Surname Knappitsch - Meaning and Origin
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Knappitsch: What does the surname Knappitsch mean?
The last name Knappitsch is of German origin. It is a very old surname, many records of it dating as far back as the late 1600s. It derives from the Middle High German words, 'knappe' (hint, clue) and 'witsch' (leap, dance). So when put together, the literal meaning of the name is to hint or dance.
This name is also deeply entrenched in a longstanding German tradition of regional and family names, which were assigned to individuals, based on their place of origin and character traits. For example, the Knappitsch surname might have originally been assigned to the leaping and dancing members of a family or village.
Given the etymology of the surname, it is possible to infer what the name may have meant during its earlier days. Instead of referring to individuals who were dancers, the Knappitsch surname may have indicated that the person was a clever and sly individual. In rural German societies, this characteristic was highly respected and could even be seen to denote a type of leadership.
The Knappitsch surname also has an interesting origin, as it has changed and evolved over the centuries. It is derived from an old German word, 'knappe', which means ‘hint’ or ‘clue’. This could indicate the original bearer of the name was a person of noble or upper-class background, as hints and clues were thought to be reserved for those of prestige.
No matter where it originated from, the surname Knappitsch remains an interesting part of German heritage and a reminder of its rich culture and customs.
Order DNA origin analysisKnappitsch: Where does the name Knappitsch come from?
The last name Knappitsch is most commonly found in Austria. It is an Austrian patronymic surname, which means it was derived from a father's given name. Knappitsch is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word “knap” meaning a tradesman, such as a carpenter, or a professional, such as a lawyer. This surname has been documented since records began in the 12th century.
Knappitsch last names can also be found in Germany, the United States, and other countries. For instance, some records from the United States can be traced back to German immigrants settling there in the mid-1700s. In addition, there are Knappitsch family branches in South Africa, Canada, and Australia.
Today, the Austrian population of Knappitsch people numbers in the thousands. Generally clustered in and around the capital city of Vienna, they are scattered throughout the country. Throughout the rest of Europe, the majority of Knappitsch people are found in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Austria’s neighboring countries, along with Switzerland.
The earliest recorded use of this surname dates back to the thirteenth century, when it appeared as Knight Knap of Schmied. It is believed that the original bearer was the King’s advisor who lived in Austria. With their long, rich history, it is likely that the Knappitsch last name will live on in Austria for many centuries to come.
Variations of the surname Knappitsch
Knappitsch is an ethnic German surname, last name, derived from the Middle High German name Knaepfje which comes from the Old German word knapp meaning clever. These days the form of the surname varies in spelling and originates from local dialects. Knappitsch can be spelled Knaepfje, Knapp, Knap, Knappe, Knaue, Knuepf, Knuepfer, Knupfer and Knufer.
The double 'p' form of this surname can often be seen in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. It is also seen sometimes with reverse order of P and K, such as Pkaapp. This form is often used in the US, France, Canada and the UK.
The variations on this name come from both differences in the spelling of the Middle High German name, and diminutive variants or pet names, such as Knappe, Knap or Knuepf, which were traditional German nicknames and became surnames in the sixteenth century as hereditary surnames.
Other surnames that can be traced to the same root include Cnupfer, Knop, Knopf, Knopfer, Knupp, Knuppe, Knaepflein, Knauble, Knoblich, Knobel, Knoblauch, Knobloch, Knuptfer, Pnopf, Pnupp and more.
Famous people with the name Knappitsch
- Kurt Knappitsch: Austrian skiing champion who competed in the 1934 Winter Olympics.
- Gernot Knappitsch: Austrian skiing champion who competed in the 1932 and 1936 Winter Olympics.
- Louisa Knappitsch: Austrian actress who was active in the early 20th century.
- Michael Knappitsch: Austrian architect and graphic designer who designed the Glockenturm in Vienna, Austria.
- Don Knappitsch: American gymnast and stuntman, best known for performing stunts on the original Captain Kangaroo show. He performed flips and aerial stunts from 1953 to 1984.
- Gustl Knappitsch: Austrian bobsledder who competed in the 1924 and 1928 Winter Olympics.
- Joseph Knappitsch: Austrian composer and conductor who composed the musical score for the 1961 film, The City of Angels.
- Franz Knappitsch: Austrian skater who was active in the early 1900s. He won Gold at the 1908 World Figure Skating Championships and Silver at the 1912 World Championships.
- Stefan Knappitsch: Austrian author and publisher, best known for his work published in the early 20th century.
- Friedrich Knappitsch: Austrian skiing champion who competed in the 1934 Winter Olympics. He was only the third Austrian skier to ever compete in the Olympics, preceded by both Gernot and Kurt Knappitsch.