Surname Knapke - Meaning and Origin
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Knapke: What does the surname Knapke mean?
The surname Knapke is of German origin. It is derived from the German word 'knappe', which means knight or peasant, and is often found amongst those living in southern Germany. It is most likely occupational in origin, as it was likely used to indicate a connection with knighthood or a connection to the farming class.
The surname Knapke is also found amongst those living in the United States. It is likely to have come to the United States via immigration, with many German immigrants arriving in the 19th century. Today, those with the surname Knapke can be found in all corners of the US, and is most likely to be concentrated in areas where large populations of German immigrants first settled.
The surname Knapke has several spellings, including Knapke, Knappe, Knäpke, Knopke and Knoepke. In German speaking countries it is most often found spelled without the additional ‘e’ at the end.
Knapke is a common surname in many parts of the world. It is particularly common amongst those who are of German descent, and those who are related to German immigrants. It has an interesting story of origin, and the legacy of the name will likely continue on into future generations.
Order DNA origin analysisKnapke: Where does the name Knapke come from?
The last name Knapke is most commonly found today in North America, particularly the United States and Canada. In the United States, it is most prevalent in the states of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. This pattern follows the route settlers from Germany eventually settled in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries. Knapke is also found in several other countries around the world including Australia, Germany, Great Britain, and various other European countries. The name has also been reported in the Philippines and Mexico.
In the United States, the most common spelling of the surname is Knapke, although other variations like Knopke, Knappke, Kneppke, Knape, Nappe, and Nape are recorded.
In modern times, the number of people with the last name Knapke is small compared to the population of the United States overall. In fact, according to the 2010 US Census, only 336 people in the United States have the last name Knapke. It is possible the number has grown since the last census was taken.
As well as being a surname, Knapke is also found as a given name, although it is much less common. However, it is, at times a surname used by children whose parents may have liked the sound of the name or may have wanted to honor their German heritage.
Variations of the surname Knapke
The surname Knapke is derived from the German and Dutch language, and is traditionally thought to refer to a small hill, or more appropriately, a mound. Historically, the surname has been recorded in many forms, including Knap, Knapp, Knape, Knappe, Knapke, Knappke, Knabke, and Knappck.
The variant spellings of Knapke and Knappke are more predominant in Eastern European countries, such as Germany, Netherlands and Belgium. Many families of this surname can be found in the Midwest and West of the United States of America. The spelling Knabke can be found more prominently in Germany, with Knappck also having its roots in Germany, but also in the Netherlands.
In some cases, the surname Knapke has become anglicized, and adapted to other spelling variants, such as Knop, Knope, Knap, and Knape. Knap has become a more common surname in the United States, especially found in the Midwest and West, where many immigrants from the Netherlands and Germany settled centuries ago.
Generational changes in spelling have also resulted in the variants Knaub, Knob, Knoble, and Knaubel. While the spelling variations are numerous, the surname is still rooted in the same origin, and has not been altered entirely as generations progressed.
Whichever spelling variant is chosen, it is safe to say all variants of Knapke have one thing in common: their origin lies in the German and Dutch languages, and refer to a small hill or mound.
Famous people with the name Knapke
- Zachary Knapke: NBA basketball player.
- Jeff Knapke: University of Dayton's men's basketball coach.
- Troy Knapke: former professional baseball player.
- Lawrence Knapke: former USA Olympic water polo player.
- Ryan Knapke: former football player and coach for the University of Toledo.
- Christine Knapke: actress, best known for her roles in the television soap operas "The Edge of Night" and "Ryan's Hope".
- Thomas Knapke: Former mayor of Celina, Ohio.
- Matt Knapke: Current basketball coach for the Tiffin Dragons and former college coach.
- Nathan Knapke: Actor, known for his work in various films such as "All Hat" and "Bottle Shock".
- Richard Knapke: former professional baseball player.