KENNING

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Kenning

Kenning is a surname of Old Norse origin which has been recorded in England since medieval times. The name derives from the Old Norse word "kenningr", meaning 'nickname' or 'epithet’, suggesting that the name may have been used to describe a distinctive characteristic or trait of an individual.

The Kenning surname has been found in various regions of England, with early records showing concentrations in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Lincolnshire. Over time, bearers of the Kenning name have spread to other parts of the country and beyond, with some branches of the family emigrating to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable individuals with the Kenning surname have made contributions in various fields, including literature, business, and the arts. Research into the genealogy and history of the Kenning family continues to uncover new information about the origins and stories of this venerable British surname.

There are approximately 651 people named Kenning in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Kenning.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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

Alexander
Andrew
Anthony
Christopher
David
Ian
James
John
Michael
Paul
Stephen

Female

Elizabeth
Emma
Helen
Jennifer
Jill
Joan
Kirsten
Lisa
Margaret
Patricia
Paula
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

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