Show ContentsKnoepfler History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The history of the Knoepfler family dates back to the 12th century, when hereditary surnames first began to be used in Germany. The name Knoepfler comes from Bavaria, and is derived from the Old German word "Knopf," meaning "button"; thus, it is a name for a maker of buttons, usually of horn.

Early Origins of the Knoepfler family

The surname Knoepfler was first found in Bavaria, where this family made important contributions toward the development of this district from ancient times. Ancient chronicles first mention the knight Johann Knop of Thuringia in 1368, Michel Knoepfle of Ravensburg in 1476, and Knoepfelman of Speyer in 1334.

Early History of the Knoepfler family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Knoepfler research. Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1480, 1728, 1769, 1842, 1874, 1895 and 1920 are included under the topic Early Knoepfler History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Knoepfler Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Knoepfler include Knopfler, Knopf, Knopfle, Knoepfel, Knoepfle, Knoepfli, Knoepfler, Knoff, Knof, Knofler, Knoffler, Knopfer, Knop, Knopler, Knauff, Knauffer, Knauffel and many more.

Early Notables of the Knoepfler family

Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Knoepfler Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Knoepfler family

German settlers were among the most common to come to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. Poverty and religious persecution drove many Bavarians to make this long trek. tenant farmers were also enticed by the prospect of owning land. From east to west, these German immigrants populated the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada also provided homes to many. Early settlers bearing the Knoepfler surname or a spelling variation of the name include: Katrena Knop, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1731; Peter Knop, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1735; Heinrich Knopf, who sailed to America in 1779; Barbara Knauff, who immigrated to Baltimore in 1831.



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