Surname Knoll - Meaning and Origin
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Exploring Personal Identity and Heritage Through iGENEA DNA Testing: A Journey with the Knoll Surname
Undergoing the iGENEA DNA test has not only unveiled a wealth of new information about my heritage but has brought me closer to understanding my identity. This process has sparked a newfound appreciation for my surname, Knoll, and the generations that came before me.
G. Knoll
read moreKnoll: What does the surname Knoll mean?
The last name Knoll is of German origin. It is a topographic surname, which means it was given to someone based on their geographical location or residence. The word "knoll" refers to a small hill or a mound, hence it was likely given to individuals who lived on or near a small hill. Like many surnames taken from geographical features, it is thought to have been used to help distinguish people who had otherwise common first names. The surname also spread to other parts in Central Europe where German was spoken. Additionally, there may be variations in the spelling of the surname based on regional dialects and phonetic spellings. It's important to note that surnames can sometimes offer valuable information about one's ancestors, their lives, locations, occupations, or characteristics.
Order DNA origin analysisKnoll: Where does the name Knoll come from?
The surname Knoll is of German origin and derives from Middle High German word ‘knol’ which means ‘hilltop’ or ‘crest.' As a topographic surname, it was often given to those who lived near a hilltop or a burial mound. It could also be a habitational name from any of several places named with this word in Germany and The Netherlands.
Today, this surname is quite common in Germany. In the United States, where many Germans immigrated during the 19th and 20th centuries, the surname Knoll is also relatively common. It is spread across the country, but it is particularly prevalent in states like Pennsylvania with traditionally high levels of German immigration. The surname is most dense in European countries, especially in Germany, but also in Austria, Switzerland, and even France. Overall, Knoll is a surname found in various parts of the world due to migration patterns over time.
Variations of the surname Knoll
The surname Knoll is of Germanic origin and has several variant forms, and different spellings. The name may have originally been a topographical name for someone living on a hilltop or a hillock, derived from German "Knohll" or Middle High German "knol" signifying hilltop.
Similar surnames or variants of the same origin include Knolle, Knoell, Knollman, Kneller, Knull, and Knoller. Other possible versions could involve slight changes or misspellings such as Knol, Knole, or Knols. Some surnames like Knolles or Knowles may also share roots with Knoll, although they might have evolved separately.
The surname can also be transformed by attaching suffixes indicating lineage or occupation, like -man, -er, -son, etc., resulting in surnames such as Knollman or Knoller.
In other regions, the name has been assimilated into local languages, resulting in adaptations such as Cnoll in England, or Cnoll in the Netherlands. However, it's important to note that just because two surnames look alike, it does not necessarily mean they have the same origin. Therefore, the precise origin of the surname should be researched individually.
Famous people with the name Knoll
- Benjamin Knoll: co-host of "This Week in Mormons" podcast, founder of J. Reuben Clark Law Society, Visiting Liaison for International Programs at Centre College, and church-state scholar.
- Garrett Knoll: former NFL defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals.
- Otto Knoll: a 20th century German business executive who founded Otto Knoll AG, an engineering and manufacturing company.
- Cara Knoll: an Ohio-born actress best known for her appearances on television shows like “Days of Our Lives” and “Law & Order.”
- Bernd Knoll: a German powerboat racer and construction worker.
- Carl Knoll: a former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Naamah Knoll: an Israeli actress active in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Hedy Knoll: an American model and actress known for her appearance in the satirical comedy “Riding Along.”
- Max Knoll: a German-born physicist who worked in invention and played a key role in the development of the electron microscope.
- Margaret Knoll: an American environmentalist and conservationist.