Surname Kemble - Meaning and Origin

Kemble: What does the surname Kemble mean?

The surname Kemble is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English pre 7th century words "cynn" and "beorg," which mean 'royal hill'. It is a locational name, which typically means that it was given to people who hail from there or live around there. The village of Kemble in Gloucestershire, England is believed to be the primary location after which the name is coined. The place name is first recorded as "Cumbel" in the 940 A.D. in the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle," implying a land owned by a person named Cuma. Kemble was often transcribed to different forms like Kembell, Kembley, and Kemeble due to regional accents and illiteracy among the population in the medieval period. Today, people named Kemble can be found in many English-speaking countries around the world as families moved and emigrated over centuries. However, the name is not particularly common, signifying that it is still majorly clustered around its area of origin. Kemble is also recognized in association with a noted English family of actors, including John Philip Kemble and his famous actress sisters, Sarah and Elizabeth Kemble.

Kemble: Where does the name Kemble come from?

The surname Kemble originates from England. It is considered an English habitational name, deriving from places called Kemble in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The place in Gloucestershire is recorded in Domesday Book as Chenble, the first element of which is possibly an Old English personal name, Cēnebald. The distribution of the name throughout the years has remained consistent, with a high concentration of Kembles in the United Kingdom, especially in England. However, over time, the name has spread to other parts of the world due to migration and the global extension of the British empire. Apart from its prevalence in the UK, it is also found to be common in the United States and Canada. Despite its spread, Kemble remains a relatively uncommon surname. Famous historical bearers of the surname Kemble include a prominent 18th-19th century theatrical family called the Kembles, whose members were leading figures in the theatre scene, especially in London.

Variations of the surname Kemble

The surname Kemble has several alternative spellings and related surnames, many of which have developed due to regional dialects, literacy rates, and the organic evolution of language. Some of the most common variants include Kimball, Kimbell, Kimble, Kembell, and Kembel.

Particularly in the United States, Kimball is a commonly reported spelling due to the influence of George Kimball, a notable figure in the American Revolution. The Kimble variation is also frequently found in American historical records.

The surname Kemble is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin from England, derived from the name of a place – Kemble in Gloucestershire or Kembhill in Hampshire. Kemble means "warrior's monument" and was often given to those living near such landmarks. The surnames Campbell and Gamble, while not direct variants, share the same origins and similar meanings.

Historically, it was not uncommon for spellings to change as individuals migrated and as scribes recorded names phonetically. This largely explains why there are several versions of the Kemble surname and why its spelling can differ even within the same family line. Exact relations between the variants can be difficult to trace and may require genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Kemble

• Fanny Kemble (1809-1893): an English actress, writer, and anti-slavery advocate.
• signor Henri Kemble (1740-1824): a famous 18th century Italian dancer.
• Charles Kemble (1775–1854): an English actor and theater manager.
• Charlotte Margaret Kemble (1873-1957): First Lady of the United States during her husband President Franklin D. Roosevelt's first term in office.
• Maria Sophia Kemble (1750–1836): English actress and singer.
• Stephen Kemble (1758-1822): English actor and theatre manager.
• John Philip Kemble (1757-1823): English actor and theatre manager.
• Sebastian George Kemble (1764-1853): American master of arms and teacher of fencing.
• William Kemble (1735-1812): a successful 18th century English actor.
• David Kemble (1776–1843): English actor and theater manager.
• Cecil Kemble (1902–1947): British stage actor, director, producer, impresario and bingo-caller.
• Archibald Kemble (1832-1910): Ontario lawyer and political figure.
• Dr Edward Kemble (1865–1930): an American author and exponent of theosophy.
• Samuel Kemble (1732–1807): an American Shaker leader.
• Steve Kemble (1971–): an American celebrity event and wedding planner, interior designer, lifestyle guru and television personality.
• Marcus Kemble (1709-1789): an English cleric, theologian and legal writer.
• Owen Frederick Kemble (1720–1783): English clergyman and dramatist.

Other surnames

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