Surname Knaus - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Threads of Family History: The Knaus Surname's Journey Through Time and Culture
The iGENEA DNA test shed significant light on the historical and cultural roots of my surname, Knaus. Originating from southwestern Germany, my lineage revealed connections to the ancient Alemannic tribes, traits of boldness, and European interconnectedness, significantly deepening my understanding of my personal heritage.
Q. Knaus
read moreKnaus: What does the surname Knaus mean?
The last name Knaus is of German and Austrian origin. It is derived from the Old German word "knusa," which means "to beat," and can describe someone who was known for being an expert at shaping wooden items with a hammer and axe.
The Knaus surname is commonly associated with the areas of Swabia and Austria, and may at one point have been used to identify those who lived in those places. Additionally, it is sometimes used as a way to distinguish between people who were or could be related by blood, as it often indicates a common ancestor who bore the surname.
The Knaus surname is found in many records from the 15th and 16th centuries. It was also widely used in the rural areas of Germany where many Jews had settled. Many records from this time period show that the use of the Knaus surname was quite common in German and Austrian Jewish families.
Today, the Knaus name is commonly found in German-speaking countries. It is usually seen associated with people who are highly skilled at fashioning things with wood, such as carpenters, craftsmen, and furniture makers. It is also seen linked with members of Jewish communities who trace their ancestry back to the earlier settlements.
In short, the Knaus surname is very old, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. It is linked with the Jewish communities of Germany and Austria, and it is strongly connected to people who were skilled in crafting wood. Additionally, the surname is sometimes used to tell apart people who could be related by blood, as it may have been used by people with a common ancestor who bore the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisKnaus: Where does the name Knaus come from?
The last name Knaus is most commonly found in Switzerland and Germany, where it has been a popular name since at least the 15th century. It is also found in Austria and the United States.
In modern Germany, the surname is widespread in the Bavarian regions of Oberallgäu, Unterallgäu, and Schwaben, as well as in the city of Munich. It can also be found in the Federal State of Hesse and the Palatinate region of Rhineland-Palatinate. Outside of Germany, the surname is particularly frequent in the Swiss Cantons of St. Gallen, Schwyz, Zurich, Bern, Basel-Landschaft, and Thurgau.
In the United States, the surname is primarily concentrated in the state of Wisconsin, which is home to one of the largest populations of German immigrants in the country. The surname is also found in other states across the Midwest, including Minnesota and Illinois.
Overall, the last name Knaus is most commonly found in German-speaking countries, especially those in central Europe. It is, however, not a particularly rare name, with an estimated 30,000 people around the world bearing this name.
Variations of the surname Knaus
Knaus is a surname of Germanic and Scandinavian origin. Spellings and variants of the name vary, depending on the location and language of origin.
In Germany, the two most common spellings of the surname Knaus are Knause and Knause. In Austria and Switzerland, the most common spelling is Knaus. In Scandinavian countries, the spelling is Knausen.
Surnames of similar origin to Knaus that may have derived from the same root include Knause, Knauss, Knauff, Knauf, and Knopp.
Knopp is a variant of Knaus, originating primarily from the Munich region of Germany, though it is also found in Austria and Switzerland. It is closely related to Knauff and Knauf, which are also derived from the same root.
Knause is a variant of Knaus that is commonly found in North America. While this spelling is primarily associated with Germanic and Scandinavian surnames, it’s more likely to be found in English-speaking locations.
Knauss is another common variant of Knaus, originating in German-speaking countries and along the German-Swiss border. This spelling is more commonly found in Swiss locations.
Overall, Knaus is a surname of Germanic and Scandinavian origin, with several variants including Knause, Knauss, Knauff, Knauf, Knopp, and Knausen. Spellings of the surname may vary depending on the location and language of origin.
Famous people with the name Knaus
- Gary Knaus: American NASCAR crew chief, best known for his work as Jimmie Johnson's crew chief, leading the driver to 7 championships
- John Knaus: American music producer and songwriter best known for his work with popular country artists such as Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton
- Greg Knauss: American computer programmer, founder of the web-development firmEmpressr
- Paul Knaus: American professional golfer who won the 1994 PGA Tour Championship
- Tim Knaus: American collector and car enthusiast best known for his extensive collection of antique automobiles
- Gunter Knaus: German World War II fighter pilot and writer who also served in the Luftwaffe
- John Knaus-Habermann: Swiss businessman and diplomat who was appointed League of Nations High Commissioner in the Free Territory of Danzig from 1920 to 1932
- Johann Knaus: Austrian sculptor and artist best known for his monumental statues and sculptures
- Hans Peter Knauss: Austrian Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Graz-Seckau from 1988 to 2007
- Kurt Knaus: American professional baseball player who played pitcher for the Chicago Cubs in the late 1940s