Kidney

Kidney is a surname of British origin derived from the Middle English word "kidnei," which refers to the organ that filters waste products from the blood and excretes them as urine. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone with a physical or behavioral trait associated with the kidney, such as a healer or a person with a brave spirit.

The surname Kidney is found predominantly in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with historical ties to England and Ireland. Early records show instances of the name's usage dating back to medieval times, suggesting a long and storied history for those bearing this surname.

Notable individuals with the surname Kidney have made contributions in various fields, including medicine, academia, and the arts. The surname's unique origin and relatively low prevalence add to its intrigue and make it a distinctive part of British surnames.

There are approximately 442 people named Kidney in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Kidney.

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

  • Andrew
  • Carl
  • David
  • Ernest
  • James
  • John
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • Stephen
  • Steven
  • Thomas

Female

  • Amanda
  • Christine
  • Danielle
  • Elizabeth
  • Jane
  • Jennifer
  • Joan
  • Joyce
  • Lynne
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Victoria

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.