Knof History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Knof

What does the name Knof mean?

The history of the Knof family dates back to the 12th century, when hereditary surnames first began to be used in Germany. The name Knof 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 Knof family

The surname Knof 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 Knof family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Knof 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 Knof History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Knof Spelling Variations

One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Knof 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 Knof family

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

Migration of the Knof 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 Knof 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.