Knapp Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Knapp come from? What does the surname Knapp mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Knapp and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Knapp Origin: What does the last name Knapp mean?
The surname Knapp has origins in both German and English cultures. In England, records from the early 15th century show the appearance of the surname Knapp, indicating its presence in the country during that period. The name is believed to have derived from the Old English word "cnapa," which means a young boy or servant. Over time, the surname became more prevalent in the United States, with a significant increase in frequency starting from the 17th century, suggesting a possible migration or population growth of individuals bearing the Knapp surname.
According to YourRoots data, the Knapp surname has a strong presence in the United States, with a notable expansion in records during the 18th century. While the United States remains a primary location for individuals with the Knapp surname, the name can also be found in various regions worldwide, including England, Canada, Australia, Germany, and South Africa. This global spread of the Knapp surname showcases its enduring legacy and widespread presence across different countries and cultures.
Knapp Last Name History: Where did the last name Knapp come from?
Origin of Knapp Surname: Where does the last name Knapp originate from?
The earliest records in the YourRoots database show the surname Knapp first appearing in England in the early 15th century. It's important to remember that this is specific to the precise spelling of "Knapp" in the YourRoots database and does not include any variations of the surname from different sources.
History of the Last Name Knapp: What does the Knapp surname history look like in the early days?
As per YourRoots data, the surname Knapp was primarily associated with England from the 15th to the 16th century. The records then show a notable increase in the frequency of the Knapp surname in the United States starting from the 17th century, suggesting a significant migration or growth in the population bearing this surname.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Knapp surname today?
The volume of records for the surname Knapp significantly expanded in the United States during the 18th century, overtaking the frequency in England. This trend continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, according to YourRoots, the Knapp surname is chiefly found in the United States but can also be discovered in various regions worldwide, including but not limited to England, Canada, Australia, Germany, and South Africa.
Explore Knapp last name heritage and Knapp surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Knapp Surame?
Alexis Knapp
Alexis Merizalde Knapp (born July 31, 1989) is an American actress known for her roles as Stacie Conrad in the Pitch Perfect film series and as Alexis in the party film Project X. She has also appeared in various television series and independent films, showcasing her talent and versatility in the entertainment industry. Knapp's captivating performances have earned her a dedicated fan base and recognition for her contributions to popular culture.
Jake Knapp
Jacob Richard Knapp (May 31, 1994 - ) is an American professional golfer known for his successful career on the PGA Tour. Born in California, Knapp turned professional in 2016 and quickly made a name for himself with multiple wins on the PGA Tour Canada and the Korn Ferry Tour. In 2024, he secured his PGA Tour card and went on to claim his first PGA Tour victory at the Mexican Open. Knapp's impressive golf skills were highlighted by his historic round of 59 at the Cognizant Classic in 2025, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the world of professional golf.
Jennifer Knapp
Jennifer Lynn Knapp (April 12, 1974 - present) is an American-Australian folk rock and contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter, author, and LGBTQ advocate. She rose to fame with hits like "Undo Me" and "A Little More" from her albums Kansas (1998) and Lay It Down (2000). After a seven-year hiatus, Knapp made headlines by coming out as gay, becoming one of the first openly LGBTQ Christian music artists. She continues to advocate for LGBTQ rights and released her memoir, Facing the Music, in 2014. Knapp's latest album, Kansas 25 (2024), is a re-recording of her debut album, showcasing her enduring talent and message of inclusion.
Brooke Knapp
Nancy Brooke Knapp (born 1940) is an American aviator, entrepreneur, and Realtor known for setting or breaking over 100 world aviation speed records. She achieved the fastest speed around the world in a civilian jet aircraft and flew through China and the Soviet Union on a peace mission, raising nearly $1 million for UNICEF. Knapp is a licensed Realtor with Sotheby's International Realty and has received various awards for her philanthropic efforts and achievements in aviation.
Justin Knapp
Justin Anthony Knapp (November 18, 1982) is an American Wikipedia user known for making over 2.1 million edits on the English Wikipedia. He was the first person to contribute more than one million edits to the site. Knapp holds degrees in philosophy and political science and has been recognized as one of the most active Wikipedia contributors of all time. He has also been involved in activism, advocating for the Sahrawi people and participating in community organizing events. Knapp's dedication to editing Wikipedia has earned him praise and recognition from co-founder Jimmy Wales, who declared a day in his honor. Despite facing bans for his editing behavior, Knapp continues to make an impact in the online encyclopedia world.
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