NameCensus.

UK surname

Kennan

An Irish surname meaning "child" or "son of Annadh".

In the 1881 census there were 213 people recorded with the Kennan surname, ranking it #12,328 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 212, ranked #18,843, down from #12,328 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Kelton, New Monkland and Borgue. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Castle Douglas, Chesterfield and Wandsworth.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Kennan is 260 in 1901. Compared with 1881, the name has stayed broadly stable by 0.5%.

1881 census count

213

Ranked #12,328

Modern count

212

2016, ranked #18,843

Peak year

1901

260 bearers

Map years

8

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Kennan had 213 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #12,328 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 212 in 2016, ranked #18,843.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 260 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established but Challenged.

Kennan surname distribution map

The map shows where the Kennan surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Kennan surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Kennan over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 230 #9,368
1861 historical 217 #11,220
1881 historical 213 #12,328
1891 historical 192 #15,383
1901 historical 260 #12,817
1911 historical 99 #22,850
1997 modern 226 #16,306
1998 modern 232 #16,508
1999 modern 221 #17,126
2000 modern 221 #17,089
2001 modern 206 #17,624
2002 modern 200 #18,294
2003 modern 185 #18,999
2004 modern 193 #18,622
2005 modern 187 #18,924
2006 modern 188 #19,023
2007 modern 191 #19,031
2008 modern 192 #19,143
2009 modern 199 #19,090
2010 modern 215 #18,551
2011 modern 208 #18,783
2012 modern 200 #19,207
2013 modern 202 #19,389
2014 modern 203 #19,504
2015 modern 203 #19,381
2016 modern 212 #18,843

Geography

Back to top

Where Kennans are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Kelton, New Monkland, Borgue, Govan Combination and Edinburgh. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Castle Douglas, Chesterfield, Wandsworth, Berwickshire Central and Wigan. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Kelton Kirkcudbright
2 New Monkland Lanark
3 Borgue Kirkcudbright
4 Govan Combination Lanark
5 Edinburgh Edinburgh

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Castle Douglas Dumfries and Galloway
2 Chesterfield 006 Chesterfield
3 Wandsworth 003 Wandsworth
4 Berwickshire Central Scottish Borders
5 Wigan 005 Wigan

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Kennan

These lists show first names that appear often with the Kennan surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Kennan

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Kennan, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce

Group

Established but Challenged

Nationally, the Kennan surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established but Challenged, within Semi- and Un-Skilled Workforce. This does not mean every Kennan household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Many households in these neighbourhoods comprise separated or divorced single parents with dependent children. Residents are typically born in the UK, and these neighbourhoods have relatively few members of ethnic minorities. The prevalence of children, their parents and those at or above normal retirement age, suggests neighbourhood structures may be long-established. Levels of unpaid care are high, and long-term disability is more common than in the Supergroup as a whole. Use of the social rented sector is common, often in terraced houses. Levels of overcrowding are above the Supergroup average. Unemployment is high, while those in work are employed in elementary occupations such as caring, leisure and customer services. Many residents have low level qualifications. Neighbourhood concentrations of this Group are found in the South Wales Valleys, Belfast, Londonderry and the Central Lowlands of Scotland.

Wider pattern

Living in terraced or semi-detached houses, residents of these neighbourhoods typically lack high levels of education and work in elementary or routine service occupations. Unemployment is above average. Residents are predominantly born in the UK, and residents are also predominantly from ethnic minorities. Social (but not private sector) rented sector housing is common. This Supergroup is found throughout the UK’s conurbations and industrial regions but is also an integral part of smaller towns.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Social Rented Sector Families with Children

Group

Social Rented Sector Pockets

Within London, Kennan is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Pockets, part of Social Rented Sector Families with Children. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Found in pockets across London, residents are less likely to live in private sector rentals and fewer adults are students. Fewer individuals work in transport and communications occupations relative to the Supergroup average. More individuals identify as Black and were born in Africa.

Wider London pattern

Residents of these neighbourhoods include sizable numbers identifying with ethnicities originating outside Europe, particularly in Africa or Bangladesh. The proportion of residents identifying as White, Indian or Pakistani is well below the London average. Neighbourhood age profiles are skewed towards younger adults, and above average numbers of families have children. Rates of use of English at home are below average. Marriage rates are low, and levels of separation or divorce are above average. Housing is predominantly in flats, and renting in the social rented sector the norm - few residents are owner occupiers. Housing is often overcrowded, and neighbourhoods are amongst the most densely populated in London. Disability rates are above average, although levels of unpaid care provision are about average. Employment is in caring, leisure, other service occupations, sales and customer service, or process, plant, and machine operation. Part time working and full-time student study are common. Levels of unemployment are slightly above average. Most residents have only Level 1 or 2 educational qualifications or have completed apprenticeships.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Kennan is most concentrated in decile 1 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the less healthy end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

1
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Kennan falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Kennan is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 25-30 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

5
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - Irish

This describes the area pattern most associated with Kennan, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Kennan

The surname Kennan is believed to have originated in Ireland, with its roots dating back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic word "ceannáin," which means "little head" or "leader." This suggests that the name may have been given to someone who was considered a leader or chieftain within their community.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kennan can be found in the Annals of the Four Masters, a renowned chronicle of medieval Irish history. The annals mention a Kennan O'Rourke who was a prominent figure in the 14th century. This suggests that the name had already established itself in Ireland by that time.

