KERNAHAN
Kernahan
Kernahan is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin, also found in England, particularly in the northern regions. The name is derived from the Gaelic personal name 'Ciaran,' meaning 'little dark one' or 'dark-haired one.' Over time, variations such as 'Kernohan' and 'MacKernan' have also been recorded.
The Kernahan surname has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, particularly in the fields of literature, politics, and the arts. Notable persons with the surname Kernahan include the Irish-born playwright and novelist Coulson Kernahan (1858–1943) and his daughter-in-law, the renowned actress and singer Virginia Kernahan (1924–2015).
The Kernahan surname is also associated with certain regions in Northern Ireland and Scotland, where families bearing the name have established themselves over the centuries. The name's origins can be traced back to clan affiliations, with the Kernahan clan being an integral part of the social and political history of Scotland and Ireland.
Today, the Kernahan surname continues to be recorded in various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, reflecting the diverse and widespread nature of the British Isles diaspora. The name's rich heritage and historical significance make it a notable component of British and Celtic genealogy studies.
There are approximately 229 people named Kernahan in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Kernahan.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Brian
- Charles
- Colin
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Nicholas
- Robert
Female
- Angela
- Anne
- Catherine
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Lorna
- Margaret
- Maureen
- Susan
- Victoria