Surname Knopf - Meaning and Origin

Knopf: What does the surname Knopf mean?

Knopf is a surname of German origin. In German, "Knopf" literally translates to "button". The name could have been an occupational surname for someone in the medieval garment industry who made buttons or a nickname for someone with a distinctive characteristic related to buttons. Occupational surnames were common in regions of Germany, often derived from the trade, craft, or profession of the name bearer. Therefore, sans the button-like characteristic, a bearer of this name could have been involved in tailoring or clothing production. It must be noted that while these interpretations provide insights into possible origins, the exact historic significance of the surname might vary across individuals or families. Today, one of the most famous bearers of this surname is the Knopf Publishing Group.

Knopf: Where does the name Knopf come from?

The surname Knopf is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word 'knopf', meaning button or knob, indicating a manufacturer of buttons. The name could also come from the German word for a hilltop, referring to someone living at a high place. It is common in some parts of Germany and among Ashkenazi Jews.

During the Middle Ages, it was common for people to be known by their occupation, so someone could have received this surname because they were a button-maker or knopf maker.

The name is not very common today, but you're more likely to find it among people of German or Jewish heritage, particularly in the United States, Germany, and other countries with significant German or Jewish populations. It's also known due to the famous American publishing house Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

Variations of the surname Knopf

The surname Knopf is of German origin and means "button". Its variants include Knop, Knopp, Knoop, Knope, Knopfler, and Knopfle. There is also Knobloch which means "button hole" primarily found in southeastern German-speaking areas.

In English-speaking countries, you may also encounter versions such as Knoff, Nopf or Noff. The surname Knopf could have also been loosely Anglicized as Button. In Jewish (Ashkenazic) communities, the surname could come in a variety of spellings including Knopf, Knopff, Knoepf, Knoepfler, Knoepfelmacher, Knoepfle, and Knepfle.

Sometimes, combinations with other words or suffixes produce related surnames such as Knopfsmith or Knopfmeier. Furthermore, occupational or geographical markers might influence the appearance of the name, for instance, Mühlenknopf (mill button).

It's important to note that due to regional variations within German-speaking communities and the changes that occur over time, surnames may have numerous versions. Therefore, it is always advisable to conduct thorough genealogical research when tracking familial lineage.

Famous people with the name Knopf

• Alfred A. Knopf: Founded the namesake publishing house, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
• William Knopf: Former Speaker of the California Assembly and Chair of the California Republican Party
• Stanley Knopf: American pediatrician and author of several medical textbooks
• Nathan Knopf: American mathematician and professor at Yeshiva University
• Jerome Knopf: Mid-century modern architect
• Alfred Knopf, Jr.: Former co-publisher of Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
• Edouard C. Knopf: Founder of the American branch of the Blanche Knopf publishing house
• Blanche Wolf Knopf: Co-founder and CEO of the namesake publishing house, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
• Clifton Fadiman: American essayist and radio host who published several books through Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
• Richard Barrons: Royal Marines Officer and former United Kingdom Commander of Joint Forces Command whose autobiography was published by Knopf in 2017

Other surnames

KnopKnopeckKnopekKnöpfelKnöpfleKnöpfleinKnöpflenKnöpfliKnophKnöpkenKnoppKnoppeckKnoppek