Surname Knodel - Meaning and Origin

Knodel: What does the surname Knodel mean?

The last name Knodel is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "Knodel" meaning "small, round loaf". It is also believed to be a nickname for someone who was small and round in shape. This surname was adopted by many European and North American families throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Knodel family can trace their roots back to Germany, where they originally lived in the city of Altenburg in the Rhine area. They were known for their craftsmanship and their trade of cabinet making. Over time, the family spread to various parts of Germany.

In the United States, the Knodel family has been prolific, with many members of the family taking on roles as skilled craftsmen, tradespeople, and settlers in different areas of the country. Many Knodel surnames can be found in the Midwest, particularly in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

While the meaning of the name Knodel is quite specific, the roots of the family are far-reaching and the impact they have had on the development of America is undeniable. They are one of many German-American families who have settled in the United States, bringing with them their culture, traditions, and craftsmanship. The Knodel surname signifies the pride and ambition of generations of Germans who chose America to be their home.

Knodel: Where does the name Knodel come from?

The last name Knodel is primarily associated with Germany, with its origin believed to come from the German word "knoten," which means "knot." It is also found in the Czech Republic, Denmark and the United States.

In Germany, Knodel is most commonly found in Bavaria, particularly in the regions of Lower Bavaria, Upper Palatinate, and Thuringia. Lower Bavaria is located in the southeastern corner of the country and covers an area of 5,571 square miles, home to a population of 2.2 million. Upper Palatinate is located in the northcentral section of the country and is known for its scenic mountains and rolling hills. Thuringia is located in the eastern part of Germany and is the third least populated state.

In the United States, Knodel is commonly associated with the states of Pennsylvania and Minnesota. Pennsylvania is the fifth most populous state in the U.S, with an estimated population of approximately 12.8 million. Knodel's are especially common in the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Minnesota, which has a population of almost 6 million, is located in the Midwest and is the 12th most populous state in the United States.

Knodel is popular in Denmark, with an estimated 1,000 carriers of the name, and in the Czech Republic, where the last name is also common.

Overall, Knodel is generally most popular in German-speaking countries, but has also gained prevalence in the United States, Denmark and the Czech Republic.

Variations of the surname Knodel

Knodel is a surname originally derived from the German language, and can be found in many other countries around the world. The variant spellings of this surname, depending on the country, are Knodel, Knoedel, Knödel, Knödl, Kneüdel, and Kniedel.

In some instances, the spelling Knödel is used when the surname is found in Austria and Germany, as these two countries use the German ö letter instead of the common o letter. In other parts of the world, such as the United States, the spelling Knodel is typically used.

The Knodel surname is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the given name of the father, in this case the first Knodel, with derivatives being formed based on that initial Knodel surname. Therefore, some variations of the surname that are still of the same origin include Kneüdelle, Knödeler, Knödler, Knödlich, Knodlitsch, Knodell, Knodle, Knödelig, Knodla, and Knodelmann.

It is important to remember that spelling variations of any surname can occur over time, and it is always helpful to consider variants when researching family names. Even if the spelling of the surname has changed, it does not necessarily mean the family is from different ancestry; rather, it may indicate the family has maintained a continuous line of descent despite the spelling changes.

Famous people with the name Knodel

• Gert Knodel: Gert Knodel is a German sculptor well-known for her figurative works, which were strongly influenced by the traditions of Renaissance sculptures.
• Joe Knodel: Joe Knodel is an American wrestler who competed at the World Wrestling Championships in 2005 and is the current co-head coach of the University of North Dakota's wrestling program.
• Edmund Knodel: Edmund Knodel is a German sports historian and professor of sports and exercise sciences at the Leipzig University, and former director of the German Sports History Archive.
• Holly Knodel: Holly Knodel is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight division and is currently a part of the Invicta Fighting Championships.
• Michelle Knodel: Michelle Knodel is an American fashion designer who has showcased her work in several New York City Fashion Week shows.
• Dale Knodel: Dale Knodel is an American major league baseball player who pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs from 1978 to 1983.
• Alexandra Knodel: Alexandra Knodel is a German photographer and visual artist whose works often focus on architecture and cultural icons such as the Berlin Wall.
• Allen Knodel: Allen Knodel is a retired American basketball player who played for the Minnesota Timberwolves from 1989 to 1994.
• Nimrod Knodel: Nimrod Knodel is an Israeli-American comedian and actor best known for his work in the films Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol and Keeping Up with the Joneses.
• Lonnie Knodel: Lonnie Knodel is an American soccer player who is currently the head coach for Western Illinois University's men's soccer team.

Other surnames

KnodeKnödelseder