Surname Knaake - Meaning and Origin

Knaake: What does the surname Knaake mean?

The last name Knaake is of German origin, which comes from the personal name Knape. This name is derived from Middle High German knap, meaning "dwarf" or "cripple", and was therefore a descriptive name for someone who looked like a dwarf or was believed to have an affliction of some kind.

Knaake itself is composed of two elements - the first element is either kna, meaning a small, short person, or knape, denoting a type of dwarf. The second element of the name is ake, meaning "shield" or "protection". Thus, Knaake is formed to mean either an individual or family who have a small stature, provide a shield or protection, or are of a crippled or dwarf-like stature.

Knaakes today are believed to be mostly found in Germany, and the name is also associated with the Prussian region of Pomerania. The Knaakes, as with many Germanic families, first established villages and settlements in the early 13th century.

Knaake is most commonly found as a surname, but can also appear as an early given name for both boys and girls. Today, those with the surname Knaake come from a variety of ancestral backgrounds, and carry meanings that range from an individual or family who is of a small or crippled stature to those who provide a shield of protection.

Knaake: Where does the name Knaake come from?

The last name Knaake is generally most common in Germany today. An ancient Germanic origin for the Knaake surname has been suggested due to its regional prevalence. The name first emerged in the Rhineland-Palatinate region with an early record of the name appearing in the 1200s. Among the earliest known bearers of the surname Knaake were those of the Bavarian, Rhineland, and Westphalian branches of the family.

Knaake is also occasionally seen in the United States, specifically in the states of Pennsylvania and North Carolina. This is due to American immigrants with roots in northern Germany. An influx of German immigrants to the United States in the nineteenth century mostly settled in Pennsylvania, and the name is still associated with the state today.

Knaake is still the most common spelling of the name, although other forms, such as Knake and Knoak, have also been found in records. In some cases, the spelling of the name has been changed to fit in with the particular dialect of the region where the family settled.

Knaake is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, including the Netherlands, France, and Great Britain. The name has also been known to appear in records in Australia, Canada, and South Africa.

Variations of the surname Knaake

The surname Knaake is a German surname and has many variant spellings and surnames that are all related to the same ancestor.

Variant spellings of the surname Knaake include: Knake, Knakee, Knack, Knacken, Knacki, Knackie, Knacko, Knacku, Knacky, Knackys, Knaaz, Knaey, Kneae, Kneay, Knee, Knie, and Knyce.

Surnames that have the same origin as Knaake include: Kneese, Kniss, Knyck, Knyckel, Knyckl, Knyckle, Knyckley, Knye, and Knyys.

The surnames Kneese and Kniss both derive from the Middle Low German word “Knise” which was a nickname for someone who was thin. The surnames Knyck, Knyckel, Knyckl, Knyckle, Knyckley, Knye, and Knyys are all derived from the Middle Low German word “Knike” which was a nickname for someone with a round face.

The spelling of the surname Knaake has evolved over time, as is normal with surnames. This is likely why there are so many variants and related surnames with the same origin. All of these surnames can be traced back to the same ancestor, making them closely related.

Famous people with the name Knaake

• Kiana Knaake: Canadian figure skater and fashion designer
• Peter Knaake: German film director
• Ole Knaake: Danish politician
• Herb Knaack: American politician
• Konrad Knaack: German specialist in communication and media science
• Bart Knaack: Dutch soccer player
• Christian Knaake: German rower
• Jetta Knaack: Australian former swimmer
• Kandace Knaake: American voice actress
• Bernd Knaack: German entrepreneur

Other surnames

Knaak