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Sign up freeKerns Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Kerns Surname
The surname Kerns is believed to have roots in the British Isles, deriving from the Irish Gaelic "cearnach," which means "victorious" or "warlike." This occupational surname originally referred to a foot soldier or fighter, indicating a connection to martial prowess. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passed down through generations and intertwined with a family’s identity and history.
The Kerns surname evolved and spread geographically as families migrated, particularly during periods of significant movement like the European emigrations to North America. Notable individuals with the Kerns surname have impacted diverse fields such as politics, architecture, and the arts, including figures like Brian D. Kerns, a former US representative, and Joanna Kerns, an American actress and director. The name's presence in both the United States and Canada highlights its geographic spread and cultural integration over the centuries.
YourRoots data supports the historical diffusion of the Kerns surname, confirming its origins in the British Isles and its subsequent dispersion. The dataset enriches our understanding by indicating that Kerns families established themselves in North America during the 19th century, aligning with broader immigration trends of that era. Such data can provide invaluable insights for those tracing Kerns genealogy, offering a clearer picture of ancestral movements and connections.
Today, Kerns records are a valuable resource for family history enthusiasts. By combining historical records with YourRoots data, researchers can piece together a more comprehensive Kerns family tree, illustrating the surname's journey across continents and generations. This exploration into Kerns genealogy not only uncovers familial ties but also deepens our understanding of cultural and historical narratives.
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JKJohn H KernsBirth: 1842 – 1929 Boone, Kentucky, USADeath: 1842 – 1929 Columbia Township, Dubois County, Indiana, United States of AmericaFather: Jackson KernsMother: Elizabeth HamiltonReliability Score: AJKJohn H KernsBirth: 1842 – 1929 Boone, Kentucky, USADeath: 1842 – 1929 Columbia Township, Dubois County, Indiana, United States of AmericaFather: Jackson KernsMother: Elizabeth HamiltonReliability Score: A
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BKBeecher Henry KernsBirth: 1910 – 1986 Montgomery County, North Carolina, United States of AmericaDeath: 1910 – 1986 Troy, Montgomery County, North Carolina, United States of AmericaFather: Richard Daniel KernsMother: Ellen Isadora CranfordReliability Score: BBKBeecher Henry KernsBirth: 1910 – 1986 Montgomery County, North Carolina, United States of AmericaDeath: 1910 – 1986 Troy, Montgomery County, North Carolina, United States of AmericaFather: Richard Daniel KernsMother: Ellen Isadora CranfordReliability Score: B
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NKNancy Jane KernsBirth: 1856 – 1930 Mills Co., IowaDeath: 1856 – 1930 Thurman, Mills, Iowa, USAFather: Michael KernsMother: Elizabeth M CummingsReliability Score: ANKNancy Jane KernsBirth: 1856 – 1930 Mills Co., IowaDeath: 1856 – 1930 Thurman, Mills, Iowa, USAFather: Michael KernsMother: Elizabeth M CummingsReliability Score: A
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RKRaymond P KernsBirth: 1927 – 1992 West Virginia, USADeath: 1927 – 1992 Marietta, Washington, USAFather: Charles E KearnsMother: Nettie L BurtonReliability Score: CRKRaymond P KernsBirth: 1927 – 1992 West Virginia, USADeath: 1927 – 1992 Marietta, Washington, USAFather: Charles E KearnsMother: Nettie L BurtonReliability Score: C
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MKMarshall Harry KernsBirth: 1822 – 1888 Fauquier County, Virginia, USADeath: 1822 – 1888 Petersburg, Fauquier, Virginia, United StatesFather: Jacob KernsMother: Elizabeth Frances RoleyReliability Score: N/AMKMarshall Harry KernsBirth: 1822 – 1888 Fauquier County, Virginia, USADeath: 1822 – 1888 Petersburg, Fauquier, Virginia, United StatesFather: Jacob KernsMother: Elizabeth Frances RoleyReliability Score: N/A
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GKGeorgia Marie KernsBirth: 1930 – 1996 West Baden Springs, Orange, Indiana, USADeath: 1930 – 1996 West Baden Springs, Orange County, Indiana, United States of AmericaFather: John Riley KernsMother: Lizzie NobleReliability Score: BGKGeorgia Marie KernsBirth: 1930 – 1996 West Baden Springs, Orange, Indiana, USADeath: 1930 – 1996 West Baden Springs, Orange County, Indiana, United States of AmericaFather: John Riley KernsMother: Lizzie NobleReliability Score: B
