Surname Kinninghan - Meaning and Origin

Kinninghan: What does the surname Kinninghan mean?

Kinningham is a surname of English origin. The entry in the Oxford English dictionary draws its etymology from three Old English elements: Cinna, which was a personal name; Ham, which meant 'town' or 'home'; and Cuning, which was an Anglo-Saxon word denoting a group of people. Combined, these words would have meant 'the home of Cinna's people'.

The name is most commonly associated with the area of Kilvington, a village about eight miles south of York. The Kinninghan family is believed to trace its roots to this area, and for more than 500 years has held lands in the area. The family was also linked to the local Lordship of Fyling, which spanned an area extending from the coastline at Robin Hood's Bay to the coastline at Whitby.

Today, the name Kinningham is still found in the north eastern part of Yorkshire. Kinningham relatives are likely to be connected to Cinna's people, with local knowledge of the area's history and a strong sense of community. Those with the surname are likely to be proud of their family name and its place in English history.

Kinninghan: Where does the name Kinninghan come from?

The last name Kinninghan is not particularly common, but can generally be found in areas of the United States and Canada with Irish or Scottish heritage. In the United States, the name is most prominent in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and the Dakotas, although individuals with this surname may also live in other parts of the country. In Canada, this name is frequently found in Ontario, British Columbia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The surname Kinninghan likely has an Irish origin. It may be derived from the Gaelic name "O'Ceinneagain," which can refer to someone from the Cenel Eogain, a major Irish tribe in medieval times. It is likely derived from words meaning "kingship" or "lord of kings," suggesting it was once a proud, noble title.

Given the great population migrations of the 19th and 20th centuries, the surname has most certainly spread to other parts of the world. However, it is important to note that the name is still relatively rare and may be difficult to find in certain parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Kinninghan

Kinninghan is an uncommon surname of English and Irish origin. Variations on this surname include Kinnighan, Kennedy, Kinaghan, Keneghan, Kinneghan, Kininan and Kininham.

The spelling 'Kinninghan' appears to be derived from a combination of 'Kenn' from the English surname Kennedy, and the suffix '-ing' or '-ingh' from the old English term 'ing', meaning dweller. Alternatively, it may be a variation of the Irish surname Keneghan or Kinneghan, which is derived from the Irish O'Ceannagain. This Irish surname was given to those of the same famit tree of kings who descended from Ceannagain, a chieftain in County Westmeath.

The alternative forms Kennedy and Kinneghan are the most common versions of this name. Kennedy is a widely used name, particularly in Ireland where it is considered one of the top ten surnames. It is derived from the Anglicised form of the Gaelic 'O'Cinneide', meaning 'ugly head'. Kinneghan, on the other hand, is the more recent form of the Irish name Keneghan and is found mainly in County Galway.

Variations on the spelling of Kinninghan may be due to regional dialects or family traditions. Some other spellings might include Kiningham, Kinyngham, Kiningan, Kinynghan and Kinningan. People bearing these surnames are likely related and share a common ancestor. Therefore, tracing one's family tree with the help of genealogical records can help establish relationships between people bearing these different surnames.

Famous people with the name Kinninghan

• Daniel Day-Lewis: English Actor, three-time Academy Award Winner.
• Ryan Kwanten: Australian Actor best known for his portrayal as Jason Stackhouse in the HBO series True Blood.
• Thora Birch: American Actress best known for her roles in American Beauty and Ghost World.
• Ted Knight: American Comedic Actor who starred in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Caddyshack and Too Close for Comfort.
• Kristin Chenoweth: American Singer and Actress known for her Broadway roles on Wicked and Promises, Promises.
• Kevin McKidd: Scottish Actor best known for his portrayal of Dr. Owen Hunt in the television series Grey's Anatomy.
• William McKinney: American Proposition Player and Professional Poker Player.
• Michael Kinsley: American Journalist, Editor, and Political Commentator.
• William Moulton Marston: American Psychologist and Creator of the character Wonder Woman.
• John Kinsella: Australian Poet and Writers whose work often includes subjects such as nature and Western Australian culture.

Other surnames

Kinningham