Last Name Knoll

Learn more about the origin of the last name Knoll

The meaning and origin of the last name Knoll

The surname Knoll is of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German word "knolle," which translates to 'hill' or 'mound.' Originally, it may have been a topographic name for someone who lived on such a hill or mound, or a metonymic occupational name for someone who worked on such features, such as a digger of soil or builder. The surname Knoll is relatively common in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and among the German diaspora in other parts of the world. Variations of the surname include Knolle, Konrad Knoll (meaning 'bold on the knoll'), and Knoell. Notable persons bearing this name include German-American inventor John Knoll, co-creator of Adobe Photoshop, and German-Swiss mathematician Leonhard Knoll, who made significant contributions to the field of algebraic geometry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Knoll

The surname Knoll is predominantly distributed across central and eastern Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where it originated from Germanic roots meaning "hill" or "knoll." In Germany, it ranks among the top 200 most common last names, with a concentration in the southern regions such as Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The name is also found in significant numbers in Austria, where it is ranked within the top 300 surnames, with a strong presence in the eastern provinces like Styria and Carinthia. In neighboring Switzerland, Knoll is less common but still present, especially in the German-speaking cantons. Smaller clusters of individuals bearing the name can be found elsewhere in Europe, particularly in Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic, due to historical migration patterns. Outside of Europe, there are also small communities carrying the surname Knoll in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, where German immigration was significant during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Knoll

The surname Knoll has several variants and spellings across different regions and countries. Some of these include Knolls, Knolle, von Knoll, Knole, Konol, Connell (with Irish origin and having a different meaning), and Knolli (Italian variant). Additionally, it may also appear as Konoll, Cnoll, or K'noll in various dialects or historical records. It is important to note that the correct spelling can depend on the specific family lineage or the region of origin. The variations highlight the diversity and evolution of surnames over time and across different cultures.

Famous people with the last name Knoll

Notable individuals bearing the surname Knoll include:

1. Eero Saarinen Knoll (1910-1961) was a Finnish-American architect and designer, best known for his iconic TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport in New York City and the St. Louis Arch. His designs were produced by Knoll Inc., a company he co-founded with Hans Knoll.

2. Hans Knoll (1905-1955), Eero's cousin, was also an architect and furniture designer. He founded Knoll Associates in 1938, which later became Knoll Inc. The company is renowned for its modernist designs and collaborations with prominent designers such as Mies van der Rohe, Florence Knoll, and Warren Platner.

3. Florence Schust Knoll (1917-2019), wife of Hans Knoll, was a significant figure in mid-century modern design. She designed furniture that is still widely used today, including the Knoll Planner Group System, which revolutionized office interiors.

4. Richard Knollmüller (1865-1923) was an Austrian architect and painter who significantly influenced the Vienna Secession movement with his innovative designs and ornamental patterns. His works can be seen in various buildings throughout Austria.

Genealogical research on the last name Knoll

The surname Knoll originates from Germanic roots, specifically the Old High German word "knolla," meaning small hill or mound. The first recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the Middle Ages in regions such as Bavaria and Swabia. In the 16th century, a notable bearer of the name was Georg Knoll, who served as a mayor of Nuremberg. Throughout history, the Knoll family has been associated with various professions including metalworking, farming, and merchant trades. By the 19th century, members of the Knoll family had migrated to other parts of Europe and later to the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America, where they continue to thrive today in a wide range of industries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Knoll"
• 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 : 11 June 2025