Surname Knörchen - Meaning and Origin
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Knörchen: What does the surname Knörchen mean?
Knörchen is a German surname which is localized to the area surrounding Neuss in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is derived from the Middle High German word 'knorche' which means 'knot'. As families with this particular surname are primarily from this region and it has been in use since at least the 15th century, it's possible that the name could have its roots in guilds of knot makers or from a small hamlet of the same name.
There are several theories as to how the surname Knörchen might have originated. One possibility is that it was hereditary and bestowed on an individual for some physical attribute, such as a large nose or the presence of a mole. Another possibility is that it was derived from an individual’s trade as someone who made knotting cords or ribbons.
Others think that it’s a toponymic name, derived from either a small village in the area or an early settler who lived there. One thing that is certain is that all those who bear the name of Knörchen share a common ancestor and likely have a common set of beliefs and values that have been passed down through generations.
Despite its German origin, the name Knörchen is now found all over the world, having been spread by those bearing the same name as they moved abroad throughout the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisKnörchen: Where does the name Knörchen come from?
The last name Knörchen is a German surname that is most common in Germany and Austria today. Records from the German Society for Family Research list the origin of the name as being from Prussia, which was located in the northern part of modern-day Germany.
The name Knox appears to be derived from Knörchen, which is a colloquial form of the German word " knorren", given to people who were described as being " harsh and strict". It is likely that this name was handed down through generations in the lineages of families with strict rules for behavior and discipline.
The name Knörchen is still quite common in both Germany and Austria today. Records from the German Telephone Book list over 400 people with this surname living in Germany today. Similarly, the Austrian Telephone directory lists over 200 people with the name Knörchen, indicating that the name is still quite common in both countries. Additionally, there are also records from the U.S. Census which list people with this surname living in the United States.
Given the records found in Germany and Austria, it is likely that the surname Knörchen remains quite common even today.
Variations of the surname Knörchen
The surname Knörchen is of German origin and has a wide variety of spellings and alternative surnames. One of the most popular variants of this surname is Knörch, which is an abbreviation of the original name. Other common spellings are Knörckel, Knörchel, and Kunerckel.
Other alternate spellings used in Germany are Knörr, Knörich, Kunosch, Knoerch, and Konercke, all of which seem to be used most commonly in the northern parts of Germany.
Other German-speaking countries, such as Austria and Switzerland, spell the surname slightly differently, with Knauer and Knaur being popular alternative spellings.
Although the Knörchen surname is unmistakably German, it is also used and spelled differently in other countries by those of German origin. In Dutch, the name is usually spelled as Knotsch, in Afrikaans it is Knootsch, and in Swedish it is Knorr.
The Knörchen surname can also be found in other forms in some places, and is occasionally spelled as Knorek, Knorouck, or Knoerke.
In the United States, Knörchen is often Anglicized to Knotts, Knauts, or Knott. All of these names seem to have still have German origin, not unlike many other surnames which have been adapted to the American way of speaking.
All in all, the surname Knörchen has a variety of spellings and alternative surnames, all of which seem to be derived from German-speaking countries. It’s thought that the name may have originally come from the Old German word ‘cknaur’, which means ‘one who lives in a rocky or hilly area’.
Famous people with the name Knörchen
- Robert Knörchen: a contemporary German sculptor, photographer, and visual artist best known for his thought-provoking installations
- Friederike Knörchen-Gulewitz: a former German athlete who won numerous medals in the track and field events between 1978 and 1987
- Emanuel Knörchen: a popular German bebop and swing drumset great who has shared the stage with many of the notable mainstream jazz artists of our modern times
- Ludwig Knörchen: a German-born organist and composer who was highly active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries
- Friedrich Carl Knörchen: a German lawyer and legal historian who is best known for his groundbreaking work on Roman law
- Jan Knörchen: a professional cyclist from Germany who competed in the Tour de France four times between 1912 and 1920
- Ludwig Knörchen: a prominent German micro-biologist who was one of the pioneers in the field of mycology
- Gerhard Knörchen: a 19th century German military officer who served under Bismarck during the Prussian Wars
- Hermann Knörchen: a German businessman, inventor, engineer, and entrepreneur who was responsible for the formation of several major industrial companies throughout Europe
- Ursula Knörchen: a Grammy-nominated soprano and vocalist, well-known for her operatic and classical performance style