognized for his research on German politics and European integration. In literature, J. Michael Kniss, an American author, has published works including "The Last Days of Old Beijing" and "Beyond City Limits."

Lastly, in the artistic sphere, there's Richard Kniss, a renowned sculptor whose works can be found across the United States. His sculptures often depict figures from history and mythology, such as Abraham Lincoln and Greek gods. These are some of the most well-known individuals sharing the last name Kniss.

Genealogical research on the last name Kniss

The surname Kniss is predominantly found in Germany and Switzerland, with early records tracing back to the late Middle Ages. In Germanic languages, the name is derived from the occupational term "Knies" meaning 'knee' or 'bent part', referring to a worker who specialized in making parts of legs for armor or weapons. The name has various spelling variations including Knies, Knieß, Kniss, and Kniess, which are often due to regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Notable individuals with this surname include Matthias Knies (1756-1804), a German-born American surveyor who played a significant role in mapping the Ohio River Valley during the late 18th century, and Martin Kniss (1927-2008), an American author and professor of philosophy. Genealogical research indicates that the Kniss family tree boasts a rich history of artisans, scholars, and pioneers, with numerous branches dispersed across North America and Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kniss"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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