Surname Kennon - Meaning and Origin
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Kennon: What does the surname Kennon mean?
The last name Kennon is predominantly Scottish in origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Fhionghuin" meaning "son of fair-born" or "son of fair progeny". The name originated in Galloway, a region in southwest Scotland. Over time, this Gaelic name has undergone various spelling changes and modifications; some versions of the name include MacKinnon, Macken, Kinnon, and Kennon. Generally, the name is associated with characteristics like noble descent or fair birth. The Kennon surname's unique spelling may also be the product of oral tradition where officials recorded names as they were spoken, contributing to variations. However, despite the many alterations and forms, the fundamental meaning tied to fair birth or offspring remains constant.
Order DNA origin analysisKennon: Where does the name Kennon come from?
The surname Kennon is of Scottish origin, stemming from the Gaelic name Cinneidin, which in English is rendered as "Kennedy". It's a derivative of the name Cainnech meaning "ugly or grim-headed". Traditionally, the name is associated with Clan Kennedy, descended from the ancient Irish tribe of Ulaid. The Kennedys were a powerful clan located in the southwestern Scottish region of Carrick.
In terms of its current prevalence, the United States has the highest number of people with the Kennon surname. It's also found in smaller numbers in countries such as England, Australia, Canada, and South Africa. Despite its Scottish origins, the name is less common now in Scotland and Ireland than in the past, likely due to migration. The state with the most Kennons in the United States is Virginia, following by Texas and Louisiana. The name has slightly diversified and some variants include Kenan, Kennan, Keenan, Kenyon, and Kenion.
Variations of the surname Kennon
The surname Kennon is believed to be of Irish origin and could have different variations and derivatives over the years due to migration and localization. Possible variants and similar surnames of the same origin could include Keenan, McKennon, Kenan, Kennan, Kenon, Kinnon, Kannon, Kenning, Kenyon, Kuennen, Kennion, and Cannon.
In terms of spelling variations, it could be spelled as Kenon, Kennin, Kenen, Kennone, Keenon, etc. It's also possible that some families may have shortened or adapted the name over time creating surnames like Ken, Kenny, or Kenn.
The original Irish spelling could have been Cianáin or Ó Cianáin, which were Anglicized over time into more familiar forms.
Please note that surnames can vary greatly due to regional differences, transcription errors, and changes over time, so the surname could have a wide variation beyond those listed here. Confirming family history, genealogy research, or DNA testing are among the ways to verify the connections between these surname variants.
Famous people with the name Kennon
- Beverley Kennon: He was a U.S. naval officer, known for his service in the Mexican-American War.
- Rob Kennon: He is an Australian architect who has gained recognition for his innovative designs.
- Bartlett B. Kennon: He was an American politician who served in the Virginia House of Delegates.
- Paul F. Kennon: He was an American architect known for his progressive architectural theory.
- Willie Mae Kennon, also known as Vernita Gray: She was an American LGBTQ+ activist who made significant contributions to the Gay rights movement in Chicago.
- Ronald Kennon: He is a noted historian known for his work on the U.S. Constitution.
- Van T.B. Kennon: He was an American military officer and Pentagon official who served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Personnel in the early 1970s.
- Kennon Sheldon: He is a social psychologist in the field of positive psychology.
- Charles Kennon: He is an American politician who served as the representative for the 19th district in the Arkansas House of Representatives.
- Patrick Kennon: He is an actor known for his work in the film "The Day Lincoln Was Shot".