Ken

Origin of the Surname The surname Ken is of English and Scottish origin, derived from the Old English personal name Cyne, meaning "royal" or "kingly". The name may have been used to denote someone who had kingly attributes or had a connection to royalty.

Distribution and Frequency The surname Ken is relatively rare in the United Kingdom. It is most commonly found in areas with historical ties to England and Scotland.

Notable Bearers

  • Stanley Ken, a renowned British historian known for his work on English medieval history.
  • Jennifer Ken, a prominent Scottish artist known for her abstract paintings.
  • Simon Ken, a British author and poet famous for his works on nature and rural life.

Coat of Arms The Ken family coat of arms features a shield divided into quarters with symbols representing strength, loyalty, and honour. A crown sits atop the shield, symbolising nobility and royal connections.

Genealogy The Ken family has a long and storied history, with branches spanning across England and Scotland. Genealogical records show that the family has connections to various noble houses and historical figures.

Legacy The surname Ken is a reminder of a time when lineage and heritage were significant markers of one's social standing. Today, descendants of the Ken family continue to celebrate their heritage and uphold the values of honour, loyalty, and strength associated with their name.

There are approximately 184 people named Ken in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Ken.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • David
  • Geoffrey
  • Gibson
  • James
  • Jason
  • Jonathan
  • Mark
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Roberts
  • William

Female

  • Andrea
  • Greta
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Kim
  • Margaret
  • Maureen
  • Michelle
  • Sandra
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.