Surname Kinnerd - Meaning and Origin

Kinnerd: What does the surname Kinnerd mean?

The last name Kinnerd is of Scottish origin and is considered a habitational name, deriving its roots from a place called Kinnaird in the Eastern region of Scotland. The name Kinnaird itself is believed to come from Gaelic elements "ceann" which means "head" and "àird" which means "height", thereby translating to "head-height" or "high headland". This refers to a high place or a hill top, signifying geographical features where the original bearers possibly lived or owned lands. As a surname, Kinnerd could therefore symbolically represent individuals hailing from high or elevated places. Like many surnames, variations in spelling such as Kinniard, Kinaird, and Kynnarde can be found. It's important to note that many Scottish surnames were taken by families who migrated to other countries, resulting in the spread of the name Kinnerd around the world.

Kinnerd: Where does the name Kinnerd come from?

The surname Kinnerd is believed to be of Scottish origin, derived from the place name Kinnaird, with several towns and areas in Scotland bearing this name including in Perth and Kinross, Falkirk, and Angus. It is thought to mean "high headland" in Gaelic. Over the centuries, this surname has developed into various forms, including Kinnaird, Kynnard, Kinard, and Kinnerd.

People with the surname Kinnerd emigrated to various countries during times of societal and economic hardship in Scotland. Many relocated to England, Ireland, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, the surname is most prevalent in the United States, with a smaller number of people bearing this name found in the UK, Canada, and Australia. However, it remains relatively rare in general. Its distribution is relatively dispersed rather than being concentrated in specific geographic pockets. As such, Kinnerd cannot be said to be very common in any specific part of the world today.

Variations of the surname Kinnerd

The surname Kinnerd may have various spellings and variants due to regional accents, translation from different languages and inconsistencies in records. Some alternatives may include Kinnaird, Kinard, Kynard, Kinniard, Kinnearde, Kynerd, Kynhard, Kinnar, Kinnaerd, Kinner, Kinnarid.

The surname Kinnerd appears to have a Scottish origin, deriving from the Gaelic word 'ceann', meaning 'head', and 'àird', meaning 'point' or 'hill'. Therefore, it has a geographical context, likely referring to those living on or near a place of this description.

Forms of this name can be seen in different regions across Scotland, particularly in the county of Perthshire where Kinnaird is a village. The Kinnaird Castle in Brechin also belonged to the ancient Scottish clan of Kinnaird. Extended versions of this name could have been originated by family members that moved to different regions and adapted the name accordingly.

Several of these versions can also be found in Ireland where they were probably introduced by Scottish immigrants at the time of the Plantation of Ulster, especially Kinnard and Kinard. These surnames settled down firmly in Ireland and survived to the present day. The forms can also be found in North America and Australia due to migration.

Famous people with the name Kinnerd

• Ross Kinnerd: an English actor, best known for his role as 'Nookie Bear' in the BBC comedy series The Magicians
• Peter Kinnerd: a former Scottish footballer who played for Dundee United and Airdrieonians
• Joseph Kinnerd: an American politician who served as member of the New Jersey General Assembly from 1803 to 1806
• Elisa Kinnerd: a professional figure skater and former two-time Israeli national champion
• Cale Kinnerd: a British Olympic rower who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics
• Robert Kinnerd: an American architect known for his various works, such as the Harrison County Courthouse
• Jimmy Kinnerd: an American blues musician and singer-songwriter
• Sandy Kinnerd: an American modern dancer, choreographer and teacher
• Ronald Kinnerd: a German meteorologist who founded the Institute of Meteorology at the University ofDarmstadt
• Jennifer Kinnerd: an American playwright and theatre professor at Fordham University

Other surnames

KinneKinneallyKinnearKinneavyKinneenKinneganKinnelKinnellKinnemanKinnerkKinnerneyKinnersleyKinneryKinney