Surname Kniephoff - Meaning and Origin
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Kniephoff: What does the surname Kniephoff mean?
The last name Kniephoff is of German origin. It derives from an old German word, ‘knipfen,’ which means ‘to cut or clip’. This particular name was most likely a nickname given to someone who practiced or worked with the craft of clipping or cutting, most likely related to metalworking, such as blacksmithing. The surname Kniephoff was likely first used in Germany in the late Middle Ages.
In modern Germany today, the last name Kniephoff is not particularly common, but those who bear the name tend to reside primarily in the parts of the country near Berlin, such as the states of Brandenburg, Saxony, and Thuringia.
The last name Kniephoff is also common in the United States, especially in the Midwest. The name became more widely adopted when German immigrants began settling in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is also spelled in alternate variations, such as Kneipff and Kneebohff.
The Kniephoff surname today is often associated with hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Family members with this last name often pride themselves on being reliable and steady in their efforts. They recognize the value of working diligently to achieve success.
Order DNA origin analysisKniephoff: Where does the name Kniephoff come from?
The last name Kniephoff is primarily found in Germany today. The surname is of Low German origin, so it is sometimes spelled as Kniphoff or Kniepoff. Professional genealogical records suggest the name is most concentrated in the Lower Saxony region, particularly in Lower Saxony’s cities of Braunschweig, Göttingen, and Osnabrück.
A large number of people with the last name Kniephoff are living in the United States. New York City holds a large portion of those with the surname, as well as Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas. However, many Kniephoffs have settled in other areas across America, including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
In addition, Kniephoff is a common surname in Canada, especially in the province of Ontario. The Knox Family History Center in Ontario is home to many genealogical records containing this surname. There are also many Kniephoffs found in Austria, Switzerland, and Holland.
The Kniephoff is a prominent and respected name all over the world. As its prevalence suggests, the name is very old and has a storied history in Europe. It is likely the namesake of certain events, places, and landmarks throughout Germany and parts of the United States.
Variations of the surname Kniephoff
The surname Kniephoff has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Kniephoff is a Germanic surname that has its origin in the Middle Ages. It is believed to have derived from the Old High German word “knif” which means a knife. During the Middle Ages, this was a common nickname for a warrior or a hunter.
Some variants of the name are Kneipf, Knipf, Knief, Knieff, Knyff, Knyfffe, Kniffe, and Kniphoff. Spellings of the same origin include Kniefof, Kneyphoff, Knifefoff, Knyphof, Kniphof and Knifoff.
Surnames that are related to Kniephoff include the following: Neon, Neun, Knepp, Kneip, Knaub, Kneubel, Kneppler, Knippel, Knoppel, Knueppel, Knap, Knaf, Knapf, Knuppel, Knaub, Knaubel and Knopel.
Many of these surnames have evolved over time and they are all derived from the same root word. They often contain similar spelling and pronunciation changes.
Aside from Germanic origin, Kniephoff has been used in other countries such as France, the Netherlands and Romania. Variants of the surname in these countries are Neuf, Neufe, Knippel, Knop, Knöppel, Knapp, Knopp, Knape, Knoff, Knip, Kniep, Kneip, Kneep, Kneib and Kneibich.
Some of the many versions of the surname Kniephoff are still commonplace today, while some have changed over time and can now be found belonging to different families.
Famous people with the name Kniephoff
- Agnes Kniephoff-van der Putten, Dutch international beach volleyball player.
- Dr. Ulrich Kniephoff, the former CEO of Thyssen Petroleum.
- Joost Kniephoff, Dutch member of the public library in Maastricht, Netherlands.
- Rudolf Kniephoff, professor of energy economics and director of the Institute of Energy Markets and Security.
- Dirk Kniephoff, Dutch artist specializing in etchings and painter of still lifes and landscapes.
- Theo Kniephoff, Dutch composer and musician who created music for film and television.
- Andrew Kniephoff, British soccer player and coach.
- Carina Kniephoff, German television presenter and anchor at NDR, Germany's national public broadcasting service.
- Carmen Kniephoff, German stage, film, and television actress.
- Dieter Kniephoff, former German Army general.