An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Knan

by Friedrich Kluge

Knan, Knän, m., ‘father,’ from MidHG. genanne, gnanne, from genamne, prop., ‘of the same name’ (for MidHG. ge- comp. gleich and Geselle), ‘namesake.’ Used even in MidHG. by sons addressing their father or grandfather.