Kennan

Kennan is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic O'Cinnéidigh, meaning "descendant of Cinnéidigh." The personal name Cinnéidigh itself is believed to mean "ugly head" or "rough head." The Kennan clan was historically prominent in the province of Munster, particularly in counties Tipperary and Limerick. As with many Irish surnames, variations in spelling have emerged over time, including Kennedy, Kennan, and Kennon. The name has been carried to various parts of the world through emigration, notably to North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Individuals bearing the Kennan surname have contributed to a wide range of fields, including politics, arts, and sciences. The historical roots of the name are deeply embedded in Irish history and tradition, reflecting a lineage connected to ancient Gaelic chiefdoms. While the specific historical prominence of the Kennan sept within the broader O'Kennedy lineage may vary, the surname represents a continued connection to a shared ancestral past.