The surname Kennel is an Anglo-Saxon occupation name for a person who kept dogs, or possibly a nickname for someone who was fond of dogs. The term "kennel" comes from Old English "cenol," meaning a place for keeping dogs. This name was originally given to someone who worked in a kennel, but over time it became a hereditary surname. It's worth noting that surnames derived from occupations or physical characteristics were common in the Middle Ages when they began to be used to distinguish individuals within communities. The distribution of the Kennel surname is primarily found in England, with some occurrences in other English-speaking countries such as Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the United States.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Kennel
The meaning and origin of the last name Kennel
The surname Kennel is primarily of English origin, derived from various Old English and Middle English terms related to "kennel" or "kennel," which refer to a small enclosure or an enclosed place for dogs. As a result, it may have been used as an occupational name for someone who kept or cared for dogs, such as a dog breeder, trainer, or huntsman. The surname Kennel can also be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon periods when landowners would grant plots of land to their tenants with specific names, including those related to the types of buildings on the property, like "kennels" for housing dogs. Over time, the family name has been recorded in various spellings, including Kennel, Kenneal, Kenneil, and Kennill.
Geographical distribution of the last name Kennel
The surname Kennel is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in England and Wales, due to its Anglo-Saxon origins. The highest concentrations are in areas such as Yorkshire, the Midlands, and the South East of England. In Wales, it is most common in Gwynedd and Powys. Emigration patterns during the 19th and 20th centuries led to the dispersal of Kennels to other English-speaking regions like North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. In North America, significant populations can be found in the United States (especially Pennsylvania and Michigan) and Canada (particularly Ontario and Nova Scotia). The surname is also present in Scotland, where it may have been imported during medieval times through border crossings or trade.
Variants and spellings of the last name Kennel
The surname Kennel has several variations and spellings. These include Kennell, Kenneil, Keneal, Kenil, Kenell, Kenill, and Kennel. It is also found as Kennal, Kennalle, Kennalleigh, Kennet, and Kennett, among others. The origin of the name can be traced back to Old English or Norman French roots, where "kenel" means "young warrior" or "royal servant." It may have been brought to England by the Normans following the Conquest in 1066 and subsequently adapted over time and across different regions. These variations reflect the phonetic changes and local dialects that occurred during this process. The name Kennel can also be found in different countries, such as Ireland and Scotland, where it may have a slightly different spelling or pronunciation due to Gaelic influences.
Famous people with the last name Kennel
The Kennel surname has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of sports, Jack Kennel was an American basketball player who played for the New York Knicks in the early 1960s. In entertainment, John Kennel, also known as John K., is a renowned animator and director, best known for his work on the popular children's show "Peg + Cat." In science, Mary Kennel-Clark is a distinguished biologist who has made significant contributions to understanding the genetic basis of complex traits in plants. Furthermore, Robert Kennel, an American businessman, served as the CEO of Xerox Corporation from 1987 to 1996. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements of those bearing the surname Kennel.
Genealogical research on the last name Kennel
The surname Kennel is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to have derived from the Old English word "cennol," meaning 'kennel' or 'dog pen.' Early references to the Kennel family date back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where various members were recorded in different counties of England. Notable Kennels include Sir Ralph de Kennel, a Norman knight who accompanied William the Conqueror into England; and Richard Kennel, an early settler in New England, arriving on the Mayflower in 1620. The Kennel family expanded significantly during the Middle Ages with branches emerging across England, particularly in counties like Staffordshire, Worcestershire, and Yorkshire. Today, Kennels can be found throughout England, as well as in various parts of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting the migration patterns of this family over centuries.
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