Knudsen

Knudsen is a common Danish and Norwegian surname. It is an occupational name derived from the Old Norse word "knútr," meaning "knot" or "neck," often referring to a boatman or sailor who would tie knots. The suffix "-sen" indicates "son of," so Knudsen literally means "son of Knútr."

The name is most prevalent in Denmark and Norway, though it can be found in other Scandinavian countries and among descendants of Scandinavian immigrants. Notable individuals bearing the surname Knudsen span various fields.

In science, Martin Hans Christian Knudsen was a Danish physicist known for his work on kinetic theory, particularly the Knudsen effect, which describes the behavior of gases in rarefied conditions. In sports, several athletes have carried the name, including Danish footballer Brian Steen Nielsen and Norwegian footballer Ole Gunnar Solskjær, whose mother's maiden name was Knudsen. In literature, Danish author H.C. Branner's work often featured characters with common Danish names. The surname has also appeared in the business world and in politics in Scandinavian countries.