Origin & Meaning of the Kinney Surname
What does the last name Kinney mean?
The surname Kinney carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 31,558 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kinney ranks as the #1,113 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kinney come from?
The Kinney surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Kinney name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kinney trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Kinney |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,113 |
| US Count (2010) | 31,558 |
| Per 100K People | 10.7 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kinney
According to the US Census, the Kinney surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 31,558 Americans with the Kinney last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.36% |
| Black | 8.01% |
| Hispanic | 2.27% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.88% |
| Native American | 1.35% |
| Two or More Races | 2.14% |
Popularity of Kinney Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kinney surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kinney surname increased by 602 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kinney Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kinney ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Kinney Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kinney Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kinney
- ✓ The Kinney coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kinney families live today
- ✓ Notable Kinney bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Kinney
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kinney.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Kinney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kinney
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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