Surname Kinneavy - Meaning and Origin

Kinneavy: What does the surname Kinneavy mean?

The last name Kinneavy is an Anglo-Irish name primarily found in Counties Cork and Limerick, Ireland. It is a very rare surname and is most likely derived from the acoustic root “Kinev” or “Kinne” meaning “a small town in Ireland.” Thus, people with this surname may have originated from such a place.

In terms of etymology, the surname may have been derived from the Gaelic Mac Uí Chionnaíbh, meaning "son of O'Kinneavy." The prefix ‘Mac’ was commonly used by families of rank and generally translated as ‘son of’ or ‘child of.’ Additionally, the surname may have been derived from the name Mac Connemara (Mac Conna Mara) or Connemara—a district of western Ireland located in County Galway and characterized by its rocky coastline and mountainous terrain.

Variations of the surname Kinneavy include Kinneaux, Kinny, Kinneave, Kineavy, Kinneavye, and Kinnen. These surnames—as with many variations of any given surname—may have developed over time in various areas of Ireland as a result of the local dialect, Gaelic translation, and literation.

The surname Kinneavy is often associated with people of great wealth and prestige in their communities, and today it is uncommon to find people with this surname outside of their country of origin, Ireland. It is a unique name, distinguished by its rarity and distinguished origin.

Kinneavy: Where does the name Kinneavy come from?

The last name Kinneavy is most commonly seen today in England, Ireland, and the United States of America. In England there is a large cluster of the name around the London Borough of Islington; in Ireland, it is seen mostly in counties Waterford, Wicklow, and Cork; and in the United States, it is present and concentrated in New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.

The Kinneavy surname, sometimes referred to as Kinny, may be an Anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mac Cionnaoith, which means “son of the brave one”. It is likely the name originated in County Waterford, Ireland. However, it is also said that the name may come from a village called Caenby in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England.

The Kinneavys of the world are immensely proud of their heritage. Those who bear the name can be found in places like Boston, Manchester, Bristol, and Dublin, and many abroad. They often share a strong connection which can be felt by anyone who meets them. This connection may be related to the fact that the Kinneavys share a common ancestry and together they strive to keep their family’s legacy alive.

Variations of the surname Kinneavy

The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kinneavy are Kinneavy, Kinneavy, Kennievie, McKinnie, Kennabey, Kinneabbie, Kinneavy and MacKinneavey. Kinneavy is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Mac Aonghusa, which is derived from the Gaelic personal name Aonghus, meaning “one strength.” The variants and spellings of this name represent ancient monasteries introducing Christianity to the local population, along with annexation by the British Empire.

Kinneavy is the modern spelling of the original Gaelic Ó Cnáibhe, which is an Irish surname, meaning “descendant of Cnáibhe”, an ancient and significant clan. The alternate spellings can be found within the 1600’s records of Connacht where an Aodh MacKinneavy was listed as a local leader and landowner. In more recent records, one can find the variants Kennabey and Kinneavey, which indicate the continued roaming of this family throughout the province.

The distinct Kinneavy surname is often associated with MacAonghusa, two variants of Gaelic derivation and meaning, which honored Aonghus, one of the sons of legendary leader Cáirdech Mac Fada. In addition, McKinnie is another popular variant, which originated with the Mac a' Ghobhainn family of Scotland.

This is a very widespread family name and it is found from in North America in the US, Canada and Australia. Therefore, Kinneavy is a name which has strong roots and a varied past, providing a colorful story to those who bear the surname as well as the different spellings and variants mentioned.

Famous people with the name Kinneavy

• John Kinneavy, American screenwriter
• Sara Kinneavy, Irish isle-of-man swimmer
• Paul Kinneavy, Irish former professional rugby union player
• Jon Kinneavy, American voice actor
• Mark Kinneavy, American editor
• Katie Kinneavy, American writer
• Jenifer Kinneavy, American voice actress
• Adam Kinneavy, American filmmaker
• Noel Kinneavy, Irish actor
• Andrew Kinneavy, Australian track and field athlete

Other surnames

KinneallyKinnear