Last Name Knockaert

The surname Knockaert is of Dutch and Flemish origin. It is derived from the Middle Dutch and Middle French word "cocart," which means a small cart used for transporting goods or people. The surname may have been originally occupational, indicating that the individual was a driver or owner of such a cart. Alternatively, it could have been topographical, denoting an area where such carts were used. The name has several variations, including Knockaert, Knockeart, Knaapert, and Cocqart. It is most common in Flanders, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Knockaert

The meaning and origin of the last name Knockaert

The surname Knockaert is of Dutch and Flemish origin, derived from the Middle Dutch and Middle French words "knuoc" (knuckle) and "chier" (head), meaning "knobbly head." It may have originated as a nickname for an individual with a distinct physical feature, such as a bumpy or knobby head. The surname Knockaert has been documented in various regions of Belgium and the Netherlands since the late Middle Ages and can be found among the Flemish settlers who migrated to France during the medieval period. In modern times, the surname is predominantly found in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. Notable figures with this surname include the 17th-century Dutch painter Adriaen van de Venne and the contemporary Belgian footballer Yannick Ferreira Carrasco.

Geographical distribution of the last name Knockaert

The surname Knockaert has its origins in Belgium and is predominantly found in the Flemish region, particularly in the provinces of West Flanders and East Flanders. It is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Belgium, such as Antwerp and Limburg. In addition, a significant number of people with the last name Knockaert can be traced to the Netherlands, especially in the province of North Brabant, due to historical connections between the two countries. Beyond Europe, there are also communities with the Knockaert surname in North America and Australia, primarily as a result of migration from Belgium and the Netherlands.

Variants and spellings of the last name Knockaert

The surname Knockaert can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Knockeart, Knokhaert, Knockeert, and Knocheart. These variations may originate from regional dialects or errors during record-keeping. Additionally, the name could have been anglicized from its original Dutch form "Knockaert" when immigrants settled in English-speaking countries. It is essential to note that these variations can sometimes lead to difficulties in family history research, as records may list the surname differently. However, all of these spellings refer to the same ancestral lineage and are simply alternate ways of writing Knockaert.

Famous people with the last name Knockaert

Notable individuals with the surname Knockaert include:

1. Yannick Knockaert: A professional footballer who currently plays as a winger for English Championship club Watford F.C. and the Belgium national team. He previously played for Brighton & Hove Albion, where he was named the club's Player of the Year in 2016-2017.

2. Guillaume Knockaert: A Belgian politician who served as a member of the Senate from 2003 to 2019, representing the Christian Democratic and Flemish (CD&V) party. He was also Minister of Pensions from December 2011 to October 2014 in the government of Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo.

3. Frédéric Knockaert: A Belgian painter, born in 1970, known for his abstract works using acrylic and oil on canvas or paper. His art has been exhibited extensively in Belgium and internationally.

4. Jean-Baptiste Knocquart (also spelled Knockaert), a Flemish painter who was active from around 1630 to 1682, primarily in Brussels. He is best known for his religious and mythological scenes.

Genealogical research on the last name Knockaert

The surname Knockaert is of Dutch origin, derived from the Old Dutch "knek" meaning bend or crook and "hart" meaning heart. Early records indicate that the name was first documented in Flanders, Belgium during the medieval period. One notable lineage can be traced to Arnoldus Knocquaerdt, who lived in Bruges around 1420. Over time, various spellings of the name evolved, including Knockaert, Knockaerdt, Knockhardt, and Knocker. The family migrated to France during the 16th century and subsequently spread across Europe due to wars, political upheavals, and economic opportunities. Prominent members include Peter Knockeart, a Flemish painter who lived in the 17th century, and William Knox D'Arcy, an Anglo-Irish industrialist and businessman who discovered oil in Iran at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, significant populations of Knockaert descendants can be found in Belgium, France, Ireland, and England.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Knockaert"
• 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