Kipling

Origin and Meaning: The surname Kipling is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "cypping" or "Kipp," meaning "capon" or "chicken." It is a toponymic surname, indicating a person from places called Kipping or Kippax in West Yorkshire.

History: The Kipling name can be traced back to medieval times in the county of Yorkshire. It is believed that families bearing this surname were primarily of English descent and were likely involved in farming or raising poultry.

Notable Individuals: One of the most famous bearers of the surname Kipling is the renowned British author and poet, Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay, India, to British parents and went on to become one of the leading literary figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for works such as "The Jungle Book," "Kim," and "Gunga Din."

Variants: Variants of the Kipling surname include Kipping and Kippax.

Modern-Day: In contemporary times, the surname Kipling can still be found mainly in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries. While not as common as some surnames, the name continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a link to its historical roots in Yorkshire.

References:

  • Hanks, Patrick, et al. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2016.
  • "Kipling Family History." Ancestry.co.uk.

There are approximately 1,319 people named Kipling in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,933rd most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Kipling.

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Angela
  • Beverley
  • Christine
  • Dawn
  • Emma
  • Jean
  • Joan
  • Joanne
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • 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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