Show ContentsKnull History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Knull name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in Kneela, in Devon, or at Knell House in Sussex, or in Knill, in Herefordshire. [1] The place-names described above are all derived from the Old English word cnylle, which meant knoll. The name means "dweller at the knoll." [1] It seems likely that the name originated at Knill, in Herefordshire, as this is the oldest place that bears that name. Knill appears in the Domesday Book as Chenille. [2] Knell House in Sussex derives its name directly from the family name. [1]

Early Origins of the Knull family

The surname Knull was first found in Herefordshire, at Knill, a "parish three miles from Kingston." [3] Alternatively the name could have originated at Nill Well in Cambridgeshire. [1]

Early rolls give us a glimpse of the many spelling in use over the centuries. Alvredus de Knelle was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for Sussex in 1220 and William atte Knells was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Sussex in 1296. [1]

The source "Testa de Nevill, sive Liber Feodorum, temp. Henry III-Edward I." lists Henry de Knell, Bedfordshire, Henry III-Edward I. [4]

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 had two entries for the family, both in Cambridgeshire: Gille de Knille and Robert de Knille. [3] In Somerset, early rolls there listed John atte Knyle, but not date was provided. [5]

Early History of the Knull family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Knull research. Another 139 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1220, 1273, 1296, 1327, 1560, 1569, 1570, 1571, 1573, 1581, 1600, 1615, 1646, 1656, 1660, 1662, 1664, 1723, 1826, 1835, 1846, 1852, 1857, 1866 and 1875 are included under the topic Early Knull History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Knull Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Knull were recorded, including Knell, Kneller, Knill, Knille, Knelle and others.

Early Notables of the Knull family

Distinguished members of the family include Thomas Knell (fl. 1570), an English divine, rector of Wareham, Dorset in 1569; he was appointed rector of St. Nicholas Acons, London, on 6 March 1570, and resigned before 3 March 1573. At times, he was confused with his son, Thomas Knell (fl. 1560-1581), an English clergyman.Paul Knell (1615-1664), was an English divine from Clare Hall, Cambridge. He became vicar of Newchurch, Romsey Marsh, in 1660, rector there in 1662, and vicar of St. Dunstan's, near Canterbury, in 1664. He died at St. Dunstan's, and was buried in the church 24 Aug. 1664. [6]Sir Godfrey...
Another 168 words (12 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Knull Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Knull family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Knull family emigrate to North America: John Knill, who came to Virginia in 1654; William Knell, who came to Virginia in 1654; Elias Kneller, who came to Halifax in 1751; and Christopher Knell, who came to Pennsylvania in 1847..



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  3. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  4. Testa de Nevill or "Liber Feodorum" or "Book of Fees," thought to have been written by Ralph de Nevill, for King John (1199–1216)
  5. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  6. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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