Explore the Family Name Knapper
The meaning of Knapper
1. English: topographic name from Middle English knap(p)er(e), an agent derivative of knap(pe) ‘knob, hillock’, for someone who lived by a hilltop or hillock; compare Knapp. 2. German (also Knäpper): habitational name for someone from either of two places in Westphalia named Knapp. 3. German (Knäpper): unflattering nickname from an agent derivative of knappen ‘to be stingy’ or, in some places, ‘to grab or snatch’.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Knapper in the United States?
The surname Knapper has seen a decrease in popularity over the years, according to data from the Decennial U.S. Census. In 2000, Knapper held the rank of 26,493 and was attached to 866 individuals making it a proportion per 100,000 of 0.32. However, by 2010, the surname had slipped to a rank of 30,701 with a count of 759, reducing its proportion per 100,000 to 0.26. This represents a decline in popularity of 15.88% and a reduction in count by 12.36%.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #26,493 | #30,701 | -15.88% |
| Count | 866 | 759 | -12.36% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.32 | 0.26 | -18.75% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Knapper
In terms of ethnicity, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals some shifts over the decade. The percentage of those identifying as White with the surname Knapper decreased from 70.44% in 2000 to 66.01% in 2010. Conversely, individuals identifying as Black or Hispanic saw an increase. The proportion of Black individuals increased from 25.87% to 29.12%, while the Hispanic population grew from 1.04% to 1.32%. Those identifying with two or more races also saw a slight increase from 2.08% to 2.11%. No individuals with the surname Knapper identified as Asian/Pacific Islander or American Indian and Alaskan Native in 2010, down from 0.58% and 0% respectively in 2000.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 70.44% | 66.01% | -6.29% |
| Black | 25.87% | 29.12% | 12.56% |
| Two or More Races | 2.08% | 2.11% | 1.44% |
| Hispanic | 1.04% | 1.32% | 26.92% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |