Kennard

Overview

Kennard is a British surname of medieval origins, recorded in various forms such as Kenard, Kennarde, and Kennaird. The name is of Old English and Celtic origin, derived from the personal name "Cynesheard," which combines "cyne" meaning 'royal' or 'bold' and "heard" meaning 'brave' or 'hardy'. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved to become Kennard.

Historical Significance

The Kennard surname can be traced back to the early Middle Ages, with the first recorded instance dating back to 1219 in the county of Somerset. The Kennard family has a long history in Britain and has been associated with various regions such as Cornwall, Devon, and Sussex. The name is particularly prevalent in the southwestern parts of England.

Notable Bearers

The Kennard surname has produced several notable individuals throughout history. One such figure is Sir John Kennard (1758–1836), a British politician who served as the Member of Parliament for New Romney. Another prominent figure is Sir James Kennard (1789–1849), a respected naval officer known for his contributions to the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars.

Modern Influence

In contemporary times, the Kennard surname continues to be present in British society, with individuals bearing the name involved in various professions and fields. The surname has also spread beyond the shores of Britain, with Kennard families residing in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

References

  • Reaney, P.H., Wilson, R.M. (2008). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Lower, M.A. (1860). English Surnames. J.R. Smith.

Overall, the Kennard surname holds a significant place in British history and continues to be a part of the nation's cultural fabric.

There are approximately 2,801 people named Kennard in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,192nd most common surname in Britain. Around 43 in a million people in Britain are named Kennard.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Jocelyn
  • Lesley
  • Lisa
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Pamela
  • Sally
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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