Surname Knobel - Meaning and Origin

A Journey in Self-Discovery: My Experience with iGENEA DNA Test

Through the iGENEA DNA test, I took a deep dive into the rich history and origins of my surname, Knobel, connected with others sharing the same lineage, and embarked on a reflective journey about identity and belonging.

U. Knobel

Knobel: What does the surname Knobel mean?

The last name Knobel is of Germanic origin and is derived from the word “Knopf,” which means “knob, button, or knob-like object.” The name is most likely a derivative of an occupational name for someone who was a maker of knobs or handles on items like furniture or even swords and armor. It is believed that the name may have originated from a family that had this type of craftsmanship as its main occupation.

The surname Knobel is found mainly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland but in recent years the name has spread to other parts of the world due to migrations. Spelling variations of the name include Knopf, Knobel, Knoblauch, Knobloch, Knoblich, and Knöbchen.

People with the surname Knobel include the German actor Günter Knobel, the Austrian writer and author Franz Knobel, and the American composer Isidor Knobel.

The name Knobel continues to evolve today and many people with this last name can take pride in their occupational heritage.

Knobel: Where does the name Knobel come from?

The last name Knobel is most commonly found in countries in Eastern Europe, such as Germany, Poland, and Hungary. It is also found in other parts of Europe, including the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland. In some cases, the name is spelled differently, such as Knoble, Knobl, or Knoblich.

Within Germany, the name is most commonly found in the state of Bavaria. This is likely due to the region's proximity to France, where the name is generally seen in its French spelling, Knobel.

In the United States, the name Knobel is also relatively common, especially in areas which have a large number of people of German or Eastern European descent. Of those people with the name in the US, many are originally from Germany or the Netherlands, while others could be descended from immigrants who arrived during the 19th century or later.

The name could also be found in Canada and Australia, where immigration from Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was significant. In both of these countries, it is generally concentrated in areas with more people of Eastern European ethnicities.

Overall, the name Knobel is most commonly found in Eastern Europe, the United States, and Canada. It is less commonly found in other parts of the world, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe. It can, however, be found in many places, as it is a relatively common name with a long history of usage.

Variations of the surname Knobel

Knobel is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word knobil, which itself came from the Middle Low German word knope or knoppe, meaning a “knob” or a “button”. The surname can stem from multiple sources, as the word is often used to refer to rounded protrusions or ornamental features on clothing or other objects as well as a knob or button.

Variants of the surname Knobel include Knöbel, Knöpkel, Knoopel, Knopel, Knop, Knebel, Knebel, Knubel, Knupel, Knutel, Knüppel, Knopp, Knepp, Knippel, Knopel, Knöpfl, Knopfle, and Knopfel.

The German spelling of the surname Knobel is most common, but the Dutch variant, Knöbel, is also seen in some parts of Europe. Other regional spellings can include Knobel, Knöpkel, Knöpfle, and Knopfel. Additionally, Knopfle and Knopfel are typically used as a given name rather than a surname.

In the United States, the Knobel surname is most commonly seen without the “ö” (Knobel). There have also been documented occurrences of the spelling Knebel.

Surnames derived from Knobel are not particularly common and include Knobelli, Knobla, Knoblauch, Knobloch, and Knoblow. These surnames are generally found in central and eastern Europe, such as Germany, Austria, and Poland.

In summary, Knobel is a surname of German origin that has various spelling variants and related surnames. The spelling most commonly found in the United States is Knobel.

Famous people with the name Knobel

• Johannes Knobel (Indonesian fashion designer and artist)
• Mark Knobel (American comedian and actor)
• Gerard Knobel (Dutch sculptor)
• Matvei Knobel (Russian botanist)
• Zuzana Knobel (Czech model and beauty pageant winner)
• Andrea Knobel (American television producer and writer)
• Mikhail Knobel (Russian orchestra conductor)
• Lucille Knobel (American silent-movie actress)
• Julija Knobel (Estonian theatre director)
• Yevgeny Knobel (Russian constructivist artist and architect)
• Harald Knobel (German physicist and astrophysicist)
• Konstantin Knobel (Russian poet and translator)
• Arne Knobel (Danish ceramic artist)
• Erika Knobel (Brazilian sculptor and installation painter)
• Volodymyr Knobel, (Ukrainian psychiatrist and professor)
• Erich Knobel (American physiologist and academic)
• Eve Knobel (American artist and entrepreneur)
• Alice Knobel (Swiss artist and surrealist painter)
• Jakob Knobel (Swiss sculptor and restorer)
• Levi Knobel (American composer and music director)

Other surnames

KnobelauchKnobelochKnobels