The surname Kidman originates from England and is of Norman descent. It is a locational name derived from the place-name Kiddington in Oxfordshire. The place-name is derived from Old English "cydd" meaning "cuddy or sheepfold," and "tun," meaning "enclosure" or "village." The surname was originally spelled as various forms such as Childinton, Cydeton, Kydinton, and Kidyton. Over time, the spelling evolved to its modern form, Kidman. Throughout history, people with this surname have migrated from England to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, Australia, and North America, leading to variations in spelling and pronunciation among different families.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Kidman
The surname Kidman is an Anglo-Saxon name of Old Norse origin. It is derived from the Old Norse byname Ketill, meaning "kettle" or "cauldron". In Old English, it was translated as Cethel or Ketel, and over time, it evolved into the modern surname Kidman in English-speaking countries. The name was brought to England by Viking invaders in the late 9th and early 10th centuries and became a common Anglo-Saxon name thereafter. Famous bearers of this surname include Australian actress Nicole Kidman, known for her roles in films such as "Moulin Rouge" and "The Hours."
Geographical distribution of the last name Kidman
The last name Kidman is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, particularly Australia and England, due to its historical roots. In Australia, it is one of the most common surnames, ranking among the top 200 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It is also present in England, with a significant concentration in the county of Devon. The name has been traced back to early English and Celtic settlers, indicating a long history. Additionally, small populations carrying the Kidman surname can be found in other English-speaking countries like New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, likely as a result of migration from Australia or England.
Variants and spellings of the last name Kidman
The last name Kidman can be found with various spelling variations, though they all derive from the same root. Some common variants include Kidmann, Kiddeman, Kidemann, Kidamun, and Kidamon. These variations may have arisen due to phonetic changes over time, differences in regional dialects, or errors during transcription. The surname Kidman originates from England, specifically the county of Devon. It is an occupational name for a child minder or foster parent, derived from the Old English 'cyd' meaning 'child' and 'mann' meaning 'man'. This surname was also sometimes used as a nickname for someone who played the part of a child in a play or performance.
Famous people with the last name Kidman
Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman are two prominent figures associated with the surname Kidman. While they are unrelated, both have achieved significant success in their respective careers in the entertainment industry.
Nicolas Kim Coppola, known professionally as Nicolas Cage, is an American actor, producer, and director. He has won an Academy Award for Leaving Las Vegas and is also known for films such as Face/Off, National Treasure, and Moonstruck.
Nicole Mary Kidman, on the other hand, is an Australian actress. She has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards, winning one for her role in The Hours. Some of her notable films include Moulin Rouge!, Eyes Wide Shut, and Lion. Both Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman have left lasting impacts on the world of film.
Genealogical research on the last name Kidman
The Kidman surname is of Scottish origin, derived from various places named Kidman or Kiddmann in Scotland. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in Aberdeenshire, where a Thomas de Kydmyn was documented in the year 1296.
Throughout history, the Kidman family has had a presence in various parts of Britain, particularly in England and Wales. During the 17th century, some members of the Kidman family migrated to America, with settlements in states like Virginia and Maryland. Notable figures bearing the Kidman name include the Australian actress Nicole Kidman, although it is unclear if her lineage can be traced back directly to the Scottish origins of the surname.
The Kidman family tree exhibits a complex web of connections, with branches extending across continents and centuries. Some notable sub-lines within the Kidman lineage include the Kidmans of Cargilfield in Midlothian, Scotland, who were recorded as early as 1376; the Kidmans of Inveresk in East Lothian, Scotland, a prominent family during the 15th and 16th centuries; and the American Kidman families from Virginia and Maryland, who played significant roles in American colonial history.
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