Surname Keny - Meaning and Origin
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Keny: What does the surname Keny mean?
Keny is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Cineád, which is interpreted to mean "fair", "white" or "holy". The name is also associated with the ancient Irish kingdom of Kennoffic, which was located in present-day County Cork, Ireland. This name is thought to mean "centre of wisdom" or "head of the family". The name Keny found its way to Europe during the period when many Irish families left to find a new home and employment.
The name can also be found in Scotland, where it was changed to Kyny. It is believed to derive from the surname of a Scottish clan that owned lands in the Muirkirk area.
Today, the name Keny is relatively common in America and England, and there is even a street in London called Keny Street. In Scotland, the names Keny and Kyny are still present, and the Keny surname is the revival of the ancient Kyny clan.
People with the last name Keny are often characterized for being independent, innovative, and ambitious. They are often great entrepreneurs and enjoy taking risks. They also strive to make a positive impact on the world. Keny individuals are hardworking and enjoy sharing knowledge with others. They are also loyal and appreciate close friends and family. Respect and loyalty are two essential values that Keny individuals live by. Additionally, Keny individuals often have a good sense of humor and enjoy music and arts.
Order DNA origin analysisKeny: Where does the name Keny come from?
The last name Keny is most commonly found in the United States, primarily on the East Coast and in the upper Midwest. In the 2000 U.S. Census, there were around 7,000 individuals with the last name Keny. In addition, the last name is found in Canada, France, England, and Australia.
In the United States, the highest concentrations of people with the name Keny can be found in the states of Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York. The name is found in particularly high concentrations in Providence County in Rhode Island, Middlesex County in Massachusetts, and Essex County in New Jersey.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the majority of people with the name Keny likely had roots in regions of Europe, such as Germany, Ireland, or France. In recent years, the last name Keny has become increasingly popular among African-American families, likely as a combination of the historically prevalent European last names and the African-American tradition of taking on the name of a growing family.
Despite the prevalence of the last name in the United States, the origin of the name is still largely unknown. It is difficult to trace back the evolution of the name due to the scarcity of records prior to the twentieth century, though it is thought that it may have originated in Britain.
All things considered, the last name Keny is most commonly found in the United States, particularly on the East Coast and in the upper Midwest. In recent years, the name has become increasingly popular among African-American families, likely as a combination of different European last names and the African-American tradition of adopting the names of growing families.
Variations of the surname Keny
The Keny surname has several spelling variations, including Kenny, Kennie, and Kanny. It has also become Anglicised to Kinney, Kinny, McKenny, and McKinnie.
The surname is of both English and Irish origin, deriving from either the Olde English given names Cynethryth or Canhreth, which themselves are derived from the Welsh name Cynwrig, meaning “chief hero”. In Ireland, the surname is associated with the MacKenneth and MacKenny line of the Ui Neill clan in Ulster.
Variants of the same origin include Kinne, Kinney, Kinner, Kennish, Kinish, Kenish, Kennise, Kennisse and Kinnish.
When the surname is Anglicised from Gaelic it becomes McKenny or McKinnie, and in some cases even Kenney or Kinney. The Gaelic form Mc Kenie is also recorded.
Keny is also a shortened form of the surnames Kenned, Kennedy, Kenny, and the Irish MacKenney. There are many more variations, however, including Kone, Konan, Kenobi, Kenyi, Kenai, Kenmure, Keeney, Kenneye and Kameny.
The surname is also popular in Scotland, where variants include MacKenie, MacKeana, McKeona, McKeaney and McKeene.
In the USA, the surname is derived from the German variant of the name, König, written as Konig or Königh, and appearing in records from the 1700s. Variations include Konig, Koning, Koningh, Koningen and Koninge.
Famous people with the name Keny
- Uhuru Kenyatta: He is the current president of Kenya.
- Joseph M. Kenyatta: A Kenyan entrepreneur and investor.
- Margaret Kenyatta: The First Lady of Kenya and wife of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
- Robert M. Kenyatta: The Kenyan Minister of Foreign affairs.
- William Ruto: The Deputy president of Kenya.
- Wilfred M. Oparanya: The Governor of Kakamega County in Kenya.
- Chris Kirubi: Kenyan businessman and entrepreneur.
- Pius Muiruri: A Kenyan theologian and author.
- Magdalene Muthoni: A Kenyan actress.
- Mbitu Kenyatta: Kenyan activist and journalist.
- Samira Kenyatta: Kenyan Civil Rights Activist.
- Mutahi Ngunyi: Kenyan political analyst and author.
- Luisa Omielan: English stand-up comic of Kenyan descent.
- Lorraine Hariton: Former US ambassador to Barbados who is of Kenyan descent.
- Gedion Ndoro: Former professional soccer player from Kenya.