Surname Kinnison - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kinnison: What does the surname Kinnison mean?
Kinnison is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is a patronymic name derived from the name Kinan, meaning “king”. This surname is often associated with nobility and royalty and can be found in records beginning in the Middle Ages. Over the years, the name spread and evolved in various languages and through several generations before becoming Kinnison.
In Ireland, the name Kinnison is associated with County Derry, where it may have originated as a variant of the Irish surname Kinehan or Kenehan. It could also have been brought to Ireland as an example of Norman influence.
In Scotland, the name Kinnison can be traced back to ancient times, where the name would have been used in the lowland regions of the country. It is thought to have emerged from the name Kynne, which was derived from the Gaelic word “cinne” meaning, “belt” or “girdle”. The name was then adopted by the Lowland-Scots during the 13th century.
The name has had many variations through many centuries and languages. It was also adopted by some American families during the 18th and 19th centuries, as families with this surname migrated from across the Atlantic. Today, the name is found throughout the world and is a reminder of the far reaching history of its origin.
Order DNA origin analysisKinnison: Where does the name Kinnison come from?
The surname Kinnison is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the United States Census Bureau, there were 527 people with the name Kinnison in the US during the 2020 census. The largest concentration of this surname is found in Texas, with over 130 people having the last name Kinnison in the state. Other states with high numbers of individuals with this surname include Georgia, North Carolina, Missouri, and Virginia.
The origins of the surname Kinnison are unknown. It has been suggested that the name could have been derived from the Scottish name "Kinnon’, which translates to "son of Kenneth". Alternatively, the surname could be derived from the Old English "Cynn", meaning kind or family.
The surname Kinnison is an unusual one, but it may be worth researching if your family has any ancestral ties to Scotland or England. With some luck, you may be able to trace back your Kinnison family history and uncover some fascinating stories about your ancestors.
Variations of the surname Kinnison
The surname Kinnison has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, including McKinney, McKinnion, McKenning, Kinnear, Kinney, Kynnison, and even Kinneen.
The two most popular spellings of the name, "Kinnison" and "Kinney," are derived from the Gaelic Clan name of the same origin. "Kinnison" was more popularly used in England originating from the word "ceann" (meaning "head") while Kinney was used predominantly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, pertaining to the article "O" at the start of the name, which meant "grandson of."
The name "McKinney" is an anglicized form of the name and, particularly in American variations, it is the most commonly used variant of the surname. While the original Irish form was spelled with two "k"s, some more recent American variations, including McKenning and McKinnion, have become more popular.
Another related surname is Kinnear. This variation of the name is believed to have originated with the Norman conquest in Britain, as it references the Norman personal name "Kenner." Therefore, the surname likely came about from a person with a Norman origin rather than from an indigenous Celtic source.
Finally, Kynnison and Kinneen, derived from the Gaelic phrase "MacCheann-Eain," are less commonly used variants. These variations would have originated from individuals who served a superior or leader in ancient Scotland or Ireland.
Famous people with the name Kinnison
- Sam Kinnison: Famous stand-up comedian and actor in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Francis Kinnison: Former professional basketball player from the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- David Kinnison: Country and rock singer songwriter who released several successful albums in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Laura Kinnison: Noted author of numerous best selling historical romances.
- Thomas Kinnison: Golden Globe nominated actor best known for his work in the mid-1990s.
- Anne Kinnison: Award-winning poet and playwright.
- Caitlin Kinnison: Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and consultant specializing in strategic planning and operational management.
- Timothy Kinnison: Veteran of Vietnam War and congressional medal of honor recipient.
- Abigail Kinnison: Famous multi-instrumentalist and composer.
- Walter Kinnison: Award-winning producer and director of film and television.