KINNEY
Kinney
The surname Kinney is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O Cionnaith," meaning "descendant of Cionnaith." The name is primarily found in Ireland and Scotland but also has a presence in England and other English-speaking countries.
Origins and Meaning
The name Kinney is believed to have originated from a personal name Cionnaith, which means "leader" or "wise." The prefix "O" or "Ó" in Irish surnames signifies "descendant of."
Distribution and Variants
The Kinney surname is predominantly found in Ireland, with concentrations in areas such as County Cork and County Limerick. Variants of the name include MacKinney, Kenny, O'Kenny, and MacKinnie.
Notable People
- Aidan Kinney: A renowned poet from County Cork, known for his works on Irish mythology.
- Sarah Kinney: A prominent academic and historian who specialises in Celtic studies.
- Michael O'Kinney: A 19th-century immigrant to the United States who played a significant role in the Irish-American community.
Legacy
The Kinney surname carries a heritage rich in Irish culture and history. Many individuals bearing this surname have made notable contributions to various fields, including literature, academia, and community development.
References
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
- MacLysaght, E. (2017). The Surnames of Ireland. Irish Academic Press.
There are approximately 507 people named Kinney in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Kinney.
Surname type: From given name or forename
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
- David
- Hugh
- John
- Joseph
- Kevin
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Seamus
Female
- Angela
- Anne
- Claire
- Dawn
- Elizabeth
- Jane
- Joanne
- Julie
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.