The surname Kemp is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from a variety of sources. 1. Topographic names: One possible source is from the Old English "ceap" meaning market or trading place, and "mere" meaning lake or pool. This would have been the name of a settlement near a market by a lake or pool. As such, it was often used as a descriptive surname for someone who lived near such a location. 2. Occupational names: Another possible source is from the Middle English "kempe," meaning warrior or fighter. This could have been an occupational name for a soldier or a nickname for a brave or fierce person. 3. Personal names: Kemp may also be derived from the Old Norse personal name "Ketil" or "Kjotul," which meant cauldron or kettle, and was borne by several characters in Norse sagas. The name was adopted into Old English as Cetel or Chetel, which over time evolved into Kemp. 4. Habitation names: Kemp could also be a habitational name from places called Kempston in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire in England. These place names are derived from the Old English "cyme," meaning valley or low-lying land, and "tun," meaning farm or enclosure. 5. Variations: The surname Kemp has several variations such as Kamp, Kampe, Camp, Campe, and Kaempff. 6. Notable people with the name Kemp include Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, a British politician who served as Prime Minister during World War II; and Halle Berry, an American actress who won an Academy Award for her role in the film "Monster's Ball."
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The surname Kemp originates from Old English roots, specifically the term "cempa" or "cempa," which translates to "hawk" or "falcon." This name was originally a nickname given to someone who resembled a hawk in some way, such as having physical characteristics associated with this bird of prey. Over time, the name became hereditary and was passed down through generations, eventually migrating from England to other parts of Europe and the British colonies. In modern times, the surname Kemp is common among English speakers worldwide, particularly in countries like England, Australia, and the United States.
The surname Kemp is predominantly of English origin and has a significant geographical distribution within the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland. In England, it's most frequent in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex. In Scotland, it's notably common in the Lothians and Forth Valley regions. Outside of the UK, Kemp is also found in significant numbers in countries with a history of British settlement, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States. The name often derives from various locations or occupations in Old English, including "kamp" meaning 'battlefield' or 'victory', or 'the worker in metal'.
The surname Kemp has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some of these variations include Kempe, Kamp, Kamps, Kemps, and Keempe. These variations can be found primarily among English-speaking populations. In some cases, the name may also be spelled as Kaemp or Kaeomp, particularly in German-speaking regions where it is derived from the Old High German name Champert. It is also worth noting that the name has been anglicized from various forms in other languages, such as the French Cemp or the Dutch Kamp. These variations and spellings all share a common origin, which can be traced back to the Old English ceap meaning 'market' or 'shop'.
Notable individuals with the surname Kemp include:
1. Tom Kemp (born 1943), an American actor known for his role as Officer Arthur Fonzarelli's parole officer, Al Murray, on Happy Days.
2. Nick Kemp (born 1980), a British rower who won a gold medal in the coxless pair at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
3. Joe Kemp (1744–1824), an American Revolutionary War officer and the first United States Consul to Algiers.
4. Clifford Kemp (1910-2006), a British botanist, taxonomist, and plant collector who described over 350 new species of plants.
5. Kinky Friedman (born 1944), an American singer-songwriter, author, politician, and humorist, known for his humorous country songs with a Western swing flavor.
6. Gavin Kemp (born 1970), a British former professional footballer who played as a defender for Manchester City and England.
7. Robin Kemp (born 1958), an American actress, best known for her role as Dr. Rachel Greene on the television series ER.
8. William Wilberforce Kemp (1806-1890), an English architect who designed several notable buildings in London, including the Law Courts and St Pancras Station.
The surname Kemp originates from Old English and Old Norse roots, with variations such as Kamp, Keempe, and Kempe also found historically. The name is believed to be an occupational name for a 'maker' or 'smith', derived from the Middle English word "kempen", meaning 'to bend or shape metal'.
The earliest recorded instances of the surname Kemp can be traced back to England during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. Notable bearers of this name include Sir John Kempe, a knight who fought for Edward III at the Battle of Crécy in 1346, and Sir William Kempe, an Elizabethan actor and musician who is said to have been Shakespeare's contemporary.
Throughout history, the Kemp family has had significant presence in England, Scotland, Ireland, and America. In America, early settlers with this surname include John Kemp, who arrived in Virginia in 1623, and Richard Kempe, who immigrated to Massachusetts in 1634.
The Kemp lineage boasts a diverse range of occupations, from blacksmiths and shoemakers to lawyers and politicians, demonstrating the adaptability and resilience of this family name over time.
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