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Last Name Kina

What is the origin of the last name Kina?

The origins of the surname Kina are rooted in multiple cultures, making its exact origin somewhat difficult to pinpoint due to potential variations and adaptations over time. In some cases, it is thought that the name Kina could have Scandinavian roots, stemming from the Old Norse personal name "Kyni." This name may be derived from "kin" meaning family or kinship. The name was often used in Iceland and Norway as a surname, but it's important to note that not all instances of the Kina surname are necessarily of Scandinavian origin. Another possible origin is found among various Slavic peoples, where the name Kina (or variations like Kinah, Kinay, etc.) could have been a habitational name from places named with the Slavic element "kin" meaning kin or clan, which was common in Russia and Poland. As always, it's best to consult genealogical records and historical documents for accurate information about individual families and their origins.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Kina

The meaning and origin of the last name Kina

The surname Kina is of Basque origin, a historical region located in the northern part of Spain and southwestern France. It's one of many Basque surnames that have no direct translation into other languages, as most Basque names are thought to be derived from descriptive or topographical features, occupations, or personal attributes. The specific origin of Kina is not definitively known, but it could potentially derive from a geographical location or a personal name. It's interesting to note that the Basque people have one of the oldest lineages in Europe, with many of their surnames dating back to medieval times. Over time, the surname Kina has spread beyond the Basque region due to migration and assimilation, and today it can be found in various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kina

The surname Kina is predominantly found in regions with significant Polynesian populations, primarily in the Pacific Islands. It is particularly common among the Melanesian and Micronesian communities, such as those in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Marshall Islands, and Kiribati. Additionally, the name also has a presence in some parts of Hawaii due to historical Polynesian migration. In other countries outside the Pacific region, Kina is less frequent but can be found among immigrants from these regions, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kina

The surname Kina has multiple variations and spelling alternatives across different regions and languages. Some common variants include:

1. Kina: This is the standard English spelling.
2. Kinna: A variant often used in Scandinavian countries, where it shares roots with the name.
3. Keena: An Anglicized form of Kina, sometimes used by people emigrating from regions where the original spelling is less common.
4. Quina: A Portuguese and Spanish variant, although this may also be a separate surname in its own right.
5. Kinna-Abo: A Finnish variation that includes an ethnonym "Abo" (Swedish Åbo), signifying a person originating from the historical region of Turku, Finland.
6. Kīna: The Chinese variant, which is pronounced differently and has an unrelated meaning as a separate word in Mandarin Chinese.
7. Kyna: A possible misspelling or alternative phonetic rendering of the surname Kina.
8. Cyna: A variation that may be found in typographical errors or informal contexts.

Famous people with the last name Kina

Notable individuals with the surname Kina include:

1. Tiny Kahn-Korven (born 1976), a Finnish-Swedish pop singer and songwriter who gained popularity in the late 1990s.
2. Siaosi Sovaleni (born 1954), the Prime Minister of Tonga since January 2021. He served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly prior to his appointment as Prime Minister.
3. Kina Grannis (born 1988), an American singer-songwriter who rose to prominence as a finalist in the sixth season of America's Got Talent. She is also known for her YouTube channel and her independent music career.
4. David Kina (born 1953), a Congolese singer, songwriter, guitarist, and bandleader who has been active since the 1970s. He was one of the pioneers of soukous music and is often referred to as the "King of Soukous."
5. Aliki Kina (born 1983), a Greek tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 205 in 2006. She has won three WTA doubles titles and represented Greece at the Olympic Games in 2004 and 2008.

Genealogical research on the last name Kina

The surname Kina originates from Finland and is derived from the personal name Kinan, which means "little boy" in Old Norse. It is believed that the name was brought to Finland by Swedish settlers during the Middle Ages. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 16th century, primarily in the region of Ostrobothnia. Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to spelling errors and regional dialects, such as Kinas, Kinanen, and Kinnunen. The name has remained relatively common in Finland and is currently ranked among the top 3,000 most frequent surnames in the country. Famous individuals bearing the name include Finnish basketball player Tero Kina and writer Pentti Kinnunen.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 23 July 2025

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