Surname Kinlan - Meaning and Origin
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Kinlan: What does the surname Kinlan mean?
The surname Kinlan is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic given name Mac Fhionghuin, which translates to "son of Fhionghuin". Fhionghuin was an early Irish surname that was derived from the Gaelic “Fēinne” which means “wise” or “fair”. This name was typically given to families of great wisdom, and in this case, Kinlan is derived from this name. As a result of this, those who have the last name Kinlan are thought to be wise, knowledgeable individuals.
Kinlan is also derived from the Old Irish Gaelic “Cinhelān”, which means “head of the church”. This was a title given to saints or church leaders in Ireland in the 7th century, and as a result it has given Kinlan a certain degree of respectability and pride.
The Kinlan surname is associated with a few clans in the region. This includes the Mac Fhionghuin, O Connolly, O Molloy, and O Hoban clans. All of these clans are are associated with families living in Ulster in the early part of the 17th century, and many Kinlans can trace their heritage back to this region.
Kinlan is also associated with several places in Ireland, such as Kinlough, County Leitrim, Kilninver in Ayrshire, Scotland, and Kilkinian in Ireland's County Galway. These places all have historical significance to the Kinlan family, and many of those who live there today can trace their ancestry back to the original Kinlans.
Overall, the Kinlan surname is a proud Irish family name, with a long and complex history. Those who have the name are associated with wisdom, knowledge, and respect, and it is a proud reminder of their roots.
Order DNA origin analysisKinlan: Where does the name Kinlan come from?
The last name Kinlan is Irish in origin and is mainly found in Ireland today. The main concentration of the surname is in the province of Leinster, particularly Counties Wexford and Kildare, though it is also found in Munster and Ulster.
Kinlan is an Anglicized version of the original Irish Gaelic name 'Ó Cinn Fhaeláin' which means 'son of Ciann Fhaelán'. Ciann Fhaelán was an ancester of a powerful ruling family in East Leinsters in the twelfth century and descendants of the family still exist today.
The records show that the Kinlans had a strong presence in Ireland since at least the fourteenth century when many migrated to continental Europe and the United States. However, the majority of Kinlan families continued to stay in Ireland where the name expanded to other parts of the country.
Kinlan is still an active surname today with a noticeable presence in both Ireland and in Irish and Scottish diasporic communities around the world. The name is especially visible in the United States, where the 2000 US Census records show that Kinlan was the 8th most common surname in the country. Most Kinlans today are concentrated in the states of New York, Pennsylvania and California.
The Kinlan is a testament to the lasting impact of Irish lineage and the diasporic families across the world. Not only has the name survived through many generations, it also continues to be an important reminder of the enduring nature of Irish family connections.
Variations of the surname Kinlan
The surname Kinlan is an anglicised version of the Irish surname Ó hInnléin. It is believed to have originated in County Mayo in the province of Connacht.
Variants of this surname include Kinlan, Kinlen, Kinnlan, O'Kinlan, O'Kinlen, O'Kinnlan, Kinlin and O'Kinlin. All of these spellings can be traced back to the same Irish Gaelic clan.
The Ó hInnléin clan was descended from a member of the Ui Fiachach Muaidhe, a dynastic branch of the Cenél nEógain. The surname means 'descendant of Innléin', with the personal name Innlein coming from Inneall meaning 'proud one'.
Kinlan is also sometimes spelled Kinsella. This version of the surname may have been derived from the Irish name Mac Coinnsealaigh, with coinnsealaigh coming from an Old Irish word meaning 'helper'. This spelling may indicate the Mac Coinnsealaigh clan was connected to or shared a common ancestor with the O'Kinlan clan.
The Kinlan surname is found in many places around the world, specifically in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, England, and Australia.
Famous people with the name Kinlan
- Aidan Kinlan: Irish footballer who has played for various League of Ireland clubs including St Patrick's Athletic, Linfield, Sporting Fingal and Shelbourne.
- Eilish Kinlan: Irish actress who has appeared in films like Clean Break and Sing Street.
- Sean Kinlan: Lead singer of the Irish folk rock band The Irish Tenors.
- Robert Kinlan: Award-winning producer and director, winner of an Emmy Award, six Daytime Emmy Awards, and four CableACE Awards for his work in film and television.
- Colin Kinlan: Former Irish professional rugby player who represented Ireland's national team and played for the Leinster team during his career.
- Eric Kinlan: Professional golfer who has competed in professional events in the United States and Canada.
- Kevin Kinlan: Irish comedian and actor who has appeared in shows such as The IT Crowd and My Hero.
- Shannon Kinlan: British actress known for her roles in Holby City and Casualty.
- Peter Kinlan: Irish actor who has starred in films such as The Lobster and drifted.
- Patrick Kinlan: Irish actor and dramatist who has appeared in several television productions such as Peaky Blinders and The Tudors.