Surname Kinsella - Meaning and Origin

Kinsella: What does the surname Kinsella mean?

The Kinsella surname is an anglicized version of the Irish Gaelic name Ó Coinnsealaigh, and it comes from the words coinnseal, meaning protecting, or helmet, and gamhain, meaning calf. The Kinsella's were a powerful sept of Dal gCais, who were chiefs of a district in northeastern county Clare in Ireland. The family is said to descend from Coinnsealach and Dermot O'Brien, King of Thomond.

The name Kinsella is most closely associated with the Barony of Moyarta, located in the heart of County Clare. It is believed that the Clan was extended along the southwest Irish coast with numerous branches in the areas of Kilrush, Killard, Carrigan and Killadysert.

The meaning of the name Kinsella can be interpreted as “protector of the calves”, emphasizing the protective nature of the kin group and its link to traditional animal husbandry.

The Kinsellas have a long history of distinguished service to the nation. William Kinsella served as the Major General in the Irish National Army during the War of Independence in 1922. James Kinsella was knighted in the early 1700s for his great military service during the Siege of Limerick and Napoleonic Wars. John Kinsella held roles in the Irish senate, and Owen Kinsella was elected to the position of High Sheriff of County Clare in 1712.

Today, the Kinsella surname is quite common in Ireland and is found all over the world, as those descended from the Kinsella families have emigrated for a wide range of reasons. Kinsellas have become prominent politicians, athletes, actors, lawyers, scientists, and professors.

Kinsella: Where does the name Kinsella come from?

The surname Kinsella is one of the more common Irish surnames. It is an anglicized version of the Gaelic "Cinnsealach," meaning "ugly head." Kinsella is most common in counties Dublin, Offaly, and Kildare in Ireland. It is also found in counties Laois and Cork. There are also a few Kinsellas in Northern Ireland.

In the United States, the surname Kinsella is most common in California, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut, Florida, and Texas. Overall, Kinsella appears in the top 2,000 surnames in America.

In Canada, Kinsella appears in the top 10,000 surnames. It is most common in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba.

Australia is home to more than 3,000 Kinsellas, and the name appears in the top 10,000 surnames. It is most common in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.

In England, the surname Kinsella does not appear in the top 1,000 surnames, but it does appear in other parts of the British Isles such as Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The surname Kinsella is an ancient Irish name and is still common today throughout Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the British Isles.

Variations of the surname Kinsella

The surname Kinsella is an Irish surname derived from the name Mac Coinnsealaigh, which is anglicised as “Kinsella”. It is believed to have originated in County Wexford. Variants and spellings of the surname Kinsella include:

-Kynsella

-Kinsela

-Kinnsella

-Kynsala

-Kynsalla

-Kinseila

-Kiinseila

-Kensella

-Kenisela

Surnames of the same origin are:

-Mac Coinnsealaigh

-Coinnsealaigh

-Kinnseallaigh

-Kinnsealla

-Quinnsella

-Kynsella

-Kinsellagg

-Kinnselly

-Kinsellagh

-Kunsella

-Kinnseal

-Kynseal

-Kinsley

-Kinnsley

-Kinslea

-Kinsely

-Kinselee.

The surname Kinsella is one of the oldest and most respected Irish surnames and has been adopted by many families over the centuries. Its variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin are also common in parts of Ireland and in other countries, where the name has spread through immigration.

Famous people with the name Kinsella

• W. P. Kinsella: renowned Canadian novelist and short story writer
• Shane Kinsella: former professional footballer
• Sophie Kinsella: British author of romantic comedies and chick lit
• Padraig Kinsella: Irish political activist, academic, and professor
• John Kinsella: acclaimed Australian poet, novelist, critic, essayist, and editor
• Ciara Kinsella: Irish singer-songwriter
• Jean Kinsella: Canadian actress
• Ty Kinsella: Irish actor
• Dylan Kinsella: former professional footballer
• Ruth Kinsella: Irish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist

Other surnames

KinselKinselaghKinsell