Last Name Kinard

The surname Kinard is of English origin and is a variant of the Norman-French surname Quenault or Quenard. It is derived from the personal name Quenardus, which comes from the Old French term "quenart," meaning "little head." The surname may have been used as a nickname for someone with a prominent forehead or round face, resembling that of a little head. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to the development of numerous spellings of this name, including Quenard, Kinard, Kenard, and others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kinard

The meaning and origin of the last name Kinard

The surname Kinard is an anglicized variant of several Gaelic names originating from Ireland and Scotland. The most common origins are O Cinneide, which means "descendant of Cínéide" or "descendant of the handsome one," and Mac Cinneaoidh, meaning "son of Cineaoidh." Over time, these Gaelic names were anglicized into Kinard, Kinnard, or similar variations. The name was brought to England during the Anglo-Norman invasion in the 12th century by the Norman conquerors, who adopted many of the local names they encountered in Ireland and Scotland. Today, the surname Kinard is most prevalent in the United States, particularly in the southern states.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kinard

The surname Kinard is primarily concentrated in the southern and eastern regions of the United States, with significant occurrences in states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and Florida. It is also found to some extent in other parts of the U.S., including Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, suggesting possible migration patterns from the original settlement areas. The name's distribution mirrors the historical movement of European settlers into these regions, particularly those of English and Irish descent. While Kinard is predominantly an American surname, it is also found in small numbers in Canada, primarily in Ontario and Quebec, possibly due to migration between the two countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kinard

The surname Kinard has several variants and spellings. Some common variations include Kennard, Kenard, Kinnard, Kynard, and Kinardt. These variations can occur due to transcription errors, regional dialects, or individual preference over time. In the United States, for instance, Kinard is most prevalent in states like Georgia, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. While Kennard is more common in England and Australia, Kinnard is primarily found in Scotland. However, it's essential to note that these variations might result in different pronunciations and phonetic interpretations, depending on the region or family lineage.

Famous people with the last name Kinard

Notable individuals with the surname Kinard include:

1. Edward A. Kinard (1869-1942): An American painter known for his works depicting the rural South, particularly scenes from Virginia and West Virginia. His paintings were inspired by folk art and traditional themes.

2. Kofi Kingston (born 1981), whose real name is Kevin Kinesti Nicholson: A Jamaican-American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where he competes on the SmackDown brand under the ring name Kofi Kingston. He has held multiple championships throughout his career.

3. Patricia Kinard (born 1940): An American playwright and theatre artist based in San Francisco. She is the co-founder of Campo Santo, a theater company known for productions that explore Latino themes and issues. Her plays have been performed both nationally and internationally.

4. Robert Kinard (1930-2016): An American artist who was a member of the Washington Color School, a group of painters whose work emphasized color as the primary means of expression. His abstract paintings were characterized by their vibrant colors and geometric forms.

Genealogical research on the last name Kinard

The Kinard surname is of Old Norse origin, derived from the male given name "Kinni" or "Kyni," which meant "handsome" or "gracious." The surname first appeared in England during the Norman Conquest of 1066 when the Normans introduced a feudal system that required landowners to adopt surnames.

The Kinard family can be traced back to John de Kynert, who fought with William the Conqueror and was granted lands in Worcestershire, England. The name evolved through various spellings over time, including Kynerd, Kynart, Kinard, and Kynard.

Many early bearers of the Kinard surname migrated to the American colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries, with significant concentrations in Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Notable Kinards include John Kinard, a Revolutionary War soldier, and William B. Kinard, who served as the Governor of South Carolina from 1894 to 1896.

Today, Kinard is predominantly found in the southeastern United States, with significant populations in states like North Carolina, Texas, and Florida.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kinard"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 27 July 2025

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