knops

Knops is a surname of Dutch origin. It is most commonly found in the Netherlands and the Flemish region of Belgium, and has spread to other countries through migration and diaspora.

The name derives from the Middle Dutch word knop, meaning knob, bud, or button. As a surname, it may have originated as a nickname for a person with a prominent feature or as a topographic or occupational name, referring to someone associated with knobs or buttons. The suffix -s can indicate a patronymic form or a plural family name.

Distribution and usage: Knops is concentrated in the Low Countries, with a presence in North America, Australia, and other regions due to immigration. Variants and related forms exist in related Dutch and Belgian surnames, reflecting similar roots in knop-based naming.

Notable bearers: There are several individuals with the surname Knops who have achieved recognition in diverse fields such as sports, politics, and academia. The name also appears in historical records and contemporary public life.

See also: Related spellings and closely related surnames include Knop and Knopp, which share the same root from knop. The surname Knops may be encountered in historical documents, genealogical records, and contemporary civil registries.