Last Name Knofel

The surname Knofel is of German origin. It is derived from a Middle High German word "Knopfel," which means "little knob" or "small apple." This name was often given to someone who lived near an apple tree or had physical features resembling an apple. Over time, the spelling has evolved in various ways, including Knopfle, Knofel, and Knopfler, reflecting regional variations and changes in language norms.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Knofel

The meaning and origin of the last name Knofel

The surname Knofel is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "knopf," meaning button or knob. It is believed that this name was originally an occupational name for a button maker or a topographic name for someone who lived near a knob or hill with a prominent feature resembling a button. Over time, variations such as Knopffel, Knobloch, and Knopf have emerged due to spelling adaptations during migration and settlement in different regions. The name is most prevalent in Germany and Austria but has also spread to other countries through immigration waves.

Geographical distribution of the last name Knofel

The surname Knofel is primarily found in German-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in Germany and Austria. It originates from the Middle High German word "Knopf," meaning button or knob, and was likely an occupational name for someone who made buttons or worked in a related field. In addition to Germany and Austria, smaller populations of individuals with the surname Knofel can be found in other Central European countries due to historical migration patterns, such as Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Poland. Additionally, there are also descendants of German immigrants bearing the name Knofel in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Knofel

The surname Knofel has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Knoffel, Knoffler, Knöfel, Knöfler, Knaufel, Knauffler, and Konofal. These variations may arise from changes in spelling conventions, misinterpretations during immigration, or regional dialects. It's also worth noting that in some cases, the name might have originated from occupational, geographical, or nickname origins, such as a maker or seller of small items (from German "Knopf," meaning button), or from places named after specific topographical features (e.g., Knofel being derived from the German word for knob or hill).

Famous people with the last name Knofel

Notable individuals with the surname Knofel include:

1. Ernst Knauf (1893-1976), a German architect who designed several notable buildings in Germany, including the Haus der Deutschen Bühne in Berlin and the University of Konstanz's Main Building.

2. Randy Knauf (born 1954), an American musician and songwriter, best known as the original lead vocalist for the band Styx from 1972 to 1984. He co-wrote several of the band's most famous songs, including "Lady" and "Come Sail Away."

3. Andreas Knoflach (born 1965), a German former professional tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 21 in 1989. He won three singles titles on the ATP Tour.

4. Paul Knopf (1871-1938), a German publisher who founded the publishing house Knopf Verlag in Leipzig in 1899. The company is now known as Random House Germany.

5. Michael Knofel (born 1962), a Swiss former alpine skier who competed in the 1984 and 1988 Winter Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the giant slalom at the latter games.

Genealogical research on the last name Knofel

The surname Knofel originated in Germany and is believed to have derived from an occupational name for a glassmaker, as "Knopf" means button and "Glaser" is glazier in German. Variations such as Knopffel, Knopfel, Knoefel, Knopfle, and Knoffel are found throughout Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, reflecting the regional dialects. The earliest known record of a Knofel family can be traced back to the 15th century in Bavaria, with members later migrating to other parts of Europe and eventually to the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. Notable figures with this surname include Friedrich Knopffler, a German painter, and Henry Knoefel, an American politician from Pennsylvania.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Knofel"
• 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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