Surname Knörr - Meaning and Origin
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Knörr: What does the surname Knörr mean?
The surname Knörr is a Germanic origin name from northern Germany and the Low Countries. The name is derived from the Old Saxon word ‘knoor’, meaning ‘a drinking horn or a cup’. Historically, it was used as a generic term for a vessel or cup, often used ceremonially but also in daily life.
Knörr is thought to have first been used as a surname in the late Middle Ages, and became especially popular in the lowlands of modern Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. It is thought that different branches of this family tree may have had their own family vaults, from which family crests, coats of arms, and so on were passed down through generations.
With regards to the modern interpretation of the name, Knörr generally indicates a person who is sociable, generous, noble, and hospitable. It is thought that these traits are related to the historical importance of the cup and its association with the sharing of food and drinks with guests.
Knörr is also a part of many German surname compounding, or hyphenated surnames. These include such examples as Knörr-Havel, Knörr-Köhler, and Knörr-Kramer. In these cases, the second part of the surname usually has a local or regional meaning - Havel, for example, could refer to the Havel river that runs through east Germany, or Köhler could refer to a coppersmith or smithy.
Overall, the name Knörr can be seen as an indication of a person who is generous and hospitable, a trait which is associated with the historical importance of the cup and its association with food and drinks shared with guests. It is also a common part of many hyphenated surnames, often being combined with regional words and meanings.
Order DNA origin analysisKnörr: Where does the name Knörr come from?
The last name Knörr is a fairly uncommon surname. It is largely clustered around Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. In Germany, Knörr is concentrated in the states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony, Saxony, and Thuringia. There is also a strong presence in the Czech Republic.
Further, the name Knörr can be found in certain parts of the Americas, including the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. In the United States, Knörr is common in the Northeastern and Midwestern regions. Though much less common than in Europe, people with this surname are also present in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.
Given the concentration of the name in certain regions, it is possible that the name does have a common ancestor. It is likely, for instance, that the name has roots in Central Europe, particularly Germany, ancestral home to many of the people with this surname in the United States. It is also likely that many of the people with the surname Knörr in the Americas are descended from German settlers who emigrated to the Americas in the 18th and 19th centuries.
More research is required to understand the exact origin of this surname and its commonalities across Europe and the Americas.
Variations of the surname Knörr
The surname Knörr is derived from the Old Germanic language and is thought to mean 'knot', as in a rope or a coil of something. There are a number of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin as Knörr.
The English spelling of the surname is Knorr. This spelling is most commonly seen in the United States and Canada.
The German spelling of the surname is Knörr, Knoerr or Knorr. This spelling is most commonly seen in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavia.
In Dutch the surname is spelled Knor. This spelling is most commonly seen in the Netherlands.
Variants of the same surname include Knor, Knar, Knorre/Knarre and Knoff/Knaap.
The surname can also be found with the prefixes van-Knorr (from Knorr), Van Knorre, Von Knorre, Van Knor, and Von Knorr.
In addition, other Germanic variants of the surname include Krüger, Knupfer, Krayer, Knoefel, Knorz and Knors.
There are also other surnames derived from the same origin as Knörr. For example, Nor, Nore, Norr, Nör and Nohr.
In summary, Knörr is a versatile surname with many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Variants of Knörr include Knor, Knar, Knorre/Knarre, Knoff/Knaap, van-Knorr, Van Knorre, Von Knorre, Van Knor, and Von Knorr. Other derivations of the same surname include Krüger, Knupfer, Krayer, Knoefel, Knorz, Knors, Nor, Nore, Norr, Nör and Nohr.
Famous people with the name Knörr
- Peer Knörr: Businessman and Swiss entrepreneur, founder of the Prufbeck Group and financier of Mortlach GmbH.
- Claudia Knörr: German politician, Member of Parliament representing the Christian Democrats.
- Justus Knörr: German painter, engraver, and etcher, active in the seventeenth century.
- Dierk Knörr: Swiss footballer and member of the Swiss national team.
- Christian Knörr: German organ builder and musician, active in the eighteenth century.
- Terian Knörr: English actor, known for his performances in Wolf Hall and Me Before You.
- Maurice Knörr: Swiss sculptor, active in the early twentieth century.
- John Knörr: American artist and pioneering graffiti artist.
- Bernadette Knörr: Austrian vocalist and jazz pianist.
- Reinhold Knörr: German painter and woodcutter, active in the late 14th century.