Surname Kitchen - Meaning and Origin

Unravelling My Past: Exploring the Rich Tapestry of my Surname 'Kitchen' through iGENEA DNA Test

Revealing a stirring journey into my past, the iGENEA DNA test allowed me to delve into the origin and history of my surname, Kitchen. Stemming from Middle English roots, the name speaks not just of my ancestors' occupations, but also the vital roles they played in their noble households. Further enhancing the fascinating narrative of my lineage is the predominantly Northwestern European genetic profile the test unveiled, bearing witness to my Viking heritage. This exploration has imbued me with a deeper sense of identity, connecting me to my past while enriching my present.

X. Kitchen

Kitchen: What does the surname Kitchen mean?

The surname "Kitchen" is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Middle English term "Kychene," which originally referred to a person who worked in a kitchen of a monastery or a large household. More specifically, it was commonly used to refer to kitchen servants of a royal or noble house, or a monastery. Over time, this occupational term was turned into a surname. Like many old English surnames, Kitchen could also denote a location where one lived or originated from, in this case possibly a spot noted for its cooking or food storage facilities. The early records of this surname date back to the 11th and 12th centuries in England. Since then, the surname has spread and is now present in various countries all around the world. The surname Kitchen is also found in different variations such as Kitchin, Kitching, and Kitchener.

Kitchen: Where does the name Kitchen come from?

The surname Kitchen is predominantly of Old English origin, derived from the word "cycene", meaning the place where food was prepared. It was often used as an occupational name for people who either worked in a kitchen or ran an eating house. The first recorded spelling of this family name is shown to be of Robert Kichin, dating around 1273, in the "Hundred Rolls of Hampshire," during the reign of King Edward I of England.

Today, the last name Kitchen is commonly found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Australia. It is most populous in the United States, particularly in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. In England, it’s most common in Yorkshire. The name has numerous spelling variations including Kitchin, Kitching, Kitchiner, Kitchenman among others. Its global distribution reveals a greater frequency in Northern America, England and Australia. Although this surname is globally present, it's relatively unusual, ranking at 6313 out of almost 90,000 in surname frequency globally.

Variations of the surname Kitchen

The surname "Kitchen" is believed to have originated in England. It is derived from the Old English term "cycene", meaning kitchen, and was often used to denote someone who worked in a kitchen, like a cook, or lived near one.

There are several variants and alternate spellings associated with this surname. Some of them include Kitchin, Kitching, Kytchen, Ketchin, and Kytchin. Surnames such as Kitchener and Kitchenman can also be considered closely related.

Moreover, surnames that might seem unrelated at first glance could also be connected to "Kitchen" via a common etymological root. For example, the surnames Atkyn, De Kichyn, and Kitchener could potentially have the same origin as Kitchen, as they either reference a location or occupation similar to what's implied by "Kitchen."

In some parts of the world where English is not the dominant language, the surname Kitchen may also be spelled in ways that are phonetically similar to the original English, leading to further variations. However, the exact connections between these variations and the English surname Kitchen would need to be confirmed through genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Kitchen

• Chrissy Teigen: American model, television host, author, and entrepreneur
• Josh Kitchen: Professional cyclist from Australia
• Jamie Kitchen: Former English professional footballer
• Chester A. Arthur Kitchen Jr.: US Army veteran and television actor
• Jeff Kitchen: Keyboard player, composer and record producer
• Edie Kitchen: Realtor and CBC television personality
• Wayne Kitchen: Cinematographer
• Vanessa Kitchen: English writer and journalist
• Don Kitchen: Retired American professional wrestler
• Dave Kitchen: British record producer, sound engineer and composer

Other surnames

KitchcartKitchensKitchesKitching