Surname Kinkead - Meaning and Origin

Kinkead: What does the surname Kinkead mean?

The surname Kinkead is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic term "ceann cade," which means "wounded head." It is believed to have originated as a nickname given to someone who had suffered a severe head injury. The name first emerged in Argyllshire, a region in the Highlands of Scotland, where the Kinkead family held a family seat from early times. The family was known to have significant influence and played an important role in shaping the history of the region. Despite its Scottish origins, the surname is widespread in Ireland, especially in Tyrone and Derry. The bearers of the surname Kinkead can trace their lineage to diverse societies that influenced the development of early European history. However, during the Highland clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries, many Scottish families migrated to North America, spreading the name further afield. As with many other surnames, variations in the spelling exist, including Kincaid, Kincade, Kinkead, and others.

Kinkead: Where does the name Kinkead come from?

The surname Kinkead is of Scottish origin, deriving from the word “Kincaid." The name is said to be taken from the place-name Kincaid in Stirlingshire, Scotland. The origin of the placename is uncertain, but could possibly mean "head of the rock" in Gaelic. The Kinkead or Kincaid family were an old Scottish clan with a stronghold in this area.

The Kinkeads are believed to have originated in Scotland, from where they migrated to Ireland as planters during the reign of James I of England in the 17th century. They settled in the county of Donegal, and the name is still quite common in this region.

Despite its origins, the surname Kinkead is more commonly found today in the United States and some parts of Canada, due to emigration patterns throughout history. There you may find variations of the spelling including Kincaid, Kinkead, Kincade, and Kinkade. There has been a significant number of people with the Kinkead surname in the state of Kentucky, more than any other state in the U.S.

Variations of the surname Kinkead

The surname Kinkead is of Scottish origin but variations can be found from different regions due to diverse spellings and pronunciations over time. Common variations of Kinkead could include Kincaid, Kinkeed, Kinkade, Kincade, Kinchaid, Kinkaid, Kinkaide and Kingcade.

Other forms might also include MacKincaid, McKinkead, or even McKindcaith, representing the traditional Scottish prefix 'Mac' which means 'son of'. Kinkead and its variants are predominantly found in the United States, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Moreover, the spelling and subsequent changes the surname went through could have also been influenced by Gaelic, English and Scots languages. The surname originated from the Kincaid family who lived in the lands of Kincaid, located near the village of Campsie, Stirlingshire, Scotland.

It's also worth noting that due to the complex process of translating Scottish names into English, a single person could be referred to by several different spellings of their surname in their lifetime. Therefore, understanding the possible changes this surname went through can help with genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Kinkead

• William Kinkead: William Kinkead (1767-1828) was an American politician and a member of the United States House of Representatives representing the state of Maryland.
• Joe Kinkead: Joe Kinkead (born 1969) is an American actor, producer, and announcer who has made appearances in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and television shows such as MADtv.
• Clint Kinkead: Clint Kinkead (born 19??) is a Hollywood film producer and actor whose credits include the thriller series 24 and the action flick The Rock.
• Tori Kinkead: Tori Kinkead (born 19??) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who is best known for her work with the group the Spice Girls.
• John Bailey Kinkead: John Bailey Kinkead (1852-1918) was an American jurist and politician who served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia and was a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates.
• Daniel Kinkead: Daniel Kinkead (1743-1829) was an American soldier in the Revolutionary War and a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly.
• Thomas Kinkead: Thomas Kinkead (1862-1928), was an American college professor and writer who wrote books such as Text-Book of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Drawing.
• Warren Kinkead: Warren Kinkead (1909-2000) was an American journalist and author whose books include The Gentlemen from England and Southern Gothic.
• Michael Kinkead: Michael Kinkead (born 1966) is an American film director and writer, best known for his work on the independent films A.L.F. and san francisco underground.
• Howard Kinkead: Howard Kinkead (1898-1958) was a pioneering American doctor who developed the first successful electric internal pacemaker.

Other surnames

KinkeadeKinket