Knauss is a German surname, known from at least 1515. The earliest people recorded with this name appear to be from southern Germany. The meaning is very unclear but may mean "haughty person." Other suggested sources have included a sharp strike , a beard, the crust of a loaf of bread, or a small hill. Known descendant variants of the name include Knaus, Knauß, Knous, Knause, Knouse, Kanouse, Kenouse, and Canouse. Other variants believed to have been used at one time include Knouss and Knows. It is possible that variant names without the initial "K" are descended from this line, but no evidence to this has been discovered yet.