This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Knaack family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Knaack Family History

Knaack Surname Meaning

North German: from Low German knaak ‘bone’ hence a metonymic occupational name for a butcher or possibly for a knacker.

It can also serve as a nickname for a bony, thin, or crude person.

Compare South German Knoch.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


Similar surnames: 

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Knaack family from?

You can see how Knaack families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Knaack family name was found in the USA, and the UK between 1880 and 1920. The most Knaack families were found in USA in 1920. In 1891 there were 2 Knaack families living in Durham. This was about 50% of all the recorded Knaack's in United Kingdom. Durham and 1 other county had the highest population of Knaack families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Knaack surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Knaack ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Farmer and Secretary were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Knaack. 25% of Knaack men worked as a Farmer and 14% of Knaack women worked as a Secretary. Some less common occupations for Americans named Knaack were Operator and Housewife.

View Census Data for Knaack | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Farmer
    25%
  • Laborer
    21%
  • Truck Driver
    13%
  • Operator
    7%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Secretary
    14%
  • Stenographer
    14%
  • Beautician
    7%
  • Housewife
    7%

What Knaack family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 5,000 census records available for the last name Knaack. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Knaack census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Knaack

Passenger Lists

There are 1,000 immigration records available for the last name Knaack. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Knaack immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 1,000 military records available for the last name Knaack. For the veterans among your Knaack ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Knaack military records

You've only scratched the surface of Knaack family history

Discover More

What is the average Knaack lifespan?

Between 1957 and 2004, in the United States, Knaack life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1959, and highest in 2002. The average life expectancy for Knaack in 1957 was 51, and 76 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Knaack

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Knaack ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Knaack family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial