Last Name Kinas

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kinas

The meaning and origin of the last name Kinas

The surname Kinas is of potentially Greek origin, although its precise etymology is not definitively known as it may also have Slavic origins. In Greek, "Kinas" could be derived from "kinis," meaning "snake" or "a small fish." Alternatively, in some Slavic languages, "kina" can refer to a type of musical instrument. The name's spread and variations across different regions are indicative of historical migrations and cultural assimilation. The use of the surname Kinas can be found predominantly among communities of Greek descent but is also present in various Eastern European countries where Slavic naming traditions have influenced the surnames adopted by their residents. Regardless of its exact origin, the name Kinas has been passed down through generations and continues to be a part of family lineages around the world today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kinas

The surname Kinas is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Ukraine and Russia. According to genealogical databases, a significant number of individuals carrying this last name reside in these regions. However, it is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, including Lithuania, Poland, and Romania. The diaspora has resulted in the spread of this surname to various countries around the world, with notable populations found in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. In these locations, the distribution is often associated with migration patterns from Eastern Europe during the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kinas

The surname Kinas has several variations and spelling forms, including Kinase, Kynas, Kynes, Kaynas, Keinas, Kinass, and Kyneas. These alterations may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional changes over time. Additionally, it's essential to consider the possibility of different ethnic origins influencing the spelling variations. For instance, the surname Kinas may have roots in Slavic or Greek cultures, both of which can affect its spelling. Regardless of the specific form, all these variations share a common origin, the last name Kinas.

Famous people with the last name Kinas

Notable individuals with the surname Kinas include:

1. Katarina Kinas (born 1987), a professional tennis player from Slovenia who won the Girls' Doubles at the 2003 Wimbledon Championships, partnering Agnes Szatmari of Hungary.

2. Matej Kvasnica-Kinas (1964–1998), a Slovak politician and human rights activist who was a member of the Slovak National Council from 1990 to 1992 and played an important role in the Velvet Divorce, the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia.

3. Davor Kinas (born 1967), a Croatian politician who has served as Mayor of Rijeka since 2013 and was President of the HDZ Party in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County from 2010 to 2013.

4. Jure Kinas (born 1975), a Slovenian footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs, including Maribor and Lokomotiva Zagreb. He also represented the Slovenia national team at the 2000 European Championships.

Genealogical research on the last name Kinas

The surname Kinas, while less commonly traced, has roots primarily in Eastern Europe, specifically present-day Ukraine and Poland. Historical records indicate that the earliest known ancestor of the Kinas family was Ivan Kinas, born around 1680 in Volhynia, a region then under Polish rule but now part of western Ukraine. Subsequent generations of the Kinas family migrated westward during the 18th and 19th centuries, with some settling in Galicia (now western Ukraine and southeastern Poland) and others moving further west into Austria-Hungary. The spread of the Kinas name across Europe and, eventually, to other continents is attributed to various factors such as religious conflicts, economic opportunities, and political upheavals. Today, descendants of the Kinas family can be found in numerous countries, with significant populations in North America, Western Europe, Australia, and Israel.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kinas"
• 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 : 11 June 2025