Surname Kinnegan - Meaning and Origin
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Kinnegan: What does the surname Kinnegan mean?
The surname Kinnegan is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin. Its original meaning is "of the small brook", derived from the Irish phrase Cinn Éigin, meaning "of the small brook". This name was borne by a family who were once prominent landowners in the Grangegeeth area of County Monaghan, Ireland, and spread to other parts of the country as the family's influence grew.
The Kinnegans have been connected to several prominent Irish families, some dating back to pre-Norman settlement, indicating their significant presence in the region. Through their alliances, they owned land and strongholds in both Ireland and Britain, enabling them to hold some political power in the area.
The Kinnegan surname still exists in Ireland today and has even spread to other countries around the world, but its original meaning remains the same—of the small brook—a reminder of its humble roots. Given the far-reaching effect the Kinnegan name has had, today it can represent a legacy of a strong Irish heritage marked by dedication, loyalty, and a determined spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisKinnegan: Where does the name Kinnegan come from?
The Kinnegan surname is most commonly found in Ireland and other English speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Secondly, Kinnegan can be found in countries with large Irish diaspora populations such as Argentina.
The Kinnegan surname originated in Ireland, where Kinnegans are among the ten most common surnames. It is derived from the O'Kinneagain clan, which was based in Cork and Kerry in the 12th century.
In terms of the United States, the Kinnegan name is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Oregon. Alternatively, there is also a notable presence of the surname in Ohio, New York, California, Texas, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
In the United Kingdom, Kinnegan is ranked as one of the 50 most common surnames. The British version of the name is said to have been created by immigrants who came over during the 1700s.
Generally, the Kinnegan surname is a very old one. It can be found among people of Irish and British descent, as well as in other countries. Therefore, Kinnegan is a name that can be found spread across the world today.
Variations of the surname Kinnegan
The surname Kinnegan has a few variants, spellings, and surnames that have the same origin. Some of these variants include Kinnegen, Kinnigan, Kinnergan, Kinsgane, Kinnersgan and Kinnersgaine.
The Kinnegan surname is mainly found in counties in Mayo, Sligo, Galway, and Roscommon in Ireland, which suggests the family were originally from those areas. It is believed the surname Kinnegan is derived from the Irish Ó Ceannabháin, translating to "descendant of Ceannabháin" which is a personal name dating back to the 5th century. The family is believed to have been respected poets, warriors, and lawyers in the area for many centuries.
Another variant of this surname is Kenedy, and may be linked to the Kinnegans given that both originated in the same part of Ireland. Though the names are spelled differently, they both come from the Irish O Ceannabháin, meaning "descendant of Ceannabháin". Research has revealed Kenedy people in the area to also be descendents of this Kinnegan family.
The modern forms of this surname include Kinnergan, Kinsgane and Kinnigan. These spellings tend to be due to Anglicization and are commonly found in Australia and the United States of America, where people with the Kinnegan surname have emigrated.
Variations in spelling have been common in many Irish communities over the past centuries. In the time of the uneducated masses, accurate spelling was not high on their list of priorities as literacy levels were low. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find the variations of the Kinnegan surname.
Famous people with the name Kinnegan
- Jack Kinnegan: former professional soccer player for Wrexham A.F.C. and Colchester United F.C.
- Angela Kinnegan: actress who starred in various television shows, including NBC’s “L.A. Law” and “The Practice”
- Tim Kinnegan: former American Football offensive tackle for the Denver Broncos
- Martha Kinnegan: author of children’s books such as “Rainbows Over The Sea” and “The Brass Ring”
- Erin Kinnegan: dancer, teacher, and choreographer best known for her work on Touched by an Angel
- Seamus Kinnegan: actor and comedian who has starred in a number of plays and TV shows
- Patrick Kinnegan: professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans
- Anna Kinnegan: singer and actress whose career has included theater, musicals, radio dramas, and commercials
- James Kinnegan: professional tennis player who competed in the 1967 French Open
- Martin Kinnegan: author of “That Which Is Seen, and That Which Is Not Seen,” a philosophy book about personal action and free-market economics