Surname Kinsell - Meaning and Origin
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Kinsell: What does the surname Kinsell mean?
The last name Kinsell is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Cinnsealach" which means "proud and victorious". It originated from County Wexford in south-eastern part of Ireland. Folklore suggests that a man named Kinsell joined forces with the King of Leinster and fought in a significant battle, earning him and his descendants the right to bear the coat of arms and the motto "Peace and Plenty". It may also relate to a person from the town of Kinsale in southern County Cork. Like many surnames, it was subject to different spellings over centuries, including Kinsella, Kinsellagh, Kinchela and others. Migration during the 19th century resulted in the name appearing in parts of the United States, Canada, Australia, and England. Today, individuals with the surname Kinsell can be found globally, with significant concentrations remaining in Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisKinsell: Where does the name Kinsell come from?
The surname Kinsell is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Cinnsealach," which translates to "proud and defiant." This name was primarily associated with the Leinster province in Ireland. The family was of significant importance in the region, holding hereditary estates in County Wexford. Over time, due to historical events such as the Great Famine and political unrest, many Irish families, including segments of the Kinsell family, migrated from Ireland to other countries, primarily the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Today, the Kinsell surname can still be found in its highest concentrations in Ireland, specifically in the region of Leinster. Outside of Ireland, you are most likely to find people with the Kinsell surname in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom due to the historical patterns of Irish immigration. However, it is important to note that the name is not extremely common. It may also be found, to some extent, in Australia and Canada. Regardless, individuals with the Kinsell surname likely have Irish ancestral roots.
Variations of the surname Kinsell
The surname Kinsell is most likely derived from the Irish surname Cinnsealach, meaning 'proud'. This surname has various spellings and variants, adapting to regional dialects, transcriptions, and Anglicization over centuries. These include:
1. Kinsella: This is the most common and recognized variant of the surname, often used in Ireland and among the diaspora.
2. Kinsellagh: An older and less common variant, likely used before the name was anglicized.
3. Kynsell: This variant of the name is less common and has been Anglicized further.
4. Kynsella, Kynsel: These are less common variants that have been Anglicized.
5. Kinsell, Kinsel: These are Anglicized versions that have dropped the final 'a' for a more phonetic spelling.
6. Cinsealach: A modern Irish spelling of the old Gaelic name.
Surname variants depend primarily on the Anglicization process, handwriting interpretation during record-keeping, and regional accents.
Famous people with the name Kinsell
- Alice Kinsella: Irish international gymnast with six Irish records in her name.
- Ann Kinsella: professional stylist and costume designer in the film and television industry.
- Blake Kinsella: dancer and choreographer from Cheshire, England.
- Cindy Kinsella: Irish actor, best known for her portrayal of Martha McClellan in the gritty Irish television drama series Raw.
- Cindy Kinsella: Irish boxer who competed in the 1988 Olympic Games.
- Feinstein Kinsella: American poet and dramatist best known for his work in the poetry slam genre and spoken word.
- John Kinsella: contemporary Australian poet, critic, essayist, fiction writer, and publisher.
- John Kinsella: former CEO of Pace plc and UK Broadband.
- Les Kinsella: Irish snooker player who won the World Cup of Snooker in 1989.
- Paul Kinsella: executive producer for Universal Music Publishing in Ireland.