Surname Cenel - Meaning and Origin
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Cenel: What does the surname Cenel mean?
The surname Cenel is an Irish surname, primarily associated with families and individuals from the province of Leinster, particularly around the historic county of Kildare. Its meaning derives from the Celtic term "cianal" which is a form of the word meaning "valley". The word is derived from the Proto-Celtic term "*kʷenʷ-", meaning valley.
The Cenel surname is steeped in Irish history, having been associated with powerful families dating back as far as the 11th century. The Cenel have been known for their success throughout Irish history, having held powerful positions in religion and politics across the country.
With regards to modern times, the surname Cenel remains fairly rare; today, the surname is more commonly found in the United States than in its home country of Ireland. However, individuals with the surname can be found around more rural rural or suburban areas of Ireland such as those outside of Dublin and, less commonly, in regions of Great Britain.
The surname Cenel is believed to carry themes of loyalty and strength, derived from its ancient roots. This is often reflected in the individuals who carry the surname, with generations of the Cenel having served as faithful and successful members of society.
Order DNA origin analysisCenel: Where does the name Cenel come from?
Today, the surname Cenel is most commonly found in France, specifically in Northeastern France, Burgundy, and Alsace. It is believed to be a derivative of the old French word senac, which means "supervisor" or "head of a religious institution."
The name Cenel comes from a noble French family called the Cenel family, who were prominent figures in the 12th century. They were involved in many battles and were even considered to be among the most influential families in France at the time. In 1265, they were awarded the title of Comte et Seigneur de Cenel, or "Count and Lord of Cenel," which was a region in modern-day Belgium.
The Cenel family continued to have an impact on the region and established strongholds in Burgundy and Alsace, which had previously been part of the Holy Roman Empire. These strongholds, like many others, were destroyed during the religious wars. However, the family name Cenel lived on, and today it is found in these French regions, and even beyond.
In terms of immigration, many French people have moved to the United States, taking their family name with them. As a result, the Cenel surname has been found in the United States and other places around the world.
Overall, the surname Cenel is most commonly found in Northeastern France, Burgundy, Alsace, and other areas of the world that were once a part of the Holy Roman Empire. In recent times, it has spread beyond France's borders, and can now be found in the United States and other foreign countries.
Variations of the surname Cenel
The surname Cenel is derived from the Gaelic word cinéal which translates to "clan or family." It is usually spelled Ceneal, Cinéal, Shinnal, Snell, and Cenell. This surname is found in both England and Ireland and is associated with people of Gaelic heritage.
Irish families using the Cenel surname typically hail from the provinces of Connacht and Munster, with the highest concentrations found in Counties Kerry and Galway. The Cenal spelling is more common in the northern provinces, while the Cenell spelling is more common in the south.
Variations of the surname Ceneal include Kennel, Kinealy, Kinneall and Kinsella. The variant spellings Shinnal and Snell may be found in records from England. The surname Shinnal is derived from the Old French for ‘noble’ or ‘of noble lineage’. This could mean the family was of wealthier or higher social status than others.
Several variants of the Cenel surname are found in Ireland. Examples include Mac Conall or Mac Connell, both of which mean ‘son of Conall’. In Scotland, there are several different spellings including Kinnell, Kineal, Kineally, Kynale, McNeill and MacNeill.
Cenel is a surname with many variations, all of which are derived from either Gaelic or Old French words. Over time, the spelling and meaning of the name changed depending on where the family lived, though the original Gaelic meaning remained the same.
Famous people with the name Cenel
- Céline Dion: Canadian singer-songwriter, businesswoman, and philanthropist
- Mary Cénel: Zimbabwean politician
- Martine Cenel: French businesswoman
- Patricia Cenel-Kounta: French politician
- Frank Cenel: German music producer
- Césarette Cenel: French-Caribbean painter
- Langston Cenel: American actor
- Delenn Cenel: Canadian writer
- Allen Cenel: American football player
- Aletha Cenel: French communication scientist