Surname Kinnan - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kinnan: What does the surname Kinnan mean?
The surname "Kinnan" is of Scottish origin. The version "MacKinnon" is more common and is derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Fhionghuin'. In Gaelic, "Mac" means "son of", while “Fhionghuin” refers to "fair born" or "fair hero" in English. Over time, distortions to the name have occurred due to phonetic translations and regional pronunciation differences, resulting in variants like Kinnan. Therefore, this last name roughly means "son of the fair born" or "son of the fair hero." Like many surnames, it can signify lineage or ancestry dating back to a particular individual or clan. In the context of the MacKinnon clan, it connotes a shared heritage tied to specific regions in Scotland, chiefly the Inner Hebrides. The symbol of the MacKinnon clan is a boar's head, and their motto is "Audentes fortuna juvat," which translates to "Fortune assists the daring." Despite its origins, this surname is now found in many countries around the world due to historical migration and dispersal.
Order DNA origin analysisKinnan: Where does the name Kinnan come from?
The surname Kinnan is believed to be of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name O'Cianain. The name is a diminutive of the word "Cian" which means "ancient". The Kinnan family lived in the county of Fermanagh in Ireland, where they held a family seat as a clan.
The last name Kinnan spread throughout the world due to emigration, often due to economic necessity or political instability. Today, this surname can be found in several countries, such as the United States, England, and Australia, among others. However, it is not considered common and is rather unique. In fact, according to census data, the name Kinnan is not ranked on the list of common last names in the United States, suggesting that it is fairly unique. While the name Kinnan is seen globally, keep in mind that its concentration is not that high in any particular region.
Variations of the surname Kinnan
The surname Kinnan originates from Scottish and Irish origins and has several variants and spelling alterations. These include: Kinnane, Kinnon, Kinan, Kinnen, Kinnin, Kinna, Kynan, Kynon, Kynnan, Kynnen, Kyninn, Kynna, Kinnann, and Kennan. Some more extended versions may also include McKinnon, McKinnan, O'Kinnan, and MacKinnan.
In some cases, not all variations are directly connected as some might have developed independently in different regions with different local influences. Each variation carries a unique story of migration, regional influence, and family history, hence there might be no definite total count of variants for any surname, including Kinnan.
Please bear in mind, however, that spelling of surnames has often changed over time and may further vary based on the region and its local dialect or language and specific family traditions.
Famous people with the name Kinnan
- Robert R. Kinnan, Jr.: Former Vice President of the New York Stock Exchange.
- J. L. Kinnan: Respected professor and director of the Harward Ivy League School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
- Sandy Kinnan: Emmy-winning television producer.
- David Kinnan: Professional golfer and best selling author of “Six Steps to Success on the Golf Course”.
- Brendan Kinnan: Boxer whose efforts led to the USA winning the gold medal in boxing at the 2000 Olympics.
- John Kinnan: Singer and Songwriter who has released multiple albums, including “Backyard Balladeer.”
- Tommy Kinnan: Racecar driver who has competed in multiple Formula 1 Grand Prix.
- Sam & Joey Kinnan: Twins who are popular YouTube personalities.
- Scott Kinnan: Award-winning photographer known for his extensive outdoor photography.
- Pat Kinnan: NFL player who played with the Los Angeles Rams from 1986-1992.