Surname Kinnell - Meaning and Origin
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Kinnell: What does the surname Kinnell mean?
The last name Kinnell is of Scottish origin. It is a habitational name from various locations named Kinnell in Scotland, notably in Forfarshire and Stirlingshire. The place name Kinnell is derived from the Gaelic "ceann" meaning "head" or "end," and "allt," which translates to "stream." So, the surname could be interpreted as "one who lives at the head of the stream." Like other Scottish surnames, it can also denote family connections or ancestral ties to these regions. Documented instances of the Kinnell surname date back to the early 13th century, testifying to its ancient roots in Scottish history. As with all surnames, spellings can vary widely (e.g., Kinnel, Kindell), and the name may have different derivations in different regions or families.
Order DNA origin analysisKinnell: Where does the name Kinnell come from?
The surname Kinnell is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the place named Kinnell in Angus region, which in Gaelic means "head church". The name was first used by families who lived in or near this area. Kinnell was first recorded in medieval documents in the 14th century, indicating its age and its regional importance.
Today, Kinnell is not among the most common surnames anywhere in the world. However, it is more predominantly found in countries that have seen significant Scottish emigration throughout history like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Its global dispersion might have been influenced by the Scottish diaspora which took place due to economic, political, or other personal reasons. The name, while not extremely common, maintains its links to Scottish heritage and culture.
Variations of the surname Kinnell
The surname Kinnell is believed to be of Scottish origin. The different spellings and variants of this name may include Kinell, Kinnel, Kinnelle, Kynell, Kynelle, and Kynel. Some further variations may be Kinniel, Kynniel, Kinneal, Kineal, Kinneill, and Kineill.
Another potential spelling could be Kinneil, which is a place in Scotland. It's important to note that the variations of surnames can result from the efforts of clerks and officials to record the way the names sounded over centuries when literacy was not prevalent.
The anglicized versions of the name could possibly include Kennell or Kennel. Sometimes, the surname can also be written with a prefix “Mac”, such as MacKinnell, which would signify 'son of Kinnell'.
One must consider, however, that variations can be region-specific or adopted because of immigration or cultural assimilation, infusing elements from different languages. Accordingly, there might be other versions of the surname Kinnell depending upon the region, dialect and historical factors.
Also, derivative surnames based on occupation, location or familial ties could trace back to Kinnell. However, detailed genealogical research is needed to establish these connections.
Famous people with the name Kinnell
- Galway Kinnell: American poet and lecturer, Pulitzer Prize winner for Poetry in 1983.
- Greg Kinnell: American actor known for his roles in movies such as Bloodsport and Total Recall.
- Bud Kinnell: American screenwriter best known for his work on the TV series Twin Peaks.
- Thomas J. Kinnell: Former World War II and Korean War veteran, and American financier and philanthropist.
- Michael Kinnell: American professor, clinical psychologist and author.
- Richard Kinnell: Canadian Olympic equestrian and agricultural entrepreneur.
- Brigid Brophy Kinnell: American poet and children's book author.
- Reginald Kinnell: Scottish novelist and literary critic.
- Henry Kinnell: British poet and winner of the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 1933.
- Percy Kinnell: British painter, poet, and lecturer at the Royal College of Art in London.