Surname Kenmure - Meaning and Origin

Kenmure: What does the surname Kenmure mean?

The surname Kenmure is of Scottish origin, deriving from the place name, Kenmore, which in Gaelic is known as "Ceann Mhoir". The name is made up of two parts: "Ceann", which means head or top, and "Mhoir", which means large. The name could possibly refer to someone who lived in or was from Kenmore in Scotland. Kenmore is a small village in Perth and Kinross, located where the River Tay flows out of Loch Tay. It's worth noting that many Scottish surnames represent geographic locations. However, the specific personal meaning might vary based on individual family history and interpretation. As with many surnames, Kenmure could have different origins for different families. The most notable bearing of this name is probably the title Viscount of Kenmure, a title in the Peerage of Scotland. Therefore, it could be associated with nobility as well.

Kenmure: Where does the name Kenmure come from?

The last name Kenmure is of Scottish origin, taken from a historical location in the country: Loch Ken and Kenmure Castle in the region of Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. There are several variations of the name including Kenmuir, Kenmore, and Kinmure. The ancient history of the name Kenmure is connected to the Boernician clan, an ancient Scottish tribe. The surname was usually bestowed on those who lived near Kenmure Hill in Kirkcudbright.

The family's initial seat was at the Kenmure Castle till it was demolished in 1950. The Lords of Kenmure, a title in the Peerage of Scotland, further established the name in the country.

Today, the name Kenmure, like many other Scottish surnames, can be found throughout the world due to emigration, primarily in places where the Scots settled in larger numbers. However, it is not a common surname and, predictably, it is most commonplace in Scotland. Significant concentrations of people with the Kenmure family name might also be found in England, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Kenmure

The surname Kenmure is of Scottish origin and is relatively uncommon. It is derived from a place name, specifically Kenmure in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Variations of the surname can occur due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and even anglicization. It's also not uncommon for spellings to change as families move across countries or continents.

While there is limited information on exact variants of "Kenmure", possible spelling variations and surnames of the similar phonetic realm might include Kenmore, Kenmoor, Kenmour, Kennmore, Kennmoor. One may also possibly find a connection with surnames derived from other place names with "Ken-" prefix in Scotland, such as "Kendal" and "Kenilworth".

However, due to the relatively unique nature of the Kenmure surname, it does not seem to have extensive variants. For precise verification of the connection between these surnames, comprehensive genealogical research would be required. It is also always a good idea to keep in mind that surnames can go through many modifications for a variety of reasons over generations. Hence, names that might not appear to be related at a first glance may have shared origins.

Famous people with the name Kenmure

• William Gordon, 9th Viscount of Kenmure (1672–1716)
• Alexander Gordon, 10th Viscount of Kenmure (1703–1741)
• James Gordon, 11th Viscount of Kenmure (1730–1778)
• Charles Gordon, 12th Viscount of Kenmure (1758–1791)
• John Gordon, 13th Viscount of Kenmure (1791–1800)
• James Gordon, 14th Viscount of Kenmure (1784–1858)
• George Gordon, 15th Viscount of Kenmure (1807–1866)
• Alexander Gordon, 16th Viscount of Kenmure (1834–1909)
• Alexander Gordon, 17th Viscount of Kenmure (1869–1912)
• Archibald Gordon, 18th Viscount of Kenmure (1902–1980)
• Hugh Gordon, 19th Viscount of Kenmure (1930–2015)
• Kenneth Gordon, 20th Viscount of Kenmure (b. 1962)
• Lady Rowena Gordon (b. 1989), daughter of the 20th Viscount
• John Gordon, 1st Earl of Kenmure (17th century)
• Mary Gordon, Countess of Kenmure (1710–1787), wife of the 13th Viscount
• James Gordon (1753–1827), brother of the 13th Viscount
• John Gordon, 11th Laird of Kenmure (1630–1715)
• George Gordon (1711–1754), brother of the 11th Laird
• John Gordon (d. 1793), son of the 11th Laird
• Roberto Salvioli Kenmure (1914–2002), Italian-Brazilian physicist

Other surnames

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