Kilner

The surname Kilner is of English origin and is classified as a habitational name, derived from the old English word 'cyln,' meaning 'kiln' or 'oven,' and 'healf,' translating to 'half.' This surname indicates a person who lived near a kiln or managed one for firing ceramics or baking goods. The Kilner family name is prevalent in the county of Yorkshire, where the tradition of pottery-making and clay industries flourished.

The Kilner name can be traced back to the early 13th century in Yorkshire, with historical records showing the Kilner family involved in pottery production and merchant activities. Later on, the Kilner family diversified their trade into glass manufacturing, becoming renowned for their high-quality glassware, particularly preserving jars and bottles.

One of the notable figures associated with the Kilner name is John Kilner, who patented the original Kilner jar design in 1842, revolutionising household food preservation methods. The Kilner jars, with their distinctive clip-top lids and rubber seals, became popular across Britain and beyond, cementing the Kilner family's legacy in the preservation and kitchenware industry.

The Kilner surname has maintained its influence across generations, with modern-day descendants continuing to uphold the family's tradition of craftsmanship in glass and ceramic production. The Kilner name remains synonymous with quality, durability, and innovation in the domestic and commercial glassware sector.

There are approximately 1,776 people named Kilner in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,644th most common surname in Britain. Around 27 in a million people in Britain are named Kilner.

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
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard

Female

  • Claire
  • Emma
  • Finella
  • Helen
  • Joan
  • Julia
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Zara

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