Surname Knoles - Meaning and Origin
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Knoles: What does the surname Knoles mean?
The surname Knoles is of English origin and it is a variant spelling of the name "Knowles". It is a topographic name derived from the Old English term 'cnoll' which means a "hilltop, mound" or "prominence". It was usually given to a person who lived at the top of a hill or a high region. Alternatively, it could also mean someone who lived near a knoll - which is a small hill or mound. Over time, the geographical term evolved into a surname. Some of the earliest records of this name are found in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in England from the 12th and 13th centuries. As with many surnames, variant spellings exist due to phonetic changes over time and differences in regional dialects, ranging from Knowles, Knolles, Knollys, to Knoles.
Order DNA origin analysisKnoles: Where does the name Knoles come from?
The last name Knoles is of Anglo-Saxon origin and was first found in the county of Lincolnshire in the East Midlands of England. The name is derived from the Old English words "cnoll" or "cnol" which means 'hilltop' or 'hillock', hence, it may have been a topographic name for someone who lived on a hilltop. It's also possible that Knoles was used to denote individuals from a location named Knoll.
Today, this surname may be found in various parts of the world due to migration and diaspora, but it remains most common in the United Kingdom and the United States. Specifically, within the UK, instances of the Knoles surname appear concentrated in Midlands locations such as Lincolnshire, where it originated. In the U.S., it is more widely spread with notable populations in states such as California, Arizona, and Kansas. Please note that the surname's frequency and location can change over time.
Variations of the surname Knoles
The surname Knoles is believed to be of English origin and possibly stems from a topographic or geographic element, referring to people who lived near a "knoell," an old English term for a hilltop or a hillock. Some of the different variants and spellings of this surname include Knowles, Knolles, Nolles, Noles, Knolls, Knoell, Knole, Knowell, and Knowel.
There could potentially be more derivations due to regional dialects, phonetic spellings, or transcription errors. Some surnames changed over time due to a family's migration or a change in social status. Therefore, finding people with differently spelled surnames who are related is not uncommon.
The surname Knowles is more familiar as some notable personalities bear this name such as singer/songwriter Beyoncé Knowles and her sister, Solange Knowles. The same goes for Knolles, another variant of the surname, which could be traced back to Sir Robert Knolles, an English knight in the 14th century.
Certainly, tracing genealogical roots with so many spelling variations can be complex. Genealogical researchers advise individuals to search for all variations when researching their family history to ensure that relevant records are not missed.
Famous people with the name Knoles
- Rick Knoles: Rick Knoles is a larger-than-life pro skateboarder and professional stuntman whose career has spanned several quarters of a century.
- Kelly Knoles: Kelly Knoles is an American professional BMX dirt bike racer who has been featured in multiple documentaries regarding the sport of BMX and has documented his passion with extreme sports on his YouTube channel.
- Tom Knoles: Tom Knoles is an award-winning musician and music producer who has worked on over two hundred albums. He has been featured in the recording software Pro Tools as a primary user, allowing him to have perfected his style of producing which he showcases in his music.
- Pete Knoles: Pete Knoles is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who plays for the Seattle Mariners. Over his decade-long career, he has pitched over 600 innings and recorded close to 200 strikeouts, with a career record of 68-56.
- Mark Knoles: Mark Knoles is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League. Over the course of his career, he played for the Washington Capitals, the New Jersey Devils, and the Boston Bruins.
- Perry Knoles: Perry Knoles is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and television writer who has made numerous appearances on late night television, including Jerry Seinfeld’s show and Comedy Central's @Midnight.
- George Knoles: George Knoles is a professional basketball player who recently signed with the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has received multiple accolades for his performances and was voted as an All-Star by the NBA coaches in 2018.
- Nathan Knoles: Nathan Knoles is an American racing driver who competes in the ARCA Series and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. He has been a consistent contender in the series since debuting in 2019, and has quickly risen up the ranks to become one of the top drivers.
- Cooper Knoles: Cooper Knoles is an American actor best known for his roles in the television shows “Glee” and “Shameless.” He also has a recurring role on “Scandal” and has had minor roles in a number of films such as “The Social Network,” “21 Jump Street,” and “The Hangover.” 10.Shayne Knoles: Shayne Knoles is a retired American basketball player who played in the NBA for the Utah Jazz and the Memphis Grizzlies. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and was voted the league's Most Improved Player in 2003.