Surname Knape - Meaning and Origin
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Knape: What does the surname Knape mean?
The last name Knape is an occupational surname that has origins in Dutch. The name can be broken down into two parts: knap, meaning ‘skillful’ or ‘capable’, and e, meaning ‘the’ or ‘of’. Together, the word Knape can be interpreted to mean ‘of the skillful one’ or ‘the skillful one’.
It is believed that the name Knape was first used to refer to someone who was known for being highly skilled at his craft, such as a craftsperson, trader, or merchant. Over time, the name spread to other regions, eventually making its way to the United States.
Most people with the last name Knape can trace their roots to the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia. However, the name is also very common in the United States, where it may have been adopted by immigrants in the 19th century.
The last name Knape is a truly unique surname, with a distinct origin and etymology. Whether you are researching your own family’s family history or simply curious about this particular name, you can take the time to trace its roots and discover more about the meaning of ‘of the skillful one.’
Order DNA origin analysisKnape: Where does the name Knape come from?
The last name Knape is most commonly found in Germany. According to Ancestry.com, the Knape surname originated in Germany and roughly 2,000 people in the country carry this name today. It is believed to have emerged in ancient times among a region known as Lower Saxony.
The city of Deutsche which is located near the North Sea has some of the highest concentration of Knape surname today. In this region, the last name is said to have originated in the 12th century with the Knape family of Politicians. It then spread across Germany and ultimately to other countries worldwide.
In the United States, the name Knape is relatively rare and is thought to originate from German immigrants in the 1880s. It is most commonly found in the state of Colorado, where around 250 citizens carry the Knape surname. Other states where Knape is more common include Illinois, Minnesota, and Texas.
The Knape name is also found in Canada, many parts of Europe, and as far as Australia. In addition to Germany, it is especially popular in Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. All in all, Knape is a relatively rare surname, but concentrations of the name are found in certain areas throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Knape
The surname Knape has several variants, spellings, and/or surnames of the same origin. Designs to watch for include Knop, Knopf, Knops, Knapek, Knapp, Knapple, Knopp, Knaub, Knepp, Knoppek, and Knaepke.
The base spelling of the name appears to be Knape. The name is believed to be a variation of the German word knapp, meaning “brave” or “frugal,” and may have originated in Germany or the Netherlands as early as the 17th century. It is associated with both Dutch and German origin.
Knopf is a popular spelling variant of Knape. This spelling is popular among those of Polish and Czech descent, and combines the German knapp with the Bavarian word for “button” to make “brave button.”
Knops is another spelling variation of the name. This spelling is believed to originate from the German word knopf, meaning “bud,” and was likely used to denote a “budding” knaper (or person with the surname).
Knapek is a Czech spelling variant for the last name, and Knaub is a Dutch spelling. The latter suggests an origin in Friesland, a province of the Netherlands. Knepp and Knoppek are variations of Knopf.
Knaepke is a German spelling variant. This variant is less common, though it is still present in Germany, particularly in the Eastern part of the country.
Overall, Knape is a surname of German, Dutch, and/or Friesian origin, and can be found in various spellings or form under the Knape family tree.
Famous people with the name Knape
- Fredrik Knape: Fredrik Knape is a Swedish writer, known for his books "A Great Big AMX" and "The Last Cowboy".
- Robert Knape: Robert Knape is a Swedish photographer, best known for his fashion photography.
- Anna Knape: Anna Knape is a Swedish television personality, known for her role as the host of the show "Live with Anna Knape" on SVT.
- Gunnar Knape: Gunnar Knape is a former Swedish politician, known for his 18 years in the Swedish parliament.
- Gunilla Knape: Gunilla Knape is a Swedish businesswoman, best known for her work in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Anders Knape: Anders Knape is a Swedish musician, known for his folk music.
- Erik Knape: Erik Knape is a Swedish theatre actor, director and writer, best known for his role in the 1975 production of "The Misanthrope".
- Magnus Knape: Magnus Knape is a Swedish video game designer, best known for his work on the game "Eisenhower: The Invasion".
- Catharina Knape: Catharina Knape is a Swedish writer, best known for her children's books.
- Alexandra Knape: Alexandra Knape is a Swedish actor, known for her role as the lead in the Swedish comedy "Let's Go Crazy".