The surname 'Keneally' is a relatively rare surname that can be found primarily in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. According to available data, the highest incidence of the surname 'Keneally' is in the United States, where it is recorded in 302 instances. Australia follows closely behind with 205 incidences, while in the United Kingdom, the surname is less common with 17 incidences in Wales and 16 incidences in England.
The origins of the surname 'Keneally' can be traced back to Ireland, where it is believed to have originated as a variant of the Gaelic surname 'Ó Cinnéide', meaning 'descendant of Cinnéidigh'. The prefix 'Ó' denotes 'descendant of', indicating that those who bear the surname 'Keneally' are descendants of an ancestor named Cinnéidigh.
Cinnéidigh is a Gaelic personal name derived from the word 'cinn', meaning 'head' or 'chief', and 'éidigh', meaning 'ugly'. It is likely that the original bearer of the surname 'Ó Cinnéide' was a chief or leader who was known for his less than pleasing appearance, hence the epithet 'ugly' attached to his name.
Like many Irish surnames, the surname 'Keneally' likely spread due to the mass migration of Irish people during periods of famine, political unrest, and economic hardship. Many Irish immigrants settled in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, bringing their surnames with them and establishing new communities in foreign lands.
As a result, the surname 'Keneally' can now be found in various English-speaking countries around the world, with the highest concentrations in the United States and Australia. These countries have historically been destinations for Irish immigrants seeking better opportunities and a fresh start.
While the surname 'Keneally' may not be as well-known as some other Irish surnames, there are still notable individuals who bear this surname and have made significant contributions in their respective fields. One such individual is Thomas Keneally, an Australian author best known for his book 'Schindler's Ark', which was later adapted into the award-winning film 'Schindler's List' directed by Steven Spielberg.
Thomas Keneally's work as a writer has garnered critical acclaim and international recognition, cementing his place as a prominent figure in the world of literature. His success serves as a testament to the talent and drive of individuals bearing the surname 'Keneally'.
In conclusion, the surname 'Keneally' is a unique and relatively rare surname with origins in Ireland. It has spread to various English-speaking countries around the world, with the highest incidences in the United States and Australia. While not as well-known as some other Irish surnames, individuals bearing the surname 'Keneally' have made significant contributions in fields such as literature, proving that the legacy of this surname continues to thrive in the modern world.
Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar takes place when it comes to Keneally, which as you are able to corroborate, it may be stated that it is a surname that may be present in all of the nations associated with the world. In the same way you can find countries by which definitely the density of individuals utilizing the surname Keneally is greater than far away.
The chance of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Keneally on earth, assists us a whole lot. By placing ourselves in the map, on a concrete nation, we are able to start to see the concrete number of people utilizing the surname Keneally, to have this way the precise information of all of the Keneally that you can currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to know not only where the surname Keneally comes from, but also in excatly what way the people that are originally area of the household that bears the surname Keneally have relocated and relocated. In the same way, you'll be able to see in which places they have settled and developed, and that's why if Keneally is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other countries of this world it's possible any particular one of our ancestors once relocated to.
Keneally Surname
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