Surname Kendrick - Meaning and Origin

The iGENEA Awakening: Deciphering The Kendrick Surname and Reframing My Family Identity

The results of my iGENEA DNA test have profoundly reshaped my viewpoint of the Kendrick family identity. Offering a fascinating insight into our significant ancestral lineage, the test has unveiled the compelling narrative of the Kendricks, far beyond our formerly assumed English roots.

M. Kendrick

Kendrick: What does the surname Kendrick mean?

The last name Kendrick is of Scottish and English origin and is derived from the personal name of the same spelling, Kendrick. The name Kendrick itself is a compound of two Celtic words - "Cyn" (or "kin") meaning "family" or "race", and "Ric" meaning "power". Therefore, the last name Kendrick is typically understood to mean "powerful family" or "ruler". It is also thought to mean "royal power" or "one of great influence". Some sources suggest that it can also mean "bold ruler" or "bold family". Kendrick, as a surname or given name, has been common in the British Isles for centuries and was often given in honor of Saint Cynfrig. Over the years, this name has been spelling in various ways such as Kindrick, Kendricks, Kyndkynnrick, and others. However, Kendrick is the most universally recognized and accepted spelling today.

Kendrick: Where does the name Kendrick come from?

The surname Kendrick is of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh personal name Cynwrig, which means "famous power". It was often Anglicized as Kendrick in the modern English speaking world. In medieval times, when Wales still had its own system of hereditary surnames, a direct connection to these Welsh roots was established in the form of patronymic surnames, whereby the son would take on the father's given name as a surname.

There are variants of this surname, including Kendricks, Kendrik, Kendrich, Kendryck, Kendreke, and others, highlighting its widespread use and adaptation. The surname Kendrick made its way to the United States through different families in the 17th and 18th centuries, often through Welsh or English immigrants. Notably, there would be variances according to the region and language.

Today, Kendrick is most common in the United States, England, and Wales. In the U.S., it is particularly prevalent in the southern states due to the significant Welsh and English colonial and post-colonial emigration to this region. Kendrick continues to be a commonly encountered surname in these areas.

Variations of the surname Kendrick

The surname Kendrick is of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh personal name "Cynwrig" which means "greatest champion". This personal name has been anglicized into various forms resulting in different spellings of Kendrick. These include Kendricks, Kendric, Kendrik, Kendrich, Kendry, Kendryck, and Kendro. It can also be spelt as Kenrick, Kenricks, Kenrich, and Kenry.

Additionally, Kendrick can also be derived from the Welsh personal name Cedrych meaning "pattern of bounty". Variations of this version of Kendrick can include Cedric, Cedrich, and Cedrick.

The surname can also be confused or interchanged with Kindrick and Kinrick due to their phonetical similarities.

In Scotland and Ireland, the surname has been usually written as MacKendrick or McKendrick, meaning "son of Cynwrig". Variations of these can include MacKendrik, MacKendrich, MacKendry, and McKendry.

It's important to note that variations can also be produced due to transcription errors or regional accents and dialects. Hence, all these variants could have been used interchangeably at different times depending on the circumstances.

Famous people with the name Kendrick

• Anna Kendrick: an American actress, singer, and writer best known for her roles in films such as Up in the Air, Pitch Perfect, A Simple Favor, and The Twilight Saga.
• Kendrick Lamar: an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer who is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop today.
• Paul Kendrick: an American singer and songwriter whose music often explores gospel, blues, and R&B.
• Donnie Kendrick: an American singer-songwriter who has released several albums in the country, Christian, and Southern gospel genres.
• Stacey Kendrick: an American actress known for her roles in the films Sugar Mountain, The Imposter, and Justice League: Gods and Monsters.
• Chace Ambrose Kendrick: an American actor best known for his roles in the film A Christmas Story 2 and the TV series All American.
• Robert Kendrick: a retired American professional tennis player, and former world No. 36 in singles.
• Matthew Kendrick: an American film actor and producer known for his leading roles in films such as Crossroads and Working Stiffs.
• Matt & Kim Kendrick: a husband and wife musical duo who are also part of the Philadelphia-based band, Jealous Girlfriends.
• Jedediah Kendrick: an American musician, songwriter, and artist who has released several albums and toured throughout the United States.

Other surnames

KendriganKendrix