Surname Kellogg - Meaning and Origin

Surprising Connections and Unexpected Turns: A Deep Dive into my Kellogg Lineage through an iGENEA DNA Test

In my recent iGENEA DNA test, I ventured on a journey to explore my lineage bearing the surname Kellogg. The journey took unexpected turns, with my ancestry traced back to haplogroup R1b and the potential Viking connections to my name. The family tree revealed surprising relatives and presented an astonishingly complex heritage, ultimately leading to a profoundly enlightening understanding of the Kellogg lineage.

I. Kellogg

Kellogg: What does the surname Kellogg mean?

The last name Kellogg is of English origin and is derived from the place name Kellogg, found in the county of Norfolk, England. The name itself comes from two Old English words - "kelling" which means "kill" or "cistern" and "hoh" which translates to "ridge of land." Therefore, in its most literal translation, Kellogg would mean "the ridge of land where the cistern is." Various families adopted it as a surname, indicating their dwelling or origin from this specific location. The surname Kellogg is quite popular in the United States, largely due to the famous Kellogg brothers who established the Kellogg Company, a popular food manufacturing company.

Kellogg: Where does the name Kellogg come from?

The surname Kellogg is of English origin. Its roots trace back to the medieval period in the region of Essex, England. The name comes from a place called Kellogg Hill in Essex, so it is topographic in nature, referring to those who lived in or near this area. It was traditionally spelled as "Kellogg" or "Kelloc," derived from Old English elements "kelling" or "kill" meaning ridge and "hoh" signifying a ridge or spur of a hill.

The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be William Kelloc in 1177's Pipe Rolls of Essex. The name was brought to North America in the 17th century by the British, where Joseph Kellogg was one of the first settlers in Farmington, Connecticut, in 1651.

Today, the surname Kellogg is prevalent across the United States, both because of early settler proliferation and, more recently, due to the influence of the Kellogg family known for founding the Kellogg Company, the multinational food manufacturing corporation, in the late 19th century. Therefore, due to migration and dispersion over the years, Kellogg, while not incredibly common, can be found in various locales worldwide, though especially in the United States and English-speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Kellogg

The surname Kellogg is primarily of English origin. It is believed to be derived from the name "Killock" which is a nickname for a person who lives by a ridge or a hill. The main importance of understanding variants and spellings of the same origin for the surname Kellogg is to aid in genealogical research.

Many of the variant spellings have arisen due to phonetic spelling, regional dialects, and misspellings in census records and other official documents. However, the main variants of Kellogg can include Killock, Kellock, Kellog, Kelloggs, and Kelloug.

Surnames that may share a similar origin or meaning with Kellogg could incorporate those related to geographical features such as ridge or hill, although they may not directly evolve from the surname Kellogg. Therefore, it should be noted that the similarity does not necessarily indicate common ancestry.

Exploring surname origins and variants can be a fascinating aspect of genealogical research and offer insights into ancestral homes, occupations, characteristics, or even physical appearances. However, it can also be complex, as surnames have evolved and diversified over centuries, with a multitude of factors influencing their development and variation.

Famous people with the name Kellogg

• John Harvey Kellogg: John Harvey Kellogg was an American medical doctor in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was also a health activist and invented some of the world’s most popular breakfast cereals.
• Will Keith Kellogg: Will Keith Kellogg was a remarkable preservationist and entrepreneur that was most famously known for founding the Kellogg’s cereal brand.
• Susan Catherine Kellogg: Susan Catherine Kellogg was an American mathematician and educator who specialized in the application of mathematics to biology.
• John Kellogg Durland: John Kellogg Durland was a pioneering American physician with a focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Ray Kroc: Ray Kroc was a business mogul who bought the franchise rights to the Kellogg’s brand and helped make it a globally recognized breakfast cereal brand.
• Florence King Kellogg: Florence King Kellogg was an American writer, historian and political pundit.
• William Kellogg: William Kellogg was an American politician who served as the Governor of California from 1858 to 1860.
• Tom Kellogg: Tom Kellogg is an American drummer and session musician who has performed with a wide range of artists from Stevie Wonder to INXS.
• Mark Kellogg: Mark Kellogg was a newspaper reporter who was killed in the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn.
• Samuel McAdam Kellogg: Samuel McAdam Kellogg was an American printer and engraver who specialized in historical maps of important early American battles.

Other surnames

KellockKellorKelloway