Knill (surname)

Knill is a surname with origins in both England and Germany.

Origin and Meaning:

• English: It is believed to be a locational surname derived from a place name, possibly Knill in Herefordshire, England. The place name itself is thought to be derived from the Old English personal name "Cnafa" (meaning "boy" or "servant") combined with "hyll" (meaning "hill"). Thus, the surname could mean "from the hill associated with Cnafa."

• German: Knill can also be of German origin. In this case, it is thought to be derived from a short form of the personal name Konrad or other related names containing the element "Kn".

Distribution:

The surname Knill is found primarily in England, with notable occurrences in regions historically associated with Herefordshire. It is also found in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to migration. Its occurrence in Germany and other parts of Europe is less common than in England.

Notable People with the Surname Knill:

• Oliver Knill (born 1963), Swiss-American mathematician working on dynamical systems and spectral theory.
• Emanuel Knill, American physicist known for his work in quantum computing.