Surname Knab - Meaning and Origin
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Knab: What does the surname Knab mean?
The last name Knab is an occupational surname, which means that it was derived from a type of job or trade. In this case, Knab likely originates from a Middle Low German word "knappe," meaning from "knecht," or servant. This name was traditionally given to someone who was a laborer, such as a farmhand or field worker. During the Middle Ages, this type of servitude was common throughout Europe and was adopted into various languages. Over the centuries, the spelling of the name evolved and changed, eventually becoming the modern-day Knab.
Today, the surname Knab is most commonly found in Germany, especially in parts of Bavaria and Thuringia. It is also found in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Poland, Austria, and Switzerland.
People with the last name Knab often have a strong sense of tradition and family. They tend to place a high value on hard work and perseverance, and they usually prefer to stay close to their roots rather than following the tide of modernity. They are usually well-liked by their peers, but can be quite loyal to their family and friends.
Order DNA origin analysisKnab: Where does the name Knab come from?
The last name Knab is found mostly in the United States, though some occurrences also exist in Europe. In the United States, the most heavily populated states for the last name Knab are Texas, California, and New York. It also appears in Canada, especially in Ontario and British Columbia. The Knab name is thought to have derived from German or Dutch origin.
In Europe, Knab is most commonly found in the Netherlands. Other countries where the last name is registered include England, Germany, Finland, France, and Sweden. In locations where the Knab name does exist, it is outnumbered by other last names and does not appear to be strongly concentrated in particular areas.
The Knab name is not as common as other last names, yet there are quite a few people with this name throughout the United States and Europe.
Variations of the surname Knab
The surname Knab can have several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The processes and techniques of survival of surnames have slowly evolved over time.
The primary variant of Knab is Knapp, which is a Germanic nickname for a short person. Knabbe is a variant of Knab also found in Germany, which is derived from the diminutive form of the name Knabe, meaning "boy" or young man.
In the Netherlands, the name can be spelled as Knap, which is a variant of the Dutch-Flemish surname derived from Knapp.
In Scandinavia, the Knab surname is often seen spelled as Knabe, Knabs, or Knappe. It is another form of a Germanic nickname.
The Norwegian forms of the name are Knaben, Knab, or Knap, which are all derived from the Old Norse word for boy, knáttr.
In England, a variant of the name is Knape or Knapie, which is a pet form of the name Knappe or Knapen, meaning little or one who is short of stature.
In the United States, other spellings of the surname Knab include Nab, Nabe, Nep, Knape, and Knop.
In Germany, Knab is a surname that came from Saxony and other eastern German states.
The surname is also found in countries such as Poland (Knaab, Knop, Knopf), Czech Republic (Knaf, Knapan, Knap), and Hungary (Knabagues).
Overall, the surname Knab can have numerous variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These variations can be found throughout Europe and in the United States.
Famous people with the name Knab
- Jakub Knap: Polish actor.
- Eva Knap: Slovenian modern pentathlete.
- Susanna Knab: German swimmer.
- Max Knab: German ice hockey player.
- Otto Knab: German revolutionary and author.
- Pierre Knab: French visual artist.
- Henk Knab: Dutch sprint canoeist.
- Judith Knab: Czech rower.
- Karl Knab: American pitcher.
- Andrew Knab: Slovakian football player.
- Paul Knab: American sculptor.
- Johan Knab: Swiss sculptor.
- Maja Knab: Croatian medal-winning Paralympic athlete.
- Werner Knab: German astronaut.
- Samuel Knab: Hungarian water polo player.
- Friedrich Knab: Austrian librarian.
- Thomas Knab: Finnish artist.
- Manfred Knab: German canoe sprinter.
- Josef Knab: Austrian basketball player.
- Josef Knab: Austrian field hockey player.