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LKLula Beatrice KernsBirth: 1919 – 1996 Elwood, Doniphan, Kansas, USADeath: 1919 – 1996 Lincoln, Lancaster, Nebraska, USAFather: Robert Austin KernsMother: Ethel C. CrippenReliability Score: CLKLula Beatrice KernsBirth: 1919 – 1996 Elwood, Doniphan, Kansas, USADeath: 1919 – 1996 Lincoln, Lancaster, Nebraska, USAFather: Robert Austin KernsMother: Ethel C. CrippenReliability Score: C
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RKRichard Daniel KernsBirth: 1860 – 1940 Little River, Montgomery, North Carolina, USADeath: 1860 – 1940 Ether, Montgomery, North Carolina, USAFather: Richard Daniel KernMother: Catherine McLeodReliability Score: ARKRichard Daniel KernsBirth: 1860 – 1940 Little River, Montgomery, North Carolina, USADeath: 1860 – 1940 Ether, Montgomery, North Carolina, USAFather: Richard Daniel KernMother: Catherine McLeodReliability Score: A
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MKMichael KernsBirth: 1828 – 1905 Lee County, VirginiaDeath: 1828 – 1905 Lake Waubonsie, Mills, IowaFather: Jonathan B KernsMother: Cynthia LeeReliability Score: AMKMichael KernsBirth: 1828 – 1905 Lee County, VirginiaDeath: 1828 – 1905 Lake Waubonsie, Mills, IowaFather: Jonathan B KernsMother: Cynthia LeeReliability Score: A
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JKJonathan B KernsBirth: 1806 – 1881 Bedford, Virginia, USADeath: 1806 – 1881 Plattsmouth, Cass, Nebraska, USAFather: Michael KarnsMother: Mary KarnsReliability Score: AJKJonathan B KernsBirth: 1806 – 1881 Bedford, Virginia, USADeath: 1806 – 1881 Plattsmouth, Cass, Nebraska, USAFather: Michael KarnsMother: Mary KarnsReliability Score: A
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WKWilcher KernsBirth: 1858 – 1877 Cass County, Nebraska, United States of AmericaDeath: 1858 – 1877 Cass County, Nebraska, United States of AmericaFather: Jonathan B KernsMother: Cynthia KernsReliability Score: BWKWilcher KernsBirth: 1858 – 1877 Cass County, Nebraska, United States of AmericaDeath: 1858 – 1877 Cass County, Nebraska, United States of AmericaFather: Jonathan B KernsMother: Cynthia KernsReliability Score: B
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HKHelen R KernsBirth: 1941 – 1998 OhioDeath: 1941 – 1998 Columbus, Franklin, Ohio, USAFather: Charles E KearnsMother: Nettie L BurtonReliability Score: BHKHelen R KernsBirth: 1941 – 1998 OhioDeath: 1941 – 1998 Columbus, Franklin, Ohio, USAFather: Charles E KearnsMother: Nettie L BurtonReliability Score: B
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SKScheldnicht KernsBirth: 1865 – 1866 Cass County, Nebraska, United States of AmericaDeath: 1865 – 1866 Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska, United States of AmericaFather: Jonathan B KernsMother: Cynthia KernsReliability Score: BSKScheldnicht KernsBirth: 1865 – 1866 Cass County, Nebraska, United States of AmericaDeath: 1865 – 1866 Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska, United States of AmericaFather: Jonathan B KernsMother: Cynthia KernsReliability Score: B
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SKSilas KernsBirth: 1854 – 1935 IowaDeath: 1854 – 1935 Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa, USAFather: Michael KernsMother: Elizabeth M CummingsReliability Score: BSKSilas KernsBirth: 1854 – 1935 IowaDeath: 1854 – 1935 Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa, USAFather: Michael KernsMother: Elizabeth M CummingsReliability Score: B
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OKOtto J. KernsBirth: 1882 – 1980 Indiana, United States of AmericaDeath: 1882 – 1980 Laredo, Webb County, Texas, United States of AmericaFather: John H KernsMother: Melvina SmithReliability Score: BOKOtto J. KernsBirth: 1882 – 1980 Indiana, United States of AmericaDeath: 1882 – 1980 Laredo, Webb County, Texas, United States of AmericaFather: John H KernsMother: Melvina SmithReliability Score: B
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GKGeorge Washington KernsBirth: 1873 – 1953 Baker, Martin, Indiana, United StatesDeath: 1873 – 1953 Dubois, Dubois, Indiana, United StatesFather: John H KernsMother: Melvina SmithReliability Score: AGKGeorge Washington KernsBirth: 1873 – 1953 Baker, Martin, Indiana, United StatesDeath: 1873 – 1953 Dubois, Dubois, Indiana, United StatesFather: John H KernsMother: Melvina SmithReliability Score: A
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Tracing Your Kerns Family Lineage
Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the Kerns surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.
