Surname Kinnie - Meaning and Origin
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Kinnie: What does the surname Kinnie mean?
The exact origin of the surname Kinnie is unclear, however it is believed to be of Scottish origin. It is thought to have been derived from the Gaelic nickname "cean," meaning "dear one," and is probably related to the "kinn" element in Scottish place-names such as Kinnochtry. It is believed that the surname originated as a descriptive term applied to someone who was especially "dear" to their family.
The surname is not especially common, and is mainly found in Scotland toward the northeast. In the 19th century the name was spread through the migration of Scottish people, and it is now also found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and China.
Kinnie is an interesting surname, whose roots stretch back in time to the Gaels and Picts of ancient Scotland, and is as much a part of Scottish history as clan tartans or Highland Games. It is not a surname that is outwardly associated with any particular profession or social class, however, given its strong connection to Scotland, it is likely that many with the name will still regard their heritage with a great deal affection and pride.
Order DNA origin analysisKinnie: Where does the name Kinnie come from?
The last name Kinnie is most commonly seen in Canada today. The origins of the Kinnie family name can be traced back to the Lowland Scots people who migrated to Canada in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
Most of the family members originally held positions as farmers and merchants, but as Canada began to industrialize, many members of the Kinnie family were able to find well-paying employment in the new factories and businesses. Soon, there were Kinnie families spread all across the country, from the east coast to the west.
Today, the Kinnie family is particularly common in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. The province of Quebec is known to have the largest population of Kinnies in the country. In the cities of Montreal and Quebec City, there are a number of Kinnie families living in the area.
There are also Kinnie families living in many of the smaller towns and villages throughout Canada. As the country has grown and become more diverse, immigrants from a multitude of cultures have settled in these areas and brought their own cultural and family heritages into the mix. This has resulted in the Kinnie surname being scattered across the nation; from Toronto and Halifax all the way out to the Maritimes.
Variations of the surname Kinnie
Kinnie is a surname of Scottish origin. It is a variant of the surname McKinnie, which is derived from the Gaelic Mac Fhionghuin, meaning “son of Finnguine.” Variants of the surname Kinnie include Kynnie, Kenny, Kynny, Kinnear, and Kinnee. It is also found in many different spellings such as Kine, Kylnie, Kinnon, Kyne, and Kynn.
The variants of Kinnie differ throughout the world. In Scotland and Ireland, the spelling of the surname is most often seen as Kenny or Kynnie. This is primarily due to the different dialects and accents in these regions. In Scotland, the older generations often use the spelling Kinnear while in Ireland the popular spelling is often Kynne.
Variations of the surname Kinnie are also found in the United States. This is likely due to the influx of Irish and Scottish immigrants during the 19th century. In the United States, the most common spelling of the surname Kinnie is Kenny. It is also common to see the spelling Kinney or Kinyon.
Kinnie is a common surname rooted in Scotland but with many different variants and spellings throughout the world. Whether the surname is Kenny, Kynnie, or Kinnon, it is ultimately rooted in the great family of McKinnie.
Famous people with the name Kinnie
- Robert Kinnie: Actor and writer noted for his role in the television series "Secrets of the Universe" (1996–1998).
- Ross Kinnie: Professional rugby union player who has represented Scotland at international level.
- Ally Kinnie: Professional soccer player who has made several appearances in the UEFA Women's Champions League.
- James Kinnie: Professional Cyclist who has competed in the Tour de France.
- Paul Kinnie: Award-winning entrepreneur and founder of the clothing brand "The Edinburgh Kiltmaker".
- Stuart Kinnie: Award-winning chef who has served notable celebrities including Prince Charles.
- Keith Kinnie: Professional golfer who won the Northern Open in 1992.
- Matthew Kinnie: Professional ice hockey player who has competed in the IIHF World Championship and the World Cup of Hockey.
- Samuel Kinnie: Award-winning architect who is renowned for his modernist designs.
- Mark Kinnie: Award-winning author of the novel "The Key to Innocence".