Surname Knopeck - Meaning and Origin

Knopeck: What does the surname Knopeck mean?

The last name Knopeck traces its origins to the Kingdom of Bohemia, now located in the Czech Republic. It was first popularized by the noble family of Knopek after the Middle Ages and was derived from the old Germanic name ‘Knopf’ meaning ‘knob’ or ‘button’. It then evolved and spread through the region and ultimately gave rise to the modern surnames ‘Knopek’ or ‘Knopeck’.

Like many Germanic-origin surnames, Knopeck has spread and is now found across Europe, especially in countries such as Germany, Austria, Swiss and Poland, and in some states of the United States of America.

The surname is generally seen to carry a meaning of ‘buttons’ or ‘knobs’, from the original Germanic root word ‘Knopf’, due to its association with the noble family of Knopek which historically used buttons in its coat of arms.

The name is still relatively uncommon and those who bear it are connected to a proud family and interesting history. It’s a simple, but meaningful name that reflects how families and surnames evolve with time.

Knopeck: Where does the name Knopeck come from?

The last name Knopeck is most commonly found in the Czech Republic. According to Ancestry.com, it is the 600th most common last name in the Czech Republic, with an estimated 687 people having the last name. Its prevalence has risen over the last century, possibly due to the political reorganization of Europe in the second half of the 20th century.

The surname is also present in several other countries, including the United States, Slovakia, Austria, Ukraine, and Slovenia. In the United States, estimates show that there are at least 156 people with the last name, most of whom inhabit the more urban regions of the country. In Canada, the prevalence of the name is far lower, with fewer than 10 people having the last name.

The etymology of the name is uncertain, but there are several possibilities. One suggestion is that it is a diminutive form of the name Kopec, a Czech word for hilltop or mount. Alternatively, it may be related to the verb “knopit”, which means to chop something, indicating that it may have originally been an occupational name indicating someone who was an axe-man.

Overall, Knopeck is a relatively rare last name with its highest prevalence in the Czech Republic. Its etymology still remains unknown, but its spread across several European countries indicates that it is likely to have been in existence for centuries.

Variations of the surname Knopeck

Knopeck is a surname of Germanic and Polish origin. It is mostly found in Germany and other German-speaking countries as well as Poland. The variants of the name include: Knoop, Knop, Knopek and Knopitsch. Other variations that can be encountered include: Knöpfel, Knöpffel, Knoppe, Knopf, Knopfel, Nopek and Nopek. The surname is also spelled using different Latin alphabets such as Kńopeč and Knoͅpec.

The surname is derived from the Germanic and Slavic words 'knop', which means ‘knob’ or ‘button’, as well as the Polish word 'knopek', which refers to a round, decorative button. This suggests that the surname was adopted as a nickname for a person who was known for wearing fancy or ornamental clothing. As such, the name can be translated to mean 'bravely and decoratively adorned'.

Knopeck can also be found in various forms and spellings across the world. In Russia and Ukraine, the surname is sometimes spelt 'Knipick'. In Slovakia, the name is spelled 'Knopčík', while in some areas of the Czech Republic, it is written as 'Knopíček'. Alternative spellings can include: Knöpfel, Knopec, Knopik, Knopka, Knopová, Knopitsch, Knopůvká and Knypke.

Overall, Knopeck is a Germanic and Slavic surname with a variety of spellings, variations and nicknames. It is likely derived from 'knop' and 'knopek', meaning a decorative or ornamental button, possibly referring to a former wearer of such clothing.

Famous people with the name Knopeck

• Joe Knopeck: Joe Knopeck is a linebacker who played for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL from 1978-1980.
• Alexa Knopeck: Alexa Knopeck is an American actress, known for her roles in The Incredible Hulk (2008) and Wonder (2018).
• Joe Knopeck: Joe Knopeck is an American ice hockey player who played for the Philadelphia Flyers from 1974-1980.
• Bobby Knopeck: Bobby Knopeck is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1972-1976.
• Anne Knopeck: Anne Knopeck is a Canadian figure skater who competed at the 1982 World Figure Skating Championships.
• Lexi Knopeck: Lexi Knopeck is a makeup artist who has worked on projects such as Black Swan (2010) and The Huntsman: Winter's War (2016).
• Robert Knopeck: Robert Knopeck is a retired professional ice hockey player who played for the Edmonton Oilers from 1980-1985.
• Henry Knopeck: Henry Knopeck is a Canadian architect who has designed and constructed several award-winning buildings.
• Joseph Knopeck: Joseph Knopeck is a former professional soccer player who played for Toronto FC from 2007-2009.
• Douglas Knopeck: Douglas Knopeck is an American screenwriter and producer, best known for his work on the TV series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999).

Other surnames

Knopek