Surname Kemp - Meaning and Origin
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An Intriguing Tale of Genetic Genealogy: Tracing the Origins of the Kemp Surname Through iGENEA DNA Testing
Using iGENEA DNA testing, I sought to unearth the historical roots of my surname, 'Kemp'. The results placed my lineage in the R1b haplogroup, common in western Europe, indicating Celtic or Germanic origins. Intricate links to both England and the Scottish Highlands were discovered, implying ancestral ties to the early settlers of Britannia and the Pictish tribes of ancient Scotland respectively. The findings presented an engrossing narrative of my ancestors' migrations and how their lives influenced my own genealogy.
H. Kemp
read moreKemp: What does the surname Kemp mean?
The surname Kemp is of Anglo-Saxon origin and holds two potential meanings. Firstly, it could be an occupational name derived from the Old English term 'cempa', which translates to 'champion', 'soldier', or 'warrior'. This may indicate that the first bearers of the surname Kemp had a martial reputation. The second possible derivation is from a Middle English word 'kempe', meaning 'a knight', or 'a contestant in a medieval tournament'. In this context, the term 'kempe' could represent a topographical name for someone who lived by a field of rye, or a nickname for a long, gangling person or perhaps for someone who had fought in a tournament and defeated a knight. Like many surnames, the exact interpretation could differ based on the specific historical and geographical contexts. In either case, buying and selling of surnames and the creation of family names began to become common in England around the 14th century, and the Kemp surname would have been passed down through subsequent generations.
Order DNA origin analysisKemp: Where does the name Kemp come from?
The last name Kemp originates from England and Northern Germany. It is derived from the Old English term "cempa" which means "warrior" or "champion". In the Middle Ages, it was commonly used as a nickname for someone who had fought bravely in battles. As a German name, Kemp might have originated from the Middle Low German "kamp" which means "fight", identifying a belligerent person or a soldier.
Today, the surname Kemp is fairly common in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Among these nations, it is most prevalent in England, particularly in Lancashire, Sussex, Kent, and Essex. Despite its English and German roots, the Kemp surname has spread into various parts of the world due to emigration. It's also found in South Africa, due to the historical British colonisation in the region. The distribution of the Kemp surname globally, reveals higher concentrations in developed nations, likely mirroring patterns of global migration and colonization.
Variations of the surname Kemp
The surname Kemp has numerous variations, spellings, and related surnames due to its origin and subsequent evolution. This comes from the Old English word "cempa," meaning warrior or knight, and it was a status name for a champion or professional fighter.
The basic form of the name is predominantly found as “Kemp,” but local dialects and pronunciation, as well as foreign influences over centuries, have led to several variants. Some primary variants include Kempt, Kempe, and Kemps. Derivatives of the surname might include Kempson, meaning "son of Kemp," and Kempster, a term formerly used for a female brewer.
However, it's worth noting that the surname Kempe is also a separate surname with German origin meaning "battler" or "fighter," which might overlap with Kemp in some lineages.
In some regions, particularly in Scotland, the surname Kemp is interchangeable with the surname Kempson. The surname Kemp could also be a homonym for the Dutch and German surname Kamp or the Scandinavian surname Kämp.
Isolated instances may exist where Kemp has been Americanized from an entirely different original surname, following immigration to North America.
Famous people with the name Kemp
- Ross Kemp: an English actor, author and investigative journalist. He is best known for his role in EastEnders and a series of investigative documentaries.
- Gary Kemp: an English actor and musician, best known as the lead guitarist in the band Spandau Ballet.
- Martin Kemp: Gary's younger brother, also a member of Spandau Ballet and an actor known for his role in EastEnders.
- Jack Kemp: an American politician and professional football player. He served as the Republican Party's vice-presidential nominee in the 1996 election.
- Matt Kemp: an American professional baseball player.
- Johnny Kemp: a Bahamian singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known for his hit "Just Got Paid."
- Shawn Kemp: a retired American professional basketball player.
- Jeremy Kemp: an English actor known for his roles in Z Cars and Star Trek.
- Steve Kemp: a British drummer, member of the band Hard-Fi.
- Kemba Walker: An American professional basketball player whose real name is Kemba Hudley Walker.
- Felicity Kendal (CBE): An English actress known for her work in television sitcoms, her maiden name was Kemp. Please be advised that some of these individuals may use 'Kemp' as a stage name.