The Kennan surname is also linked to several place names in Ireland, such as Kennanstown in County Meath and Kennansourt in County Kilkenny. These place names likely originated from individuals bearing the Kennan surname who lived or held land in those areas.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the Kennan surname. One prominent example is George F. Kennan (1904-2005), an American diplomat and historian who played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era. He is best known for his advocacy of the "containment" policy towards the Soviet Union.

Another notable Kennan was Elizabeth Kennan (1810-1887), an American author and educator who wrote extensively on the topic of education for women. She was a pioneering figure in the early days of the women's rights movement in the United States.

John Kennan (1774-1859) was an Irish-born American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Ohio in the early 19th century. He was also involved in the establishment of several educational institutions in the state.

Thomas Kennan (1867-1920) was an American journalist and author who gained notoriety for his exposé of the brutal treatment of prisoners in Siberian labor camps. His book, "Tent Life in Siberia," shed light on the harsh conditions faced by prisoners in the Russian Empire.

Sir Beverley Kennan (1923-2008) was a British diplomat and author who served as the British Ambassador to Yugoslavia from 1975 to 1979. He played a crucial role in maintaining diplomatic relations during a period of political turmoil in the region.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have borne the surname Kennan, showcasing its rich heritage and diverse backgrounds.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Kennan families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Kennan surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lanarkshire leads with 69 Kennans recorded in 1881 and an index of 10.42x.

County Total Index
Lanarkshire 69 10.42x
Kirkcudbrightshire 25 84.32x
Ayrshire 23 15.00x
Yorkshire 13 0.64x
Renfrewshire 9 5.67x
Hampshire 8 1.91x
Wigtownshire 8 29.41x
Lancashire 7 0.29x
Warwickshire 7 1.36x
Middlesex 6 0.29x
Cumberland 5 2.83x
Midlothian 5 1.82x
Nottinghamshire 5 1.81x
Perthshire 4 4.35x
Stirlingshire 3 3.97x
Argyllshire 2 3.51x
Peeblesshire 2 20.75x
Surrey 2 0.20x
Westmorland 2 4.44x
Angus 1 0.53x
Cheshire 1 0.22x
Durham 1 0.16x
Kent 1 0.14x
West Lothian 1 3.24x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Barony in Lanarkshire leads with 18 Kennans recorded in 1881 and an index of 10.74x.

Place Total Index
Barony 18 10.74x
Glasgow 17 14.45x
Govan 14 8.54x
New Monkland 11 56.18x
Dalmellington 7 155.21x
Kelton 7 286.89x
Portsea 7 8.51x
East Greenock 6 40.03x
Fillongley 6 810.81x
Rerrick 6 472.44x
Ballantrae 5 495.05x
Leswalt 5 268.82x
Nottingham St Mary 5 7.00x
Tarbolton 5 198.41x
Auchtergaven 4 259.74x
Bothwell 4 22.26x
Chelsea London 4 6.48x
Dewsbury 4 19.21x
South Leith 4 12.95x
Wavertree 4 51.41x
Workington 4 39.60x
Beswick 3 48.23x
Kilwinning 3 60.61x
Carstairs 2 145.99x
Dalry 2 289.86x
Kilsyth 2 41.49x
Kirkbean 2 350.88x
Leeds 2 1.74x
Linthorpe 2 16.52x
Mearns 2 71.94x
Nether Hallam 2 7.28x
Ovenden 2 22.15x
Shap 2 202.02x
Sorn 2 66.45x
Stranraer 2 80.32x
Anwoth 1 196.08x
Birmingham 1 0.58x
Borgue 1 125.00x
Bradford 1 2.04x
Cambuslang 1 14.97x
Cambusnethan 1 6.80x
Crosscanonby 1 17.15x
Crossmichael 1 106.38x
Dalziel 1 14.03x
Dunoon Kilmun 1 22.47x
Ealing 1 5.46x
Edinburgh Old Church 1 45.45x
Falkirk 1 5.65x
Gillingham 1 6.94x
Girthon 1 100.00x
Hampstead London 1 3.13x
Innerleithen 1 39.06x
Kells 1 147.06x
Kilmarnock 1 5.48x
Kirkcolm 1 76.92x
Kirkgunzeon 1 217.39x
Liff Benvie 1 3.47x
Lingfield 1 51.28x
Morden 1 200.00x
Peebles 1 35.09x
Portsmouth 1 10.34x
Queensferry 1 133.33x
South Shields 1 18.42x
Tarbert 1 10000.00x
Tongland 1 172.41x
Troqueer 1 25.71x
Wallasey 1 64.94x
West Greenock 1 3.51x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Kennan surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 3
Ann 2
Eliza 2
Elizabeth 2
Ellen 2
Annie 1
Emile 1
Emily 1
Jane 1
Joanna 1
Julia 1
Lucy 1
Maggie 1
Margaret 1
Maria 1
Marie 1
Marion 1
Percilla 1
Rebecca 1
Ruth 1
Sarah 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Kennan surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

FAQ

Kennan surname: questions and answers

How common was the Kennan surname in 1881?

In 1881, 213 people were recorded with the Kennan surname. That placed it at #12,328 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Kennan surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 212 in 2016. That gives Kennan a modern rank of #18,843.

What does the Kennan surname mean?

An Irish surname meaning "child" or "son of Annadh".

What does the Kennan map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Kennan bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.