Kneale

The surname Kneale is of English origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name "Knutr" which means "knot" or "knotty". The name evolved to "Kniel" before taking the modern form Kneale.

The Kneale surname has a notable presence in the Isle of Man, a British Crown dependency located in the Irish Sea, where it is particularly prevalent. The Isle of Man has historically been an important centre for the surname, with various branches of the Kneale family establishing themselves there.

The Kneale name has a rich history, with individuals bearing the surname making significant contributions in various fields. One of the most notable figures with the Kneale surname is Nigel Kneale (1922–2006), a British screenwriter renowned for his pioneering work in science fiction and horror genres. Nigel Kneale's impact on the entertainment industry, particularly through his creation of the character Professor Bernard Quatermass, has left a lasting legacy.

Over the centuries, the Kneale surname has spread beyond the Isle of Man, with Kneales residing in different parts of the United Kingdom and other regions around the world. Today, individuals bearing the Kneale surname continue to contribute to diverse fields, reflecting the evolution and dispersion of this esteemed British name.

There are approximately 777 people named Kneale in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,977th most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Kneale.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Gary
  • John
  • Marcus
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Philip
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Gillian
  • Joanne
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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