Surname Knorr - Meaning and Origin
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'A DNA-Inspired Journey: Rediscovering the Knorr Legacy '
I dove into my iGENEA DNA test results expecting to confirm my Germanic roots and got more than I bargained for – surprising ties to Celtic and Viking heritage. The revelations about my lineage have brought texture and color to my family history, and the understanding of my surname ‘Knorr’. This newfound knowledge has enriched my perspective on my personal identity, showing me that I am not just a product of my own life experiences, but a genetic tapestry woven by the threads of my ancestors' lives.
M. Knorr
read moreKnorr: What does the surname Knorr mean?
The surname Knorr has German origins and its primary usage is still mostly found in Germany. The name is derived from the Middle High German word "knorre", which means a knot in wood or a small hill or mound. Knorr is categorized as a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. So, a person was often identified with the name Knorr if they lived by a knot-like hill or a craggy landscape. The name has various spelling variations depending upon the region and period, including Knorr, Knorrer, Knor, Knorin, Knorre, Knörr, and many more. Over the centuries, groups of people migrated and the name spread into other European territories. As a result, traces of the Knorr surname can be found in places outside of Germany, including Austria and the UK.
Order DNA origin analysisKnorr: Where does the name Knorr come from?
The surname Knorr is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "knor" meaning knot or gnarl, and it was often used as a nickname for an obstinate or awkward person. Alternatively, it could also refer to someone who lived near a distinctive gnarled tree.
This surname arguably became highly recognized worldwide due to the German food company "Knorr," which is now a subsidiary of Unilever, selling its products in over 87 countries.
Today, the surname Knorr seems more common in Germany, Austria, and the United States. However, it's important to note that the distribution of the name may vary. For instance, it may not be amongst the most common surnames, but it may have a significant presence in specific local areas or regions within these countries. In terms of global presence, it’s likely that the surname has spread further due to global mobility and migration patterns.
Variations of the surname Knorr
The surname "Knorr" is of German origin and has several variants and possible spellings. It was originally a topographic name for someone who lived by a hillock or projecting rock, from the Middle High German "knorre," meaning "lump" or "outcrop."
Variations of the surname can include Knorr, Knor, Knohr, Knore, and Knohr. In some cases, the surname might also have been anglicized or altered slightly during migration, leading to versions such as Nore or Norr.
Another common practice in German surnames is the addition of suffixes such as "-er," "-mann," or "-son," so versions like "Knorrer," "Knorrmann," or "Knorrson" could potentially exist.
It is also important to note that due to regional dialects, variations in pronunciation, phonetic spellings could also exist, leading to a variety of ways to spell the surname.
You may also find variations with double "r" such as "Knorrr" or "Knohrr". Moreover, other extended versions of the surname could include "Knorring" or "Knorrenberg".
Famous people with the name Knorr
- Stephanie Knorr: American journalist and editor
- Jürgen Knorr: German footballer
- Matt Knorr: American professional golfer
- Ariel Knorr: American actress
- Herbert Knorr: German footballer
- Maximilian Knorr: German businessman
- Paul Knorr– German zoologist
- Karl August Knorr: German botanist
- August Knorr: Polish-German geologist
- Andreas Knorr: German professor and theologian
- Kurt Knorr: German military officer
- Johannes Carl Knorr: German lawyer
- Gisela Knorr: West German sprint canoer
- Johannes Knorr: German actor
- Dina Knorr: Swiss long-distance runner
- Bronislaw Knorr: Polish sports shooter
- Konrad Knorr: German haematologist
- Jane Knorr: legal scholar and former president of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
- Ulrich Knorr: German theologian
- Wilhelm E. Knorr: American historian