Surname Kennen - Meaning and Origin
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Kennen: What does the surname Kennen mean?
The surname Kennen is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "O'Ceanain" which means "descendent of Cianan". The personal name Cianan is a diminutive of "Cian" which translates to "ancient" or "enduring" in English. Therefore, the surname Kennen can be interpreted to mean "descendent of the ancient or enduring one". This surname evolved through various spellings before establishing its modern form. It's important to note that spellings of names can significantly change over time due to factors like migration and translation between languages. Like many surnames, Kennen can give some indication of familial lineage or ancestry. Variations of the name may include Kenan, Kinnane, and more.
Please note that surname meanings can vary based on geographical origins and cultural contexts, and this interpretation reflects one possible meaning of the Kennen surname.
Order DNA origin analysisKennen: Where does the name Kennen come from?
The surname Kennen is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "O'Cianain," with "O'" indicating a male descendant and "Cianain" translating to "ancient," thus the full translation could be "descendant of the ancient one." Over time, Cianain evolved into Kennan, Kennon, and the most common variant, Kennen. As a result of migration and the Irish diaspora, the surname has spread to many English-speaking countries, particularly the United States and Great Britain. However, the highest concentration of individuals with the Kennen surname still resides in Ireland, specifically in the region of Ulster in the north. Despite its spread, the surname Kennen is quite rare overall.
Variations of the surname Kennen
The surname Kennen can have various spellings and variants due to factors like translation, geographic location, ethnic background, and personal preference.
Some related variants and spellings include Kennon, Kennan, Kenin, Kenon, Kenan, and Kenyon. The surname Kenyon, for instance, is derived from the Welsh name "Cynon," which is a similar sounding name to Kennen. In other cases, the spelling might just depend on the phonetic interpretation, as seen with names like Kenin and Kenon.
It's also possible that names like Kinnon or Kennin are from the same origin, as small modifications in spelling can occur over generations. Some people might also use the surname Keenan as it is phonetically similar to Kennen.
However, the origins of a surname can often be traced back to multiple sources, so surnames similar to Kennen could also originate from different places or languages. For instance, the surname Kennedy, which can also be spelled Kenedy or Kendy, is of Irish origin and shares a phonetic similarity with Kennen.
Please note that the specific variants can depend on individual family history and might not apply universally.
Famous people with the name Kennen
- Shel Kennen: American former child actor, known for roles in Maximum Overdrive, Firstborn, and Salute Your Shorts
- Lawrence J. Kennen: United States Air Force General who served as Vice Commander-in-Chief, United States European Command from 1983 to 1986
- Whitton J. Kennen: American lieutenant general in the U.S. Air Force who commanded Pacific Air Forces during the Vietnam War
- Bob Kennen: former American football quarterback who played in the NFL from 1969 to 1975
- Andrew Kennen: British musician, songwriter and record producer
- Gail Kennen: American singer-songwriter, restauranteur, and chef
- Jensen Kennen: Canadian actor and voice actor best known for his roles in shows such as The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and The X-Files
- Derek Kennen: American journalist and author who wrote three books on baseball
- Daniel Kennen: Needham, Massachusetts town councillor
- Mark Kennen: former National Hockey League forward who played in the NHL from 1988 to 1992