Last Name Knothe

The surname Knothe is of German origin and is believed to have been derived from various places named Knothen, Knothenheim, or Knotha in Germany. The name could also be an occupational surname for a craftsman who worked with ropes or twine, as "Knot" refers to a knot in this context. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple origins and variations, and further research may be necessary for a more precise understanding of the specific lineage of the Knothe family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Knothe

The meaning and origin of the last name Knothe

The surname Knothe is of German origin, derived from various place names with the same root. One such location is Knöthen, a village in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The name is believed to come from an old word for "knot" or "tangle," possibly referring to a geographical feature like a bend in a river or a thicket of trees. Over time, the surname spread across Europe and was adopted by individuals who either hailed from these locations or were associated with them in some way. Today, Knothe remains a relatively uncommon name but is present in various German-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Knothe

The surname Knothe is predominantly found in German-speaking regions, specifically Germany and Austria, due to its origin from the Middle High German word "Knot" which means knot or tie. Over time, variations such as Nothe, Knoth, and Knott have emerged as a result of spelling changes and regional dialects. In addition, smaller populations can be found in other countries with significant Germanic influence, including Switzerland, Belgium, and the United States, where German immigrants brought the name with them. It is less common in other regions around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Knothe

The surname Knothe has several variants and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common variations include Knoethe, Knauthe, Knothae, and Konte. These variations stem from the German and Dutch roots of the name, which originated as a topographical name for someone who lived by a knotted or entangled bush or tree. Another variation, Knott, is an English form derived from the same roots but pronounced differently. Additionally, there may be regional differences in spelling, such as Knothe (Germany) and Knaute (Netherlands). These variations serve as interesting examples of how names can evolve over time and across different linguistic regions.

Famous people with the last name Knothe

The Knothe surname is relatively uncommon and has produced a few notable figures in various fields. One such individual is Richard Knott, a British meteorologist known for his contributions to tropical cyclone research and naming. Another well-known person with the name is German violinist Stefan Knothe, who is renowned for his performances of both classical and contemporary music. In the world of academia, Dietrich Knothe, a professor at the Technical University of Dresden, specializes in computer science, particularly in the field of computational mathematics. Lastly, American author Jack Knott, who writes under the pen name J.A.K. Haldane, is known for his works in science fiction and fantasy genres. These individuals, each excelling in their respective domains, are some of the most famous figures with the last name Knothe.

Genealogical research on the last name Knothe

The surname Knothe originates from Germany and is derived from the Old High German word "knut," meaning nut or knot, indicating an occupational name for a producer or seller of nuts. Early records show that the Knothe family resided in various parts of Germany, with notable mentions in Saxony and Thuringia. The lineage can be traced back to the 14th century when several members of the family held notable positions in their respective regions, such as knights, landowners, and city councilors. The Knothes also played significant roles during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), with some families supporting both Catholic and Protestant factions. In the 17th and 18th centuries, many Knothe family members emigrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas, including Denmark, Sweden, Russia, and the United States. Notable Knothes in modern history include Otto Knoth, a German architect, and Maximilian Knoth, an Austrian composer.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "knothe"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends