Surname Knöll - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling Ancestral Roots with iGENEA: The Emotional Journey of Discovering the Knöll Heritage

iGENEA's DNA test provided a deep dive into my family ancestry, revealing the rich legacy of the Knöll lineage. The process stirred a tumult of emotions - excitement, anxiety, elation and more. The discovery of my Central European roots, coupled with the rich history of the Knöll surname, amplified my sense of self and belonging.

H. Knöll

Knöll: What does the surname Knöll mean?

The last name Knöll is a Germanic name derived from the Old-Norse word knollr, which means “round hill” or “knoll”. It first entered the German language in the 12th or 13th centuries and was likely used as a locational surname for those who lived on or near a hill.

In more modern times, Knöll has become a common last name throughout Europe. It is most popular in Germany, where it is especially numerous in the cities of Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. It can also be found in Austria and the Czech Republic, as well as in other parts of Europe such as Switzerland, Italy, and France.

In the United States, Knöll is still a relatively uncommon last name, but it is gaining popularity. This is most likely because of the increased immigration to the U.S. from Germany, Austria, and Czech Republic over the last century.

The Knöll family has a long history, including many members who have achieved great success – from renowned composers and performers to acclaimed authors, scientists, engineers and military leaders. Despite its lack of a wide presence in the United States, the Knöll name carries with it a sense of respect, especially among those of Germanic descent.

Knöll: Where does the name Knöll come from?

The last name Knöll is primarily found in German-speaking countries and is among the top 1,000 last names in Germany. In the 17th century, families bearing the surname Knöll migrated to other countries in Europe, the U.S., Canada, and South America, and so the name is found in many places across the globe today.

In the United States, it is one of the top 20,000 most common last names. In Canada, it ranks in the top 18,000 most common names. In Brazil, it is found among the top 6,000 most common surnames.

The name Knöll is widely dispersed in Germany, with Theodor Knöll (1817-1876) being among the most famous bearers of the name. His descendant, Christian Knöll, is a well-known historian who has authored several books.

The history of the Knöll name stretches even further back, however, to the region around the ancient castle of Langenargen in southern Germany. In the 12th century, the family of the Lords of Knöll were naturalized in this region and were later known as the Counts of Knöll.

The last name Knöll is a reminder of a long and proud history that spans many countries and multiple millennia. Today, it serves to connect different regions and cultures across the world, providing a tangible link to our shared heritage.

Variations of the surname Knöll

The surname Knöll is a German and Scandinavian last name that is derived from the Middle High German word knöll, which means "knot," or "knoll." The same surname can also have spellings such as Knoll, Knölle, Knöller, Knöelling, and Knöllich.

In Germany, the variant Knöll is more common in northern Germany, particularly in the Hannover region.

In the English-speaking world, the surname is sometimes spelled differently, such as Knowle, Knoell, Knolle, and Knolles. Other variants can also exist depending on the region from which the family originated.

The Swedish version of the name is Knölle. In Sweden, this name is primarily found in the Västra Götaland and Halland regions.

In Scandinavia, the Norwegians spell the name Knoel. Danish spellings of the surname include Knöll (common), Knoll, Knølle, Knölling, and Knølling.

In Finland, the surname is common and usually spelled Knöll. The Finnish surname variants also include Knölle and Knölling.

In the United States, the Knöll surname is most commonly found in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Variants include Knoll, Knowles, Knox, Knowlton, Newell, Ney, and more.

The Knöll surname has also been found in the German-speaking regions of North America, including in the US states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Minnesota, and Missouri. The surnames are variously spelled Knoll, Knölle, Knolle, Knöller, Knöelling, and Knöllich.

Famous people with the name Knöll

• Mario Knöll: Mario Knöll is a German ski jumper, nationally famous for his incredible athleticism and awards in the sport.
• Bina Knöll: Bina Knöll is a German stylist and fashion designer who is known for her famous accessories and contemporary fashion designs.
• Arthur Knöll: Arthur Knöll was a German-born Swiss sculptor, whose innovative, abstract sculptures earned him international acclaim and recognition.
• Paul Knöll: Paul Knöll was a German historian and professor, who made significant contributions to the field of medieval studies.
• Robert Knöll: Robert Knöll was a German actor and popular film star in the mid-1900's.
• Leonard Knöll: Leonard Knöll is a German painter, whose unique impressionistic landscapes often depicted the beauty of the natural world around him.
• Johann Knöll: Johann Knöll was a German botanist and physician in the 1700's. He wrote important works on the classification of plants, medicines, and the science of pharmacology.
• Fritz Knöll: Fritz Knöll was a German SS-Begleitkommando member during World War II. He was noted for his controversial actions towards Jewish citizens.
• Christian Knöll: Christian Knöll is a German poet and author, who has been recognized for his skill across a number of genres.
• Konrad Knöll: Konrad Knöll was a German composer in the baroque period, remembered for his choral works and his evangelistic cantata form.

Other surnames

KnolleKnölleKnollerKnöllerKnollmanKnollmannKnollmayerKnollmayrKnollmeierKnollmeyerKnollmüllerKnollys