Surname Knapper - Meaning and Origin
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Knapper: What does the surname Knapper mean?
The last name Knapper is of German origin and dates back hundreds of years to early 1600's. It is derived from the German word 'knapp' meaning 'sharp, wise or clever.' This surname was initially found among various regions of Germany but did eventually spread to other countries throughout Europe.
In the modern day, the surname is still quite common in Germany and other Central European countries. However, in the United States, Canada and other countries of immigration, the surname is less frequently found due to only certain lines of the Knapper family tree having emigrated from Europe.
Traditionally, the Knapper family has been made up of intelligent and hardworking people. This intelligence has allowed them always to get ahead and succeed in different aspects of life. In addition to their hard work and ingenuity, the Knapper family has also been known for their wit and keen sense of humour.
The Knapper family name is still carried on by many families around the world. The legacy of the hard work, wit and intelligence of this last name continues to live on today and is an important part of many family histories.
Order DNA origin analysisKnapper: Where does the name Knapper come from?
The last name Knapper is most commonly found in the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is also present in other areas of Europe, such as Russia, France, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. Additionally, it is used in Australia, Canada, and even the United States.
The name seems to have originated in France, evolving from the French term ‘knapen,’ meaning ‘to chop.’ In time, the name became popular in various European countries, becoming associated with a profession such as that of a butcher or even a woodcutter.
Today, the name can be traced to numerous records and documents going back centuries, and is still a popular surname. Records from the German telephone directory show that the name is widespread throughout Germany in a variety of different spellings, such as Knappert, Knopert, and Knapert.
In the United States, the name is found mostly in the Midwest in areas of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Nebraska. The Knapper family has a Monument located in Wisconsin that pays tribute to their ancestors who, as settlers, arrived in the area in the early 1800s from Canada.
Due to globalisation, the name Knapper is no longer restricted to its origins, as it is becoming increasingly more common in other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Knapper
The surname Knapper is believed to have English and German origins.
English variants and spellings of the surname Knapper include Knaper, Knapman, Knipper, Knepper, Napper, and Napler.
The English version of the surname originates from a Middle English nickname derived from the Old English words “cnaep” and “cnaepmann”, which meant “coventerer” or “bargainer.”
German variants and spellings of the surname Knapper include Knabner, Knappe, Knapp, Knap, Knipper, Knepper, Knöppel, Kneip, and Knöp.
These German versions of the surname are derived from the Middle High German word “knap”, which meant “treasurer” or “provisioner”.
The Dutch version of the surname Knapper is spelled Knapperd, which is derived from the Dutch word “knaap” which meant “orphan” or “servant”.
The surname Knapper can also be found in various other Germanic languages, most notably in Sweden, where it is spelled Knappe or Knapper. In the Netherlands it is known as Knapper, and in Norway as Knab.
In the United States, the surname has become somewhat anglicized, with many variants appearing such as Napper, Nepper, Knepper, Knipper, Knappe, Knap, Nipp, Nippe, Nip, and Nepp.
All of these variants, spellings and surnames share one common origin: the Germanic word “Knapp” meaning “treasurer” or “provisioner”.
Famous people with the name Knapper
- Stacy Knapper: American film director, writer, and producer actively working in Los Angeles.
- Fran Knapper: British actor, writer, director, and comedian best known in the UK for her work on Disney Channel.
- Chris Knapper: Canadian player in the National Hockey League who currently plays for the New York Rangers.
- Seymore Knapper: Senior Judge at the Supreme Court of NSW, Australia.
- George Knapper: English professional footballer who played as a left back for Norwich City during the 1960s.
- Toby Knapper: Chief Executive of Wight Crystal, Britain's oldest glass factories.
- David Knapper: Professional American golfer, currently playing on the PGA tour.
- Julie Knapper: Emmy-nominated American television producer who has been responsible for producing some of the world’s most successful television shows and series.
- Luke Knapper: Independent film director, writer and producer who has created several popular short and feature films, and was nominated for the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.
- Professor Ian Knapper: Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University and former professor of micro-biology at Cambridge.
- Andy Knapper: British sound engineer and coordinator who won a BAFTA award for his work on the show "The Office".
- Graham Knapper: British artist whose work has featured in galleries across the world.
- Jim Knapper: American singer and songwriter, and member of the country duo "Knapper & Gaskins".
- Claire Knapper: CEO and Partner of the business consulting firm "5th Quarter Enterprises".
- Steven Knapper: Award-winning British journalist who has been a Senior Editor at the BBC for over 20 years.