Knechtli History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Knechtli

What does the name Knechtli mean?

The surname Knechtli derives from the Low German "Knoke" which means "bone" or in Modern German "Knochen." The name Knechtli and its variants Knakenhower and Knokenhower were mainly used in the northern part of Germany and indicated someone who cut bones, a butcher.

Alternatively the surname Knechtli is of nickname origin. Nickname surnames are those names which derive their origin from a physical characteristic or personal attribute of the initial bearer. In this instance, the surnameKnechtli derives from the Middle Low German "knarre" indicating a bony or haggard person. 1

Early Origins of the Knechtli family

The surname Knechtli was first found in Northern Germany.

Knechtli and its variants Knagge and Knack date back to the thirteenth century, which make it one the earliest recorded surnames in Germany. Knoke was a resident of Rostock in the year 1288 and Rindsknoke was living in Hamburg in the year 1297. A resident of Hamburg bearing the name Knakeruegge was recorded in the thirteenth century. Records for the year 1645 indicate one Nathanael Knack as residing in Danzig, and Johann Knagge was residing in Labiau in eastern Prussia in the year 1656. Adolf Wilhelm Knacke was the owner of an estate in the Altmark in the nineteenth century. 1

Early History of the Knechtli family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Knechtli research. The years 1752 and 1817 are included under the topic Early Knechtli History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Knechtli Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Knecht, Knechtel, Knechtli, Knechtges, Knechte and many more.

Early Notables of the Knechtli family

More information is included under the topic Early Knechtli Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Knechtli family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Michael Knecht, who emigrated to London, England, in 1709 with his wife and four daughters; Johan Jacob Knecht, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1729; Georg Peter Knecht, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1732.

Sources +

Bahlow, Hans, Dictionary of German Names. translated by Edda Gentry, Wisconsin: The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2002. Print. (ISBN 0-924119-35-7)