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Kinney Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Kinney Surname

The Kinney surname traces its roots back to England, where it first emerged in the early 16th century. It is believed to have originated as a patronymic or locational name, marking the beginning of its genealogical journey. Owing to its historical significance, the Kinney name has become an integral part of family history studies, appealing to genealogists and family history enthusiasts interested in uncovering the story behind their lineage.

As the Kinney surname evolved over the centuries, it spread geographically across England and later to the United States. In the 17th century, members of the Kinney family migrated to America, where they established new roots and contributed to the early American society. This migration facilitated the expansion of the Kinney family tree, with descendants spreading across North America and beyond, reflecting both social changes and migration patterns of the time.

YourRoots dataset provides valuable insights into the Kinney genealogy, confirming its early presence in England and subsequent spread to the U.S. during the 17th century. The dataset enriches the understanding of the Kinney family's journey, highlighting the significant growth and migration across continents. These records serve as a crucial resource for those looking to explore the extensive branches of the Kinney family tree.

Kinney genealogy records today demonstrate a global distribution, particularly in the United States, underscoring the dynamic journey of the Kinney surname through history. YourRoots data continues to be an essential tool for researchers, offering a comprehensive view of the Kinney family's historical and geographical expansion, providing a rich tapestry of kinship for those tracing their ancestral roots.

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Tracing Your Kinney Family Lineage

Origin of the Kinney Family: Where does the Kinney surname come from?

The Kinney surname has its earliest known appearance in England, marking the beginning of its genealogical journey. This initial record connects families to their roots, establishing a foundation for future generations and the branching of family trees. The context of this emergence during the early 16th century highlights the surname's deep historical significance in the British Isles.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Kinney

As the Kinney family spread in its early centuries, significant concentrations of the surname appeared primarily in England. During the subsequent century, the surname gained prominence, with families establishing themselves across various regions, which would later serve as hubs for family lines. This progression allowed for the development of extensive branches within the Kinney family tree, reflecting both migration patterns and the social dynamics of the time.

By the late 17th century, the Kinney name began to take root in the United States, where it found fertile ground for further expansion. Families that had migrated from England contributed to the growing American tapestry, weaving their lineage into the fabric of early American society. The establishment of these families in new territories marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Kinney surname, setting the stage for future growth.

Tracing the Kinney Family Tree Through the Centuries

The journey of the Kinney surname through the centuries illustrates a remarkable global spread. In the 18th century, the Kinney family reached new heights in the United States, while also maintaining a presence in England and beginning to establish roots in other regions. This migration continued into the 19th century, as families sought new opportunities and further expanded their branches across North America and beyond.

In the 20th century, the Kinney surname had a well-established presence in the United States, while also appearing in various other regions around the world. The family's journey reflects a broader trend of migration and adaptation, allowing for the Kinney name to resonate in diverse communities. This ongoing expansion highlights the dynamic nature of the Kinney family tree and its connections across generations.

Where to Find Kinney Genealogy Records Today

In modern centuries, the Kinney surname continues to exhibit a global reach, particularly in the United States, where it remains prevalent. The 21st century sees families actively exploring their lineage, connecting with ancestral roots that date back centuries. Readers interested in tracing their own Kinney genealogy are encouraged to delve into the YourRoots database, which offers a wealth of records to help weave together their family stories.

Famous People with Kinney (and Their Family Tree)

Taylor Kinney

Taylor Jackson Kinney, born on July 15, 1981, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a renowned American actor and model, celebrated for his roles in popular series and films. He is best known for portraying Lieutenant Kelly Severide on NBC's drama series "Chicago Fire." Kinney's other notable works include roles in "Zero Dark Thirty," "The Other Woman," and "Shameless." He gained early recognition on "Fashion House" and "Trauma" and had a recurring role on "The Vampire Diaries." An intriguing highlight of his career is his appearance in Lady Gaga's music video for "You and I," which also marked the beginning of their romantic relationship.

Terry Kinney

Terry Kinney, born January 29, 1954, in Lincoln, Illinois, is a renowned American actor and theater director, best known for his role as Tim McManus on HBO's prison drama "Oz." A founding member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company alongside Gary Sinise and Jeff Perry, Kinney has significantly influenced theater through innovative cinematic techniques. His notable theater performances include the Drama Desk Award-winning "Balm in Gilead" and Sam Shepard's "Buried Child." Kinney has directed several plays and films, including "reasons to be pretty" and "Diminished Capacity." His film credits feature roles in "Miles from Home" and "Save the Last Dance," showcasing his versatile acting skills across various genres.

Terry Kinney is the son of Elizabeth L. (née Eimer), a telephone operator, and Kenneth C. Kinney, a tractor company supervisor. His family roots are in Lincoln, Illinois, where he was born and raised. This background likely provided a stable and nurturing environment that supported his early interest in theater and acting.

Emily Kinney

Emily Rebecca Kinney, an accomplished American actress, singer, and songwriter, gained fame for her role as Beth Greene on AMC's "The Walking Dead." Known for her versatility, Kinney has appeared in popular series such as "Masters of Sex," "The Flash," and "Arrow." Noteworthy is her collaboration with Lauren Cohan on "The Parting Glass" for "The Walking Dead" soundtrack. Additionally, she released several music projects, including the albums "Expired Love" and "This Is War." Kinney's diverse career also includes roles in "Conviction" and "Ten Days in the Valley," showcasing her dynamic presence in the entertainment industry.

Born in Wayne, Nebraska, Emily Kinney is the daughter of Vaughn Charles and Jeanne Kinney. She has an older sister named Sara. The Kinney family moved frequently during her childhood, living in various states including Nevada and Oregon.

Kathy Kinney

Kathy Kinney, an acclaimed American actress and comedian, gained fame as Mimi Bobeck on ABC's "The Drew Carey Show" (1995–2004), a role that became iconic for her bold makeup and comedic flair. She first made a mark as Prudence Godard on the CBS sitcom "Newhart" (1989–1990). Kinney's versatile acting skills are reflected in her varied roles across TV series like "Seinfeld" and "My Name Is Earl," and films such as "Arachnophobia" and "This Boy's Life." In 2008, she co-created and starred in MrsP.com, a children's entertainment website. Her work with Drew Carey extended to the USO tour in Iraq and appearances on "The Price Is Right" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"

Kathy Kinney was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to Irish American parents Harold and Marian Kinney. Her father was an automobile dealer and passed away when Kathy was 15. This family background, rooted in the Midwest, shaped her early life before her move to New York City, where she began her career journey.

Sean Kinney

Sean Howard Kinney, born May 27, 1966, in Renton, Washington, is best known as the drummer and co-founder of the iconic rock band Alice in Chains. With nine Grammy Award nominations, Kinney's influence extends beyond drumming, having collaborated with artists like Johnny Cash and Metallica. He played drums on Jerry Cantrell's first solo album, "Boggy Depot," and co-founded the supergroup Spys4Darwin. Kinney's perseverance is evident from playing with a broken hand on Alice in Chains' debut album, "Facelift," showcasing his dedication to music.

Sean Kinney was born to a police officer father and a city official mother in Renton, Washington. His early musical journey began with his grandfather's band, The Cross Cats, where he was the drummer by age 9.

Kinney Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Kinney" is associated with a variety of notable individuals, including politicians, athletes, artists, and entertainers, suggesting a diverse heritage. Additionally, the name is linked to several places in the United States and Canada, as well as companies like the G.R. Kinney Company and Kinney Drugs, indicating its widespread influence and usage across different sectors.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Kinney

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 Kinney family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Kinney surname to learn more.