Surname Kincad - Meaning and Origin

Kincad: What does the surname Kincad mean?

The surname Kincad is of Scottish origin, stemming from the Gaelic "Ceann Càid", which roughly translates to “head of the steep road” or "head of the pass" in English. It dates back to medieval times and is associated with the historic district of Stirlingshire, Scotland. The name first appeared in written documents in the 12th century and was often associated with people who lived near or at the top of a steep slope or a pass. Some of the earliest instances of the name appear as 'Kyncade' and it has various spellings in different records, including Kincaid, Kinkead, Kinkade, and others. Since Kincads were common in Scottish highlands, the name is often associated with rugged perseverance and determination, reflecting the challenging conditions of the area. Today, the name is spread widely, as descending family members have migrated to other parts of the world, particularly North America and Australia. The surname Kincad is celebrated in Scotland with its own Clan Kincaid, complete with familial crest and tartan.

Kincad: Where does the name Kincad come from?

The surname Kincad is of Scottish origin, specifically from Stirlingshire, a historic county in Central Scotland. It is derived from the Gaelic "ceann", meaning head or top, and "cad", meaning hill, essentially translating to "head of the hill." The name first appeared as a territorial surname for someone who lived on a hilltop or high ground. The Kincad name is associated with the lands of Kincade, east of Campsie Glen in Stirlingshire, controlled by the Kincade family since the 14th century. Some of the first settlers of this family name emigrated to North America and Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, the name Kincad is predominantly found in the USA, namely in states like Texas, California, and Florida based on recent census data. In terms of its global distribution, it also has a significant presence in Canada, Scotland, and England. While relatively rare, it continues to have a strong link to its Scottish heritage.

Variations of the surname Kincad

The surname Kincad is believed to be of Scottish origin. The most common variant of this surname is Kincaid, which is actually considered to be the original spelling. It originates from the place "Kincaid" in Scotland. Other possible variants or derivatives of the surname could include Kinkaid, Kinkade, Kinkead, Caincade, Kyncade, and Cinkade.

Such differences in spelling can arise due to a number of reasons. In the middle ages, spelling was not standardized, and people often spelled names as they sounded. As a result, the same name can appear with minor or major differences in spelling across different documents or places. In addition, as families moved and emigrated to different countries, their surnames may have been spelled differently, or changed entirely to fit with the new culture or language.

All these surnames are likely to trace back to the same ancestral family who would have lived in or been associated with the place called Kincaid in Scotland.

Famous people with the name Kincad

• Thomas Kincaid: an American artist whose works focused mostly on Christmas-themed landscapes and rustic idyllic scenes.
• Craig Kincaid: American actor famous for his roles in Ghostbusters, How to Get Away with Murder, and House.
• Becky Kincaid: An award-winning American singer/songwriter, best known for her single, "Carry On."
• Jennifer Kincaid: A former Miss America contestant and beauty pageant titleholder who also appeared in the 2018 NBC series, World of Dance.
• Geoffrey Kincaid: An American military officer who served in the Vietnam War.
• Kyle Kincaid: A former NBA player who was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985.
• Charles Kincaid: An American inventor and scientist who developed the internal combustion engine in the early 1800s.
• Lewis Kincaid: An English composer and musician who wrote concertos for numerous instruments, such as the cello, violin, and flute.
• Peter Kincaid: A British tennis player, who became the first British male to win a professional title in 1977.
• Shannon Kincaid: An Australian jockey and champion equestrian, winning numerous titles, including the National Australian Derby.

Other surnames

KincadeKincaedKincaidKincaideKincaithKincart