Surname Kenning - Meaning and Origin

Kenning: What does the surname Kenning mean?

The last name Kenning is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the pre-7th century German word “kanning,” meaning “nobleman.” The name is believed to have originated in the northern parts of England, but also has been found in Scotland and Ireland. Kenning was an occupational name given to a person in the service of a nobleman as early as the 12th century. Variations of the name include McKinning and Kennin.

The first recorded spelling of the name was found in 1215 in Lincolnshire. The origin of surnames during this period became a necessity with the introduction of personal taxation. In England, a poll tax was levied by the government in 1290 and recording of names became necessary. Kenning is also associated with the Royal House of Glamorgan as they are all claimed descendants.

The name has been noted in England since the 12th century and has spread far and wide in many adopted forms. Many of the modern family names throughout Europe reflect the profession or occupation of their forbears in ancient times. In this case, the origin of the name Kenning comes from a long held title of nobility. Today, the name is still popular in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries, although it is also found in places with rich Germanic history and Celtic heritage such as Scotland and Ireland.

Kenning: Where does the name Kenning come from?

The last name Kenning is most common in Germany, according to FamilySearch’s population records. This is likely due to the fact that the name is of German origin. It was first found in Brandenburg, a state in Germany on the east side of the country.

In addition to Germany, today the last name Kenning is also present in other European countries. Sweden is home to a significant number of people with the Kenning name. Other countries include Denmark, Switzerland, Luxembourg, France, The Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

The Kenning surname can also be found in various parts of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Given the widespread nature of the name, it is very likely that it is present in other parts of the world as well.

The etymology of the last name Kenning is thought to derive from the Old German and Dutch words “kin” and “kennen”, which mean "to know". The use of the patronymic surname may represent someone who was wise and knowledgeable. Other variations of the name are Kenninck, Kenninc, Kennink, and Kennins.

Variations of the surname Kenning

The surname Kenning is an English surname with a variety of spellings and variants, derived from the Old English word "cenning" which means "the one in charge, leader or chief". Some of the most common spellings of this surname include Kennon, Kenin, Kening, Kennen, Kennan, Kennin, Kinnen, Kinen, Kennion, and Kennon.

Variants of the surname can include Kinnon, Kynnynion, Kynnin, Kennyn, Kynnin, Kinning, Kynion, Kynyn, Kinion, Kentyn, Kinney and Kynon.

In Ireland, Kenning may be an anglicization of the Gaelic surname Ó Cinnéide which means descendant of Cinnéidigh, who is a form of Connor.

In Scotland, the Kenning surname is a derivative of the Scottish surname Kynnyngham or Kynnynghame, which is a variation of the English surname Kynrningham, meaning “the enclosure or stronghold of the Kyns people”.

The German variants includeKönning, Köning, Koning, and Kenning.

The Dutch variants includeKoning, Konning, Koningh and Könink.

In Sweden, the variants Kenningen and Kenninge have appeared, derived from the Swedish word “Känninge” which refers to an inhabitant of the mining town called Kainesbo Känninge.

In the United States, the surname Kenning can also be found in variations such as Kenninger, Kannengiesser, Kenenger, Kinning, Kinnen, and Kinnan.

Other variants include Kyning and Kynning, as well as Kynninges, an Old English variant of the name.

In conclusion, the surname Kenning has a variety of spellings, variants and derivatives from different countries that all share the same origin, dating back to the Old English word cenning son.

Famous people with the name Kenning

• Pete Kenning, English footballer
• Randy Kenning, Canadian politician
• Edmund Kenning, British Army officer
• Nakia Kenning, American actor
• Ron Kenning, Canadian professional ice hockey player
• Rebecca Kenning, British actor
• Benjamin Kenning, English astronomer
• Penny Kenning, Australian journalist
• Damian Kenning, Dutch journalist
• Paul Kenning, British media executive
• Rob Kenning, British businessman
• Dan Kenning, American journalist and editor
• William Kenning, English journalist
• Katie Kenning, Australian actor
• Kieron Kenning, English comedy producer
• Pamela Kenning, British academic
• James Kenning, British soldier
• Chris Kenning, British Paralympian
• Alex Kenning, American entrepreneur
• Erwin Kenning, Dutch banker

Other surnames

KennickKennifickKennion