Surname Kennett - Meaning and Origin
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Kennett: What does the surname Kennett mean?
Kennett is an English surname derived from the name of a village or the nearby area of a given location. The place-name comes from the Old English word for “cyne-hæð”, meaning “king’s heath” or “king’s clearing in the woods”. The earliest known record of the name was William de Kenet in 1213, from Lancashire.
The surname Kennett has since spread to many parts of the world, chiefly as a result of the migration of English families during the 16th, 17th, and 18th Centuries.
Kennett as a surname reflects a family’s deep rooted connection to their ancestral homeland. Today, the surname can be found throughout England and other countries, including the United States, Australia, and South Africa.
Notably, given its English origin, the Kennett surname is often associated with those of Royalist descent. In 17th century England, the Royal Charter of King Charles I created a new wave of migration and allowed the Kennett surname to spread throughout many other countries.
The Kennett surname offers a rich glimpse into the family’s history and its connections to England’s cultural traditions. This connection can be reflected in the numerous Kennetts who can still be found in many countries today with family ties stretching back to their 16th-century English ancestries.
Order DNA origin analysisKennett: Where does the name Kennett come from?
The last name Kennett is most commonly found in areas of the United Kingdom. According to the British Surname Database, it is particularly concentrated in and around South East England. This may not be surprising due to this area’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The Kennett surname is believed to have originated in the county of Kent, much of which lies within the South East of England, near London. It is thought that the Kennett family arrived in this area during the Middle Ages, when people began to move into the area in search of a better life. Kennett is also derived from the Old English term for a royal palace or manor, and many Kennetts are related to this area's ancient roots.
The Kennett name is also found in other areas throughout the world, including Australia, the United States, and Canada. In Canada, for example, the surname is especially common in the Province of Ontario.
Overall, the Kennett name is most prevalently associated with the south east of England. Today, this surname is still seen in this area, and is a reminder of its past history and culture.
Variations of the surname Kennett
The various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kennett are Kenett, Kennet, Kenedy, Korney, Kenedie, Kendall, Kendal, Kendrick, Kenard, Kenyon, Kendon, Kennedey, Kennard, Kenward, Kennady, Kinnett, Kennady, and Kannet.
The surname Kennett is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the old English word "Cyning", which translates to "King". The surname is also thought to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon personal name Cenet, which again is derived from "Cyning".
The surname Kennett is found predominantly in England. It is believed to have been first adopted in the 11th century by families who resided in counties like Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. It is believed that these families were descendants of the Anglo-Saxon kings, which is why the name has derived from the word "king".
The surnames Kenett, Kennet, Kenedy, Korney, Kenedie, and Kendall are all short versions of the longer Kennett surname.
Kendal and Kendrick are believed to have been derived from "Kyndel", an old English name which is believed to have been an abbreviation of the same original Kennett surname.
Kenard, Kenyon, Kendon, and Kennedey are likely derived from the middle name Ken, which itself is derived from the Kennett surname.
Kennard and Kenward are likely derived from the old English word "weard", which means guard or protector – these families are likely believed to have been involved in royalty or be descendants of kings.
Kannet, Kennady, and Kinnett are likely derived from the same base Kennett surname, and are often characteristic of families who have had to change their surnames over the centuries.
Famous people with the name Kennett
- Jeff Kennett: Jeff Kennett is an Australian businessman and former politician who was the 43rd Premier of Victoria from 1992 to 1999.
- Julianne Kennett: Julianne Kennett is an American voice actress who is mainly known for her work as Faye Valentine in Cowboy Bebop.
- Ann-Margaret Kennett: Ann-Margaret Kennett is an American actress, author, singer, and business executive. She is best known for her roles in Viva Las Vegas, Bye Bye Birdie, Tom Sawyer, and The Cincinnati Kid.
- Bingham Harrison Kennett: Dr. Bingham Harrison Kennett was an American titlescaper from New York best known for his work in designing and creating hashed landscape parks.
- Jean Kester Kennett: Jean Kester Kennett was an American cartoonist and children's writer, best known for her books about the Mistress Mary series, including Mistress Mary Quite Contrary, Mistress Mary and the Little Lamb, and Mistress Mary’s Golden Mark.
- Peter Kennett: Peter Kennett is an English music composer best known for his work on films such as Beyond the Reach, The Take, and Melrose Place 2: The Final Attack.
- Michael Kennett: Michael Kennett is an Australian cricketer who has played for the Australian national team and many domestic teams.
- Tracy Kennett: Tracy Kennett is a Canadian artist who works primarily in textiles and mixed media art, often incorporating found objects, vintage fabrics, and other materials.
- Jamie Kennett: Jamie Kennett is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for his work with the band Grand Codger.
- Reba Kennett: Reba Kennett is an American country music singer and songwriter who has written songs for a number of artists including Kenny Chesney.