Surname Kinder - Meaning and Origin
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Tracing the Roots and Migratory Paths of the Surname Kinder through Comprehensive iGENEA DNA Test Results
Tracing my lineage through my iGENEA DNA test results presented a captivating perspective on the surname Kinder. This comprehensive exploration uncovered the roots of this surname in Northwestern Europe, with a deep connection to German heritage. My genetic journey has depicted intriguing migratory patterns across ancient Europe and shed light on the historical context of my ancestry, deeply rooted in the resilient Viking women.
Z. Kinder
read moreKinder: What does the surname Kinder mean?
The surname Kinder is of English and German origin. In English, it is derived from the old English word 'cyned' meaning 'royal power'. So it may have been originally bestowed as a nickname for someone who had a regal bearing or who had played the part of a king in a pageant. On the other hand, the name is also topographical, from the middle English ‘kind’ or ‘kyne’ pertaining to someone who lived on high ground.
In German, "Kinder" directly translates to "children". It's possible that this surname was used to refer to kindred or familial relationships, or as an occupational name for a teacher or caretaker of children. However, it should be noted that this interpretation is less certain due to regional variations in language and naming conventions.
Order DNA origin analysisKinder: Where does the name Kinder come from?
The last name Kinder is of English and German origin. In English, it originates from the Old English word 'cinder', which refers to a worker at the kiln or an individual habitually residing near a kiln.
In German, Kinder translates to 'children'. It was likely a name bestowed upon someone known for their childlike qualities or as a nickname for a kind, gentle person. However, it could also refer to somebody who worked with children in their profession, such as a teacher or a caretaker.
Today, the surname Kinder is common in the United States, England, and Germany. It's also found, although less frequently, in Canada and Australia. According to Forebears, a genealogy and surname resource, the United States has the highest number of people with the Kinder surname, followed by England and Germany. The state that has the highest amount of Kinder surnames is West Virginia. Despite this distribution, the surname Kinder is not widespread and is ranked as the 5434th most common surname in the world.
Variations of the surname Kinder
The surname Kinder is primarily of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English words 'cildra', meaning children and 'kind', originally derived from 'cyning', meaning King. Variations and phonetic imitations of the name Kinder include Kinderd, Kindred, Kinderen, and Kinderman.
Apart from the English version, other European nations also have their suffixes attached to this surname like Kindermann in Germany and Kinderszen in Poland. In the Dutch language, it's rendered as Kinders, while French versions could be Kindé or L'enfant.
Spellings have also changed over time, evolving according to phonetics and local dialect influences. This has introduced numerous variations such as Kynder, Kyndir, Kyndre, Kender, Kendyr, Kendr, Kinadir among others. Additionally, patronymic versions of Kinder are also prevalent, where the suffix "son" is added, creating "Kinderson".
Mistakes in transcription and interpretation of handwriting have also led to alternative spellings of the surname like Kindar, Kindeer, Kendere and others.
It's essential to remember that many surnames have experienced considerable variations over centuries, and Kinder is no exception. The local dialects and the literacy level of officials often impacted name recording and resulted in several variations.
Famous people with the name Kinder
- Billy Kinder: He is a popular radio host, known for his hunting and fishing shows, Billy Kinder Outdoors.
- Justin Kinder: He is a well-known baseball player who played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams like the Oakland Athletics and Boston Red Sox.
- Richard Kinder: Richard Kinder is an American businessman who was the CEO and Chairman of Kinder Morgan Inc., an energy and pipeline company.
- Garry Kinder: An American author best known for writing The Gold of the Gods and other mystery novels.
- Suzanna Leigh: Born Suzanna Smyth, she adopted the last name Kinder when she married her husband, John Kinder. She was a popular English actress during the 1960s and 70s.
- Les Kinder: He is an American football coach who has had a long career coaching both professional and college football teams.
- Sara E. Kinder: She is a recognized landscape artist in the United States whose artwork has been exhibited in numerous shows and galleries.