Origin & Meaning of the Knisley Surname
What does the last name Knisley mean?
The surname Knisley carries the meaning "From a meadow or clearing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,273 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Knisley ranks as the #9,879 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Knisley come from?
The Knisley surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Knisley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Knisley trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Knisley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,879 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,273 |
| Per 100K People | 1.11 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Knisley
According to the US Census, the Knisley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,273 Americans with the Knisley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.42% |
| Black | 0.76% |
| Hispanic | 1.96% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.4% |
| Native American | 0.15% |
| Two or More Races | 1.31% |
Popularity of Knisley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Knisley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Knisley surname increased by 160 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Knisley coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Knisley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Knisley.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Knisley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knisley
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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