Kilkenny

Kilkenny is an Irish surname of historical significance, thought to have originated from the area of Kilkenny in Ireland. The name is a toponymic surname, meaning it is derived from a place name. The town of Kilkenny is located in the province of Leinster, Ireland and is known for its medieval buildings, including Kilkenny Castle.

The surname Kilkenny is believed to have been adopted by families associated with the town or region of Kilkenny, perhaps indicating ancestral connections to the area. Over time, the surname would have been passed down through generations, becoming a hereditary family name.

The name Kilkenny is relatively uncommon compared to more widespread surnames, but it carries with it a sense of local history and pride. Individuals with the surname Kilkenny may have roots in Ireland or ancestral ties to the town of Kilkenny.

As with many surnames, the history and origins of the name Kilkenny offer insight into the genealogy and heritage of those who bear it, serving as a link to the past and a marker of familial identity.

There are approximately 632 people named Kilkenny in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Kilkenny.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Anthony
  • Charles
  • Christopher
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Denise
  • Diane
  • Elizabeth
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Pauline
  • Sarah
  • Wendy

Similar and related surnames

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

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