Surname Knobles - Meaning and Origin
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Knobles: What does the surname Knobles mean?
The last name Knobles (also spelled "Knobel" and “Knöbel”) is a German surname derived from the Germanic word knōb, which means “knob” or “ball.” This may have originally referred to a round-headed person, either anthropomorphically or literally. Alternatively, the name may have been derived from the Middle High German knobel, meaning “dice” or “die,” connecting it to a person’s profession in gaming.
Knobles is found primarily in Germany, and in the US it may be found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia. The earliest known bearer of the name was Heinrich Knobel of Baden in 1393, and Knoblauch of Mecklenburg in 1580. In the United States, the earliest known Knobles was Valentine Knobel of Pennsylvania in 1748.
Knobles is primarily an occupational or toponymic name. It may have been used to describe a person who worked as a locksmith or maker of door knobs. It could also be a nickname for someone with a large head or bald head, as in the German expression “Knopf am Kopf” (knob on the head). The occupational interpretation is also supported by the fact that there are a number of words in various German dialects that mean “dice” (knobel, knavel, knabel, knovel, knöbel, etc.), suggesting that someone with this name may have been a dice maker or gambler.
Order DNA origin analysisKnobles: Where does the name Knobles come from?
The last name Knobles is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is particularly prominent in the state of Arkansas, particularly in Baxter and Marion counties. Historically, it also had a strong presence in the states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. It is less frequently encountered in other parts of the country.
The Knobles surname is of English and French origin. It may be derived from the medieval Norse name Knut, meaning “lump of iron,” or from the Old French verb knober, meaning “to tap.” In England, the Knobles family has branches in Cumberland and Northamptonshire, with branches also found in the United States since the mid-16th century.
The Knobles family has a rich history and is known for a number of notable individuals, including early American botanist and environmentalist John Knobles and General Mahlon Knobles, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. The last name is also seen as a variant in the spelling of the name Knolles. The spelling “Knobles” remains most common, however.
Today, the Knobles family is fairly prominent, with thousands of people in the United States bearing the name. It is a testament to the family’s rich heritage and its strong roots in the United States.
Variations of the surname Knobles
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Knobles are quite varied and could include: Knowles, Nobles, Knoles, Knowells, Knowlson, Noelson, Nobell, Knowling, Noalls, Knowleson, Nobleman, Noblow, and Knowlton.
The surname Knobles is of Anglo-Saxon descent and is derived from 'Knolle', the Old English word for a knob or protuberance. It is believed to have been given to someone who lived near a distinctive hill, round hill, or other such salient features on the landscape. The records for this name go back to the Middle Ages, and it is thought to be linked to the village of Knolles, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
The surname Knowles is the most common variant spelling of Knobles, and can be found mainly in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The most likely origin of this particular variant is from the Old English term for a slope or hillside, 'cnoll'. This variant is especially popular in Lancashire, Cheshire, and the Midlands regions of England.
The surname Nobles is a variant spelling of Knobles and is popular in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. This variant is derived from 'N
Famous people with the name Knobles
- Ray Knobles: Actor, director, producer known for his work on I Miss You Already and Lily & Kat
- Ryan Knobles: Professional Major League Soccer player for Orlando City SC
- Julius Knobles: Renowned television producer and showrunner for popular scripted television series, such as FlashForward and Grimm
- Audrey Knobles: Award-winning Broadway actress and singer for hit musicals such as Chicago and Wicked
- Earl Knobles: American politician and former member of the California State legislature
- Maria Knobles: Unstoppable tennis champion, holding junior championships in both singles and doubles
- Max Knobles: Notable engineer and founder of several innovative tech companies
- Shannon Knobles: Harvard-educated doctor and research criminal justice specialist
- Mark Knobles: Award-winning journalist and editor for The New York Times
- Gordon Knobles: Military veteran of the Iraq War and champion advocate for veteran’s rights