Knickerbocker Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Knickerbocker come from? What does the surname Knickerbocker mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Knickerbocker and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Knickerbocker Origin: What does the last name Knickerbocker mean?
The surname Knickerbocker, also spelled Knikkerbakker, Knikkerbacker, and Knickerbacker, originated from the early settlers of New Netherland in the early 17th century. The name became popularized by Washington Irving in 1809 through his satirical work, A History of New York, under the pseudonym "Diedrich Knickerbocker". It was also used to refer to Manhattan's aristocracy in the early days and later became a general term for a New Yorker, particularly those of Anglo-Dutch descent. The Knickerbocker surname remained closely associated with the United States from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
According to YourRoots data, the surname Knickerbocker has a strong presence in the United States, particularly in the 20th century. The name is prominent among old-line families in New York City and has continued to be recognized as a symbol of heritage and lineage. The Knickerbocker surname exemplifies a historical connection to Dutch colonists in New Netherland and reflects a rich legacy that remains significant in American history.
Knickerbocker Last Name History: Where did the last name Knickerbocker come from?
Origin of Knickerbocker Surname: Where does the last name Knickerbocker originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Knickerbocker first appeared in records from United States around the early 17th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Knickerbocker spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Knickerbocker: What does the Knickerbocker surname history look like in the early days?
The Knickerbocker surname remained closely associated with United States from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Knickerbocker surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Knickerbocker surname grew significantly in United States. The Knickerbocker surname remains prominent in United States.
Explore Knickerbocker last name heritage and Knickerbocker surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Knickerbocker Surame?
Brianna Knickerbocker
Brianna Rose Knickerbocker is an American voice actress known for her work in English dubbed Japanese anime and video games. She has voiced characters in popular series such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Carole & Tuesday, Genshin Impact, and Fire Emblem Fates. Brianna, also known as Starless, is a talented singer and songwriter. She has received recognition for her voice acting, winning awards like the Staff Choice Award & People's Choice Award for Breakthrough Voice Actress of the Year. Brianna continues to captivate audiences with her versatile voice and performances.
Diedrich Knickerbocker
Diedrich Knickerbocker (June 19, 1809 – August 11, 2023) is a fictional Dutch-American historian created by Washington Irving in his novel "A History of New-York". Known for popularizing the term "knickerbockers", he inspired the nickname for Manhattan residents and the NBA team, the New York Knicks. His character led to the creation of the Knickerbocker News in Albany and the Knickerbocker Group in the 19th century. Father Knickerbocker became a symbol of New York City and was featured in various media and logos, including the New York Knicks franchise. Knickerbocker's legacy extends to popular culture, fashion, and sports in American history.
Hubert Renfro Knickerbocker
Hubert Renfro Knickerbocker (January 31, 1898 – July 12, 1949) was an American journalist and author best known for his reporting on German politics before and during World War II. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Correspondence in 1931 for his articles on the Soviet Five Year Plan. Knickerbocker's work covered topics ranging from European fascism to the threat of Nazism, and he was known for his insightful analysis and reporting on global events. Tragically, he passed away in a plane crash while on assignment in Southeast Asia. His legacy lives on through his impactful journalism and dedication to truth-telling.
Cholly Knickerbocker
Cholly Knickerbocker (Diedrich Knickerbocker) was a pseudonym used by a series of society columnists writing for papers like the New York American and New York Journal-American. The name came from the perceived pronunciation of "Charlie" by the New York upper-crust. Famous users of this pseudonym include John W. Keller, Maury Henry Biddle Paul, Igor Cassini, and Charles A. Van Rensselaer III. The name appears in the film Sabrina (1954) and the Cole Porter song "High Society."
Harmen Jansen Knickerbocker
Harmen Jansen Knickerbocker (c. 1648 – c. 1720) was a Dutch colonist associated with the early settlements in New Netherland, including Albany, Schaghticoke, Red Hook, and Tivoli. While he never used the surname Knickerbocker in his lifetime, it evolved from various forms of his name. His descendants, including his son Johannes and grandson Herman, played significant roles in American history, with Herman's name even inspiring Washington Irving's character in "Knickerbocker's History of New York." The Knickerbocker name has become synonymous with the early Dutch settlers in New York, thanks to Irving's popular work.
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