Knickerbockers Surname History

Origins Available:
Netherlands

Etymology of Knickerbockers

What does the name Knickerbockers mean?

The distinguished surname Knickerbockers is of Dutch origin, although it is thought to have first been borne on American soil. The name is derived from the Dutch words "knikker," meaning "marble," and "bakker," meaning "baker;" thus, the name literally means "a baker of marble." However, the term "Knickerbockers" more popularly refers to someone descended from the early Dutch settlers of New York, a usage that springs from the fame of the celebrated satire "A Knickerbocker's History of New York," written by Washington Irving under the pen name Diedrich Knickerbocker.

Early Origins of the Knickerbockers family

The surname Knickerbockers was first found in New Amsterdam, where the Knickerbockers family first settled upon arriving in American from the Netherlands.

Early History of the Knickerbockers family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Knickerbockers research. Another 183 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1672 and 1809 are included under the topic Early Knickerbockers History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Knickerbockers Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Knickerbocker, Knickerbacker, Knickelbacker and many more.

Early Notables of the Knickerbockers family

More information is included under the topic Early Knickerbockers Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Knickerbockers family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Harmen Jansen Knickerbacker, who emigrated from Bommel, North Brabant to New Amsterdam during the late 17th century. He was the original bearer of the name $. Several of the name are on record arriving at Ellis Island, New York, including H.J. Knickerbocker of London, who arrived in 1892.