Surname Kenlan - Meaning and Origin
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Kenlan: What does the surname Kenlan mean?
The last name Kenlan is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname ceanndaeghalán, which translates to mean "bright head" or "one with a bright head". Traditionally, it was bestowed to people of great courage and intelligence, typically those who could quickly and shrewdly lead difficult conversations or even battles.
Today, many people who bear the surname Kenlan share these qualities. Notable people with the surname Kenlan include author Derek Kenlan and Irish-Canadian ice hockey player Neil Kenlan. Most records suggest that the surname is most commonly found in Ireland, but has been spread worldwide through immigration.
The Kenlan family motto is “Lucem Sequimur”, which translates to “We Follow the Light”. This is believed to be a reference to the intelligence, insightfulness, and courage of the original bearers of the name, as they strived to lead their followers to brighter days.
What binds Kenlan family members together is a shared pride of their long heritage, as well as a commitment to a future where the qualities associated with their courageous and intelligent ancestors are celebrated.
Order DNA origin analysisKenlan: Where does the name Kenlan come from?
The last name Kenlan is not common now in modern times, but historically it has been found in a variety of countries around the world. The Kenlan surname is of Irish origin, likely stemming from the name O' Cadhlaigh, meaning "descendant of Cadhlaigh”.
Ireland is still the most popular country where the Kenlan name is found. During the mid-19th century, the surname was most popular in rural areas of Westmeath, Waterford, and Meath. It can also be found in North American populations with Irish heritage, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In the United States, the surname is most commonly recorded in the state of Massachusetts, as well as in California and New York. In Massachusetts, it is found most frequently in the counties of Essex and Suffolk. Similarly, in California, the highest concentration is in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
In Canada, the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia have the most records of the Kenlan name. In Australia, the greatest population of the name is located in Victoria. Throughout the UK, the surname is most prevalent in the counties of Ulster, Dublin, and Galway.
At present, the Kenlan surname is still found in many former British colonies, but its popularity has waned over the years, particularly outside of Ireland. According to the 2000 United States Census, only about 1,200 people with the last name Kenlan lived in the US at the time, and these numbers are likely quite different now.
Variations of the surname Kenlan
Kenlan is a surname derived from the Irish name 'Mac Fhionghain.' It is most commonly associated with Irish heritage, but can also be found throughout Scotland and England.
The different variants, spellings, and surnames of Kenlan include:
• MacKelan
• McKelan
• McKilen
• Kinlan
• MacKinlan
• McKinnon
• McKennon
• Kennan
• MacKinnen
• McKinnen
• Kinneen
• MacKinnie
• McKenny
• Kennen
• McKenney
• MacClanahan
• MacKinelan
• McClean
• MacClan
• Clanahan
• McKinlan
• MacKelen
• Kennon
• McKenlan
• McLean
• McKeon
This surname is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scotland. It has been found in many records, mostly in relation to Irelan in counties such as County Donegal, Lunnon, and Derry, but the surname also appears outside of Ireland in places such as Scotland, England, Canada, and the United States. The variant spelling of Clanen is quite common.
The clan name is derived from the Gaelic phrase 'mac an fhionghain,' which means 'son of the fair one.' This phrase is a reference to the importance of beauty and fairness in Irish culture. The term MacFhionghain is believed to be a reference to a Gaelic deity or leader.
Kenlan is a surname with many forms, all stemming from one source. Its variants are found all over Europe, with a particularly strong presence in the British Isles. It is associated with Irish culture, and has roots in Gaelic mythology.
Famous people with the name Kenlan
- Jordan Kenlan, American YouTuber
- Matthew Kenlan, Canadian Olympic Skeleton Athlete
- Sean Kenlan, Australian Professional Rugby Union Player
- Cody Kenlan, American Musician
- Telleisha Kenlan, American Professional Basketball Player
- Britni Kenlan, American Rapper
- Evan Kenlan, American Actor
- Elijah Kenlan, British Singer-Songwriter
- John Kenlan, British Film Director
- Jesse Kenlan, Canadian Professional Cyclist