As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.
Famous People with Kerns (and Their Family Tree)
Joanna Kerns
Joanna Kerns is a renowned American actress and director, best known for her iconic role as Maggie Seaver on the hit ABC sitcom "Growing Pains" from 1985 to 1992. Her portrayal of the all-American mom won her significant acclaim, leading to roles in various TV movies and a successful transition into directing. Kerns has directed episodes of popular TV shows such as "Grey's Anatomy," "This Is Us," and "Pretty Little Liars," showcasing her versatility and commitment to the entertainment industry.
Joanna Kerns was born Joanna Crussie DeVarona in San Francisco, California. She comes from a family with notable achievements; her sister is Olympic swimmer Donna de Varona, and she is related to silent film actress Miriam Cooper.
Todd Kerns
Todd "Dammit" Kerns is a Canadian rock musician renowned for his dynamic roles as a bass guitarist and backing vocalist in Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. He gained fame as the frontman for The Age of Electric, contributing to their gold-certified album "Make a Pest a Pet." He co-founded Blackbird Angels and has worked with notable acts such as the Matthew Good Band and Sin City Sinners. Kerns' musical versatility is showcased across various projects, including his acoustic record "Borrowing Trouble" and the acclaimed album "Apocalyptic Love," which topped charts in Canada and achieved international certifications.
Todd Kerns has formed bands with family, notably his brother John Kerns, with whom he played in both The Age of Electric and Static in Stereo, highlighting a familial connection within his musical journey.
Sandra Kerns
Sandra Kerns, born Sandra Borgsmiller Kerns on July 20, 1949, is a retired U.S. actress known for her television roles in the 1970s and 1980s. Her career highlights include starring in "Hawaii Five-O" and her notable role as Ellen Powell on "Charles in Charge," where she was a regular cast member until she left in the final seasons. Although she retired from acting in 1993, Kerns appeared as herself in an episode of "E! True Hollywood Story" in 2006. Her contributions to television during these decades remain appreciated by audiences.
Kerns is one of five children born to Dr. William J. Borgsmiller and June K. Borgsmiller. She married Hubie Kerns Jr., a stuntman, in 1975, and they have two children: Zachariah Sage Kerns, a musician and DJ, and Kallie Kerns, an actress and stunt performer.
John Kerns
John Emery Kerns was a prominent Canadian football player known for his significant contributions to the Toronto Argonauts. Born on June 17, 1923, Kerns had a notable career in football, highlighted by his victory in the 1950 Grey Cup with the Argonauts. Before his professional achievements, he showcased his talents at Ohio University. Kerns also played for the Buffalo Bills in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), further cementing his legacy in the sport. Tragically, he passed away from a heart attack on June 7, 1988, just shy of his 65th birthday, while playing tennis.
Lloyd Kerns
Lloyd George Kerns was a prominent figure in Ohio's political landscape, notably serving as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. Born on April 27, 1921, and active until his passing on September 7, 1986, Kerns' career in the Ohio legislature marked him as a significant contributor to state-level governance. His tenure in the Ohio House of Representatives highlights his commitment to public service and his influential role in shaping policies within the state. The legacy of Lloyd George Kerns in Ohio politics continues to be recognized for his dedication and leadership.
Kerns Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "Kerns" is associated with individuals from various professional backgrounds, including politics, architecture, acting, sports, and music, primarily in the United States and Canada. It is a name carried by notable figures such as a former US representative, an architect, and a Canadian musician, highlighting its presence across diverse fields.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for Kerns
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Kerns family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Kerns surname to learn more.
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