Surname Kennet - Meaning and Origin
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Kennet: What does the surname Kennet mean?
The last name Kennet is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. This name has several possible sources and meanings. It can derive from the Old English given name Cyneheard and the Old English word 'ceannet', meaning 'royal feast'. It could also be a locational name from the place of the same name in Berkshire. Alternatively, it may be derived from 'Kinyet' in Scotland, Northumberland or Westmoreland, or 'Kynet' in Middlesex.
The surname Kennet is likely descended from the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Kennet family trace their ancestry back to the days of Edward I, when William de Kynnet was mentioned in the East Riding of Yorkshire in 1250. In 1346, Walter Kynnet of East Riding is mentioned in the 'Patronage of Whitby'.
The heraldic motto of the Kennet family is 'Sancta Fides' or 'Holy Faith.' This reflects the family's religious affiliation to Christianity and their loyalty to the faith. The family shield of the Kennets is decorated with a boar rampant and three stars. The boar is a symbol of strength, courage and loyalty.
The Kennet family has gone on to become part of English nobility and has seven distinct branches, located in Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Devon and other surrounding counties. Notable people with this surname include Jon Kennett (an astronomer) and Edwin H. Kennett (a botanist). There is also a new shopping mall in Houston, Texas named after the Kennet family, reflecting their legacy in the United States.
Order DNA origin analysisKennet: Where does the name Kennet come from?
The surname Kennet is a relatively uncommon name in the modern world. It is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, where records show it can be found mainly in the southern half of England, particularly in the West Midlands and East Anglia. Records also suggest it is present in smaller numbers in Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Kennet probably has its origins in the pre 7th-century English ‘Cyneheard’, which is composed of two elements, the first being ‘cyne’, meaning well known, and ‘heard’, meaning bold and strong. So, the exact early meaning of the surname was ‘the famous and brave man’.
Originally, the family's chief was Baron de Kennett, who lived in Borde Hill, that is now in West Sussex. The family is thought to have been a powerful influence in the county and acquired vast estates around this area. In addition, there are quite a few place-names which show the Kennett name connected to various parts of Sussex.
Today, the name can be found thriving mainly in the south east of England, with some smaller populations in other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as small pockets abroad. Research shows that there are about 14,000 people in Britain with the surname.
Variations of the surname Kennet
The Kennet surname has a few different linguistic variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. Depending on the region it may be spelled as Kennett, Kenett, Kennet, Kennard, Kennit, Kinnett, and Kinnat. Kennet is believed to have originated in Britain, and while historically found sparingly throughout Scotland, it has been more frequently encountered in England.
The Kennet surname typically originates from a place name experienced by people during Anglo-Saxon times. During this period, Kennet was the name of a waterway in Wiltshire, England, which is thought to have then been adopted as a personal surname, with people being named after a certain place they are from. This geographical location name was possibly derived from the Celtic words ‘cana’ meaning ‘cannon, or clear’ and ‘tit’, meaning ‘to flow’.
The established variants of the name can be found in different regions and locations. For example, the Kennett variant is more commonly found in the United States, while the Kennit and Kinnat varieties are mainly from Scotland. The Kennard variant is believed to have originated from Normandy.
The Kennet surname may also have derived from the Welsh name Ceincant, which was a popular family name among Welsh aristocrats during Anglo-Saxon times. The similarity of the two linguistic variants has been observed as a result of the cultural exchange that happened between the British and Norman territories.
Overall, variations of the Kennet surname have been seen to be used widely across the world. It has its British roots but has made its way into other countries and regions, adapting to the local dialects of where it settled.
Famous people with the name Kennet
- Ken Kesey: American novelist, essayist, and countercultural figure.
- Brian Kennedy: Irish singer/songwriter.
- Charles Kennedy: British politician who was leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1999 to 2006.
- Sarah Kennedy: British television and radio presenter.
- Ruth Kennedy: American touring pianist.
- Robert Kennedy: American politician, attorney, brother of John F. Kennedy.
- Roy Kennedy: British actor and television presenter.
- Rob Kennedy: English cinematographer and film director.
- Peter Kennedy: Australian actor and producer.
- Gavin Kennedy: British artist, sculptor, art historian, and critic.
- Tommy Kennedy: American jazz saxophonist and co-founder of the band Grover Washington, Jr. and the Kennedy Experience.
- Chris Kennedy: Canadian comedian, actor, and writer.
- William Kennedy: American writer and Pulitzer winner for his novel Ironweed.
- Oliver Kennedy: Producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has produced for artists such as Khalid, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, and The Weeknd.
- John Kennedy: American football player who plays cornerback for the New York Giants.
- Seán Kennedy: Irish actor and documentary film maker.
- Jean Kennedy: American actress, former Miss USA, and sister of John F. Kennedy.
- Pat Kennedy: head football coach at Florida A&M University since 2020.
- Mark Kennedy: British Conservative politician.
- James E. Kennedy: Canadian racing driver.