Surname Kinnane - Meaning and Origin
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Kinnane: What does the surname Kinnane mean?
The last name Kinnane is an anglicised form of the Irish surname Ó Cinnéide. It is an old Gaelic name, originating from the earliest native Irish population. The name is derived from the old Irish words ‘cenn’ or ‘ceann’ which mean ‘head’, and ‘eidig’ or ‘éide’ which mean ‘shape or form’. Thus, Kinnane is thought to refer to somebody with a particular shaped head.
The Kinnane family can trace its ancestry to Clan Ó Cinnéide, a sept of the powerful ancient Dalcassian clan in County Clare, along the west coast of Ireland. Members of this early tribe could be found fighting alongside Brian Boru in the famous Battle of Clontarf in 1014 CE. Later, the surname Kinnane was carried to other parts of the country as clan members dispersed. The Kinnanes can be found in many parts of Ireland today, particularly Munster.
The origin of the name Kinnane, and Clan Ó Cinnéide, conjure up an ancient, Celtic past, with a warrior spirit and a proud spirit of independence. With the family name more recognizable in modern times, the Kinnane surname has come to represent a vibrant connection to a rich Irish heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisKinnane: Where does the name Kinnane come from?
The surname Kinnane is of Irish origin and is most commonly found today in Ireland. In fact, it is one of the more popular surnames in Ireland, ranking among the top 180 surnames in the country.
Kinnane can also be found in the greater United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is not as common as in Ireland, however, with one research project finding that the surname was only in the top 1,000 surnames in England and Wales. In Scotland, Kinnane is among the top 500 surnames.
Outside of the British Isles, Kinnane is typically not as prominent as in Ireland. However, the presence of the surname can still be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The presence of the surname is due to the massive Irish diaspora that occurred during the Potato Famine.
Kinnane can also be found in other parts of Europe, mostly in countries with larger Irish populations like France, Spain, and the Netherlands. However, the surname is less common in these countries.
In summary, Kinnane is most common in Ireland, followed by the United Kingdom. It can also be found in other parts of the world due to the Irish diaspora.
Variations of the surname Kinnane
The surname Kinnane is generally considered to have its origins in Irish and/or Gaelic language roots. Spelling variants of Kinnane include Kinneen, Kinneane, Kinneen, Kinnyne, Kinnyne, Kinnee, and Kilnee. Generally, these variations commonly vary depending on dialect, regional grammar or pronunciation, and in many cases the change in spelling was even an intentional effort by an ancestor to adjust their name to help it sound more English.
Surnames of similar or related origin which are sometimes associated with the Kinnane name include MacDhonnchaidh, MacDhonncha, MacDhonnchaidh, McKenne, Kinney, Kinne, McKinnie, McInnes, McInnes, McInney, McKenny, and McKenney.
In the U.S.A., Kinnane is a relatively uncommon surname, particularly in comparison with the more predominant Irish surnames Kilmartin, Murphy, and Kennedy. Those with the Kinnane surname are likely to be found in southern Irish counties such as Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford, as well as other Irish-inhabited areas.
In some cases during the mid-19th century, some members of the Kinnane family also migrated from Ireland to the United Kingdom. A small number of individuals have also gone on to settle in parts of the Eastern United States.
Overall, Kinnane is a relatively rare surname which has several spelling variants and related surnames. Those with the Kinnane surname can trace their roots back to Ireland and various areas throughout the U.K. and U.S.A. with Irish influences.
Famous people with the name Kinnane
- Catherine Kinnane Stewart, American actress
- Joseph Kinnane, Irish footballer
- Jack O'Keeffe Kinnane, Irish poet
- Eleanor Kinnane, Irish writer and feminist
- Keith Kinnane, Australian businessman and former politician
- William Kinnane, Canadian ice hockey player
- Thomas Kinnane, Irish Catholic Bishop
- John Kinnane, former Irish Rugby Union player
- Phillip Kinnane, American racing driver
- Michael Kinnane, Australian swimmer