Knofler History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Germany

Etymology of Knofler

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

Early History of the Knofler family

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

Knofler Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Knofler 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 Knofler family

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

Migration of the Knofler family

The great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records were: 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.