Kennison Surname

A Brief History of the Kennison Surname

The surname Kennison is of English origin, derived from the medieval given name Ken(n) and the suffix -son, meaning "son of Ken." The name Ken itself is a diminutive form of the name Kenneth, which comes from the Gaelic word "cenn" meaning "head" or "chief." The Kennison surname likely originated as a patronymic surname, indicating descent from a man named Ken.

Early Origins of the Kennison Surname

The earliest recorded instance of the Kennison surname dates back to the 13th century in the county of Kent, England. The surname spread to other parts of England over the centuries, with concentrations of Kennison families found in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Suffolk.

Notable bearers of the Kennison surname in England include Thomas Kennison, an English naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars, and Sarah Kennison, a prominent suffragette who campaigned for women's rights in the early 20th century.

Migration of the Kennison Surname

Like many English surnames, the Kennison surname spread to other countries as a result of immigration and colonization. In the United States, the Kennison surname is most commonly found in the New England region, particularly in the states of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The Kennison family played a significant role in the development of colonial America, with several Kennison descendants serving in the Revolutionary War.

Outside of the United States, the Kennison surname can also be found in countries such as Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and the Philippines. While the surname is less common in these countries compared to the United States and England, Kennison families have made notable contributions to their respective societies.

Variant Spellings of the Kennison Surname

Like many surnames, the Kennison surname has undergone variations in spelling over the centuries. Some common variant spellings of the Kennison surname include Kennesson, Kynison, and Kenison. These variations in spelling can be attributed to factors such as illiteracy, dialectal differences, and clerical errors in record-keeping.

Notable Individuals with the Kennison Surname

Over the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the Kennison surname and left their mark on history. One such individual is Emily Kennison, a pioneering female physician who broke barriers in the male-dominated field of medicine in the late 19th century. Another notable figure is John Kennison, a renowned artist whose paintings are celebrated for their vivid colors and striking imagery.

Modern Distribution of the Kennison Surname

Today, the Kennison surname continues to be relatively common in the United States, with the highest incidence of the surname found in states such as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. The surname is also present in England, Australia, and Canada, albeit to a lesser extent. Despite its relatively small numbers, the Kennison surname remains a proud symbol of one's heritage and familial lineage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Kennison surname has a rich history and a diverse distribution across the globe. From its origins in medieval England to its presence in countries such as the United States and Australia, the Kennison surname has endured the test of time and continues to be passed down through generations. Whether spelled as Kennisson, Kynison, or Kenison, the Kennison surname represents a shared ancestry and a sense of belonging for those who bear it.

The surname Kennison into the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same occurs when it comes to Kennison, which as you can corroborate, it may be stated that it's a surname which can be present in all the nations regarding the world. In the same way you can find countries by which truly the density of people with the surname Kennison is greater than far away.

The map regarding the Kennison surname

1. United States (2660)
2. England (134)
3. Australia (28)
4. Brazil (1)
5. Chile (1)
6. Cyprus (1)
7. Laos (1)
8. Nigeria (1)
9. Netherlands (1)
10. Panama (1)
11. Philippines (1)
12. Sweden (1)
13. South Africa (1)