Surname Kenny - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Decoding the Surname 'Kenny': An Exploration into Personal Identity and Heritage through iGENEA DNA Test
Undergoing the iGENEA DNA test was a journey into my genetic history. The biggest surprise came when my paternal lineage was revealed, intimately tied to the surname, Kenny. The feeling was surreal, enlightening and overwhelming to realize how impactful the term 'Kenny' could be, echoing my lineage and heritage in every utterance. This journey recalibrated my view of personal identity and heritage, offering deeper perspectives.
O. Kenny
read moreKenny: What does the surname Kenny mean?
The last name Kenny is an Irish surname of Norman origin. Meaning “descendent of the brave one,” the name is derived from the Old French personal name Kenelm, which comprised elements meaning “bold” and “helmet” or “protection.”
The surname Kenny is one of the most popular surnames in Ireland, with more than 20,000 people bearing it. Most likely, its popularity is related to its Norman origins; when the Normans came to Ireland during the 12th century, many Irish families adopted Norman surnames, including Kenny.
Over the centuries, the surname Kenny spread to other parts of the world. In the United States, the Kenny surname is one of the top 500 most common surnames, indicating that there are a decent number of people who can trace their roots back to Ireland.
In addition to the U.S., Kenny is a popular surname throughout Ireland, as well as in parts of the U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. While Kenny is overwhelmingly Irish in origin, there is evidence of some people with this surname in France and Germany as well.
The Kenny surname is associated with intelligence, dedication to family, and fortitude. Members of this clan are natural leaders, and take a great deal of pride in their roots and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisKenny: Where does the name Kenny come from?
The last name Kenny is found across the world today, although it is most common in certain countries. In Ireland, Kenny is one of the most common surnames. As of 2019, there were over 5,000 individuals with Kenny as their last name. The surname is also found in significant numbers in Scotland, England and Wales. Worldwide, the Kenny surname is concentrated in the United States, Australia and New Zealand, probably due to immigration from Ireland in the 19th century. Canada has a large population of Kenny surnames, in particular, the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. The Kenny surname is also found in many other countries including Germany, South Africa, Lithuania, France and Spain.
The Kenny surname can trace its roots back to the Irish language, and in particular, the term "O'Ceannuigh". The name comes from "ceann" which is Gaelic for "head" and "uigh" meaning "grandson." The family with this surname were leaders in their region, and the name was adopted as O'Ceannuigh to reflect their prestige. Irish people with the last name Kenny today can trace their roots back to O'Ceannuigh.
Variations of the surname Kenny
The surname Kenny is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Irish, and Scottish name Cionnaith, which is derived from the earlier Gaelic name Cináed. This Gaelic name was originally derived from two elements: ‘cion’ which means ‘love, respect’ and ‘naith’ meaning ‘worthiness’.
Kenny is a common surname in Ireland and is found throughout the world thanks to immigration. Variants and alternative spellings of the surname include Kenney, Kennie, Kinney, Kinnie, Kenna, Kennea, and Kynney, among others.
In Ireland, Kenny is linked with the Fingal county of Dublin, as well as Co. Laois and Co. Westmeath, among others. Kenny is also found in County Derry in Northern Ireland and Connacht Province in the Republic of Ireland.
In Scotland, Kenny is thought to have originated from the East Lothian area of the Borders. This surname spread to other parts of Scotland such as East Lothian, Lanarkshire and Beckshire.
Similar surnames are O'Kenny, Kennish, Kennan, and Kennedy. Irish variants of the surname Kenny include Donncha, McEnny, and O'Keeny. Other variations of Kenny include Kennedey, Kennay and Kenneye.
In England, the last name Kenny is found in Nottinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, and Lancashire among other areas. It is also found in Wales and the Isle of Man.
Kenny is a surname that has spread across the globe due to immigration. Variants and alternative spellings of the surname exist in many countries, indicating the reach of the surname Kenny.
Famous people with the name Kenny
- Kenny Chesney: Country Music Superstar
- Kenny Rogers: Legendary Singer, Songwriter, Actor
- Kenny G: Grammy Award Winning Smooth Jazz Saxophonist
- Kenny Loggins: Grammy Award Winning Pop/Adult Contemporary Singer, Songwriter
- Kenny Gamma: Two Time Olympic Gold Medalist
- Kenny Anderson: Former NBA Basketball Player
- Kenny Stills: Pro Bowl Wide Receiver
- Kenny Johnson: Actor
- Kenny Omega: Professional Wrestler
- Kenny Albert: Announcer and Reporter for Various Professional Sports Organizations
- Kenny Smith: NBA Analyst on TNT
- Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Six-time Grammy Award-nominated Blues Guitarist
- Kenny Rogers Jr.: Country Music Artist
- Kenny Lattimore: R&B Singer
- Kenny Rogers III: ONX Music Recording Artist
- Kenny Baker: Actor, Best Known for his Role as R2-D2 in the Star Wars franchise
- Kenny Hill: Professional Golfer
- Kenny Mayne: ESPN Sports Commentator
- Kenny McCormick: South Park Character
- Kenny Santucci: Television Personality and Host