Knoll Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Knoll Origin:

England, Germany

Origins of Knoll:

The surname of Knoll is considered to be a topographical surname. A topographical surname is used to describe someone who lived on or near a residential landmark. This landmark could be either man made or natural, and would have been easily identifiable in the area from which it hailed, thus making the people who lived near it easily distinguished. In the case of the surname of Knoll, this surname can be used to describe someone who lived on or near a hilltop or a mountain peak. The word itself hails from the Middle English word of “knolle” which can be translated to mean “hilltop,” or the Old English word of “cnolll,” which can also be translated to mean “hilltop.” In Germany, the surname of Knoll was also topographical for a hilltop or a peak, but in this case can be derived from the Middle High German word of “knol,” which can be translated to mean “peak.” Another possible origin of the surname of Knoll is that it can be used as a locational surname for many English towns. Since the surname of Knoll may be locational, this means that it was often taken by the Lord or owner of the land from which the name derives. Others who may have take a locational surname are people who have migrated out of the area to seek out work. The easiest way to identify someone who was a stranger at that time was by the name of their birthplace. In the case of the surname of Knoll, the place from which this surname may have derived include Knole in the area of Kent in England, or Knowle in Dorset, West Midlands. Finally, the surname of Knoll may be a nickname for a clumsy person or a peasant, which itself comes from the Middle High Germand word of “knolle,” which can be translated to mean “clod,” or “lump.” It is a common element of surnames throughout Europe that many of them originally derived from nicknames, as it was a very common practice in medieval times. In the beginning, nicknames were applied to people who had distinguishing characteristics, such as moral or mental peculiarities, a similar appearance to a bird or animal, a similar disposition to a bird or animal, occupation of an individual, their habits, or their manner of dress.

Variations:

More common variations are: Knollys, Knowles, Knoles, Knolles

History:

United States of America:

The surname of Knoll is most prevalent in the United States of America. Throughout the 17th and 18th Centuries, it became common for many European citizens to migrate to the United States of America in search of a better life for them and their families. This large movement of people is commonly referered to as the European Migration. Among those who migrated to the United States of America were those who bore the surname of Knoll. The first person who was recorded to have the surname of Knoll was one Ann Mary Knoll, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1733.

Here is the population distribution of the last name Knoll: Germany 17,080; United States 12,091; Austria 2,960; Brazil 2,290; Canada 989; South Africa 858; Argentina 717; France 612; Israel 542; Poland 477; Hungary 425; Switzerland 324

Notable People:

Verne Knoll, who served as the Mayor of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin in the year of 1950, and who was also a politician from America.

Sandra D. Knoll, who served as the Socialist Workers Candidate for the Michigan State Senate in the 4th District in the year of 1974, and who served as the Socialist Worker’s Candidate for the Presidential Elector of Michigan in the year of 1976, and again in the year of 1988, an who was also a politician from America.

Milton Knoll, who served as a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention from the state of Ohio in the year of 1964, and who was a Democratic politician from America.

Edwin W. Knoll, who served as the Village President of Catskill, New York in the year of 1941, and who was a politician from America.

Hans Knoll, who was a furniture manufacturer in America, and who was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and who was also the founder of Knoll in the year of 1938.

Edwin Knoll (1931-1994) who was a journalist from America

Catherine Baker Knoll (born in 1930) who serves as the current Lieutenant Governor of the state of Pennsylvania

Max Knoll (1897-1969) who was an electrical engineer from America

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

1) (Elias de Knoll, Lord of Knollsmere, Wigglesworth, and Hellifield Peel, co. York, whose daus. and co-heirs were, 1) Katharine, m. to Adam de Hamerton, Lord of Hamerton, co. York; and 2) Anastasia, who m. Sir John de Halton, Knt., of Halton, co. York). Gu. a chev. betw. three roses ar.
2) Gu. a chev. ar. betw. three annulets pierced or.
3) (co. Chester, Chisping, co. Lancaster, Chipping and Harpley, co. Norfolk). Gu. on a chev. ar. three roses barbed and seeded of the field. Crest—A ram’s head ar. attired or.
4) (Samford Oreas, co. Dorset, and co. Somerset). Gu. on a bend ar. three escallops sa.