A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Knop family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 0753 · Swiss, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé d'un parti d'azur et d'or, sur arg.; à trois coeurs de gu., appointés par les pieds en pairle, br. en coeur de l'écu sur les divisions. C.: une tête et col de lévrier d'arg., entre un vol à l'antique, l'aile de derrière de gu., celle de devant coupée de gu. sur arg., aux trois coeurs de l'un en l'autre. L. d'arg. et de gu.”
SwitzerlandBâle, c. 1745
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Map of Switzerland showing where the Knop arms are recorded
The Knop arms were recorded in Bâle, c. 1745.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Switzerland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Switzerland
In Switzerland, coats of arms were not restricted to the nobility and were often adopted by common citizens and families. These symbols were passed down through generations to show family identity. When branches of a family grew, they often changed small details of the design to distinguish their own line from the original group.
Granting authority
Cantonal and civic authorities managed the use of coats of arms within their specific regions and local jurisdictions.
How they got arms
Families typically assumed their own coats of arms based on local custom rather than receiving them from a central monarch.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in various cantonal and civic registers starting from the fourteenth century throughout the Swiss region.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Switzerland.
Origin & History of the Knop Family in Switzerland
The surname Knop has deep roots in the region of Basel, Switzerland, where records confirm the family was well-established by the year 1745. The name likely originated as a descriptive nickname, as the Middle High German word "knopp" referred to a knob, a bud, or a rounded protrusion. In the social structure of eighteenth-century Basel, families with this name were often integrated into the city’s industrious urban life, frequently working as skilled tradespeople or craftsmen. Because Basel served as a vital crossroads for trade and culture along the Rhine River, the Knop family benefited from the city’s economic stability and its long history of organized guilds. Over time, these early ancestors helped shape the local community by participating in the civic duties and religious life that defined the Swiss cantons during the Enlightenment era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
knightChivalry and service in arms
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 d'or à un homme iss., mouv. du coupé, hab. d'azur, retr. de gu.; au 2 d'or à quatre pals de gu. A la fasce de gu., br. sur le coupé. C.: l'homme iss.”
GermanyNuremberg, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Knop arms are recorded
The Knop arms were recorded in Nuremberg, c. 1765.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Switzerland when the Knop arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Knop Family in Germany
The surname Knop originates from the Middle High German word *knoppe*, which translates to a knob, a button, or a rounded bud. In the context of medieval German society, this name likely functioned as a descriptive nickname for a person with a stout or rounded physical build, or perhaps for a craftsman who specialized in making buttons or decorative fasteners. By the mid-18th century, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in the city of Nuremberg. During this period, Nuremberg served as a major center for trade and skilled manufacturing in the Holy Roman Empire. Families like the Knops often integrated into the city’s complex guild system, where they contributed to the local economy through specialized labor or commerce. This transition from a simple nickname to a recognized family name reflects the broader social evolution of German surnames as populations grew and moved into urban centers like Nuremberg during the 1700s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Knoppe
Middle High German term for a button, knob, or bud.
This name
KnopAn occupational name for a maker of buttons or a nickname for a person with a round head.
also spelled
Knop
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt, Bürgerverzeichnisse der Stadt Basel
Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, Basel (Stadt), 2002
Schweizerisches Idiotikon, Wörterbuch der schweizerdeutschen Sprache, 1881
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
knightChivalry and service in arms
