Surname Kine - Meaning and Origin
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Kine: What does the surname Kine mean?
The surname Kine is an old French name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It has several possible origins, and its meaning can vary depending on the source. It may be derived from the Old Norse word konr, meaning “king” or “chieftain.” Alternately, it may come from the Old French word ken, meaning “worker” or “laborer.”
During the Middle Ages, the Kines initially found work as farmers, but over time they rose in prominence to become landholders, soldiers, merchants, and professionals. In some parts of Europe, Kine was thought to be a corruption of the Latin word cini, which was a title for a kind of knight who owned a manor.
The surname Kine is closely linked to the history of France, where the name has been particularly prominent since the late 18th century. It is also found throughout the French-speaking world, including Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and French-influenced parts of Africa. In total, it is now found in nearly two dozen countries spread across the globe.
At its core, the surname Kine reflects a history of strength and resilience, whether it’s through the courage of its original bearers or the lasting effects that it has had on the French-speaking world.
Order DNA origin analysisKine: Where does the name Kine come from?
The last name Kine is most commonly found in Norway, where it is the 162nd most popular last name in the country. This name is also seen in other Nordic countries such as Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, as well as Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.
You may also see this surname in some countries in the Middle East such as Oman and Saudi Arabia, although it is less common. It's also present in low quantities in other parts of the world, including India, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
The origin of this name is believed to be either Norwegian or Swedish. It likely derived from a short form of a patronymic name, formed from the Viking personal name 'Kini' or 'Kine'. It is believed to have been a popular name all through the Middle Ages in Scandinavia, as it was also used as a man's name.
In Scandinavia it is used to refer to someone who is a head or leader of a small congregation, kirke or kine. It is also the origin of the word 'king' in the English language and has similar roots to the German name 'Konig'.
The surname Kine is quite common, although the exact number of people who carry the name may not be known. It has been present in many countries for a long time, and continues to be carried by people in various parts of the world today.
Variations of the surname Kine
The surname Kine (also spelled Kyne) is of Irish origin. It is a variation of Kene, which is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Ó Cathaoir ("descendent of Cathaoir"), ultimately derived from the given name Cathaoir ("warrior"). Other variants and surnames of similar origin include Keyne, Keene, Kinny, Keane, Kean, Kane, Kinane, Keynan, O'Keen, O'Keane, and MacKeen.
The earliest record of the name is from 1171 when Strongbow granted lands in northern Leinster to David MacKeen ("son of Kean"). Over subsequent centuries, the surname spread through parts of Ulster, Munster, Connacht and Leinster. While the majority of those bearing the name Kine are of Irish descent, the surname can also be found among people of English descent, especially in regions of the British Isles that are close to Scotland and Wales.
In addition, the Kine surname is related to other Anglo-Norman names in Ireland such as Kyne, Cuningham, and Kenney, which are all rooted in the same Gaelic language. Each of these names has spelling variations as well as numerous other surnames derived from the original. While some of the surname's variants are more common than others, they all share the same origin.
Famous people with the name Kine
- Gomidas Vartabed KArekine (Gomidas Vartabed), a renowned Armenian composer and musicologist.
- Aram K Are Kine, an Armenian historian and archivist.
- Hrant K Are Kine, a Canadian-Armenian politician.
- Levon K Are Kine, an Armenian poet and public figure.
- Yuri K Are Kine, a Turkish-Armenian film and theater director.
- Norair K Are Kine, an Armenian public figure and nationalist.
- Valerie Kine, an American figure skater.
- Ernie Kine, a jazz singer.
- Salvador Kine, a Mexican musician.
- Gary Kine, an American writer, artist, and musician.
- Huw Kine, a Welsh rugby player.
- Jamie Kine, a professional British squash player.
- Eiji Kine, a Japanese painter.
- Yutaka Kine, a Japanese model and actress.
- Karina Kine, a Dutch-Russian author.
- Eric Kine, an American-Australian actor.
- Alex Kine, an American-British artist.
- Ian Kine, a British rugby player.
- Marv Kine, a former professional American football player.
- Caroline Kine, an American-Ivorian chef.