Kemp Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Kemp come from? What does the surname Kemp mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Kemp and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Kemp Origin: What does the last name Kemp mean?
The surname Kemp is of English origin and means "soldier". It has been documented in records from England dating back to the early 13th century. The Kemp surname remained closely associated with England from the 13th through the 16th century, indicating its origins and early growth within this region. However, the YourRoots database also reveals the Kemp surname in the United States, marking a significant shift in frequency during the 17th and 18th centuries. The volume of Kemp records experienced considerable growth in the United States during the 16th century, eventually surpassing England, indicating a substantial spread over the centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Kemp surname in the United Kingdom since the early 13th century, with significant growth in the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Kemp surname currently appears across various regions, including but not limited to the United States and the United Kingdom. This enduring surname reflects a rich history of soldiers and military personnel, with notable individuals bearing the Kemp surname making their mark in various fields and countries over the centuries.
Kemp Last Name History: Where did the last name Kemp come from?
Origin of Kemp Surname: Where does the last name Kemp originate from?
The Kemp surname, according to the YourRoots database, was first documented in records from England around the early 13th century. This data pertains specifically to the Kemp spelling and does not account for other sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Kemp: What does the Kemp surname history look like in the early days?
The "Kemp" surname remained closely associated with England from the 13th through the 16th century, indicating its origins and early growth within this region. However, the YourRoots database also reveals the Kemp surname in the United States, marking a significant shift in frequency during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Kemp surname today?
The volume of Kemp records experienced considerable growth in the United States during the 16th century, eventually surpassing England. This pattern prolonged into the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the modern data shows a significant presence of the Kemp surname in England, its prevalence in the United States indicates a substantial spread over the centuries. The Kemp surname currently appears across various regions, including but not limited to the United States and the United Kingdom.
Explore Kemp last name heritage and Kemp surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Kemp Surame?
Roman Kemp
Roman Kemp (January 28, 1993 - ) is an American-born British radio host and television personality known for his work on Capital FM breakfast show and The One Show on BBC One. Son of actor Martin Kemp and singer Shirlie Holliman, Kemp has also appeared on reality shows like I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity Gogglebox. He has hosted various programs on ITV and BBC, including documentaries on mental health and young athletes. Kemp's openness about his struggles with depression has resonated with audiences, making him a relatable figure in the entertainment industry.
Martin Kemp
Martin John Kemp (born Oct 10, 1961) is an English musician and actor known for his role as the bassist in Spandau Ballet and as Steve Owen in EastEnders. He achieved success with Spandau Ballet during the New Romantic era, with hits like "True." Kemp also appeared in films like The Krays and TV series such as EastEnders, garnering critical acclaim and awards for his performances. After a break for health reasons, he resumed acting and ventured into directing and producing. Kemp remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, showcasing his talents across various mediums.
Brian Kemp
Brian Porter Kemp (born Nov 2, 1963) is an American politician serving as the 83rd governor of Georgia since 2019. He is a member of the Republican Party and previously served as the state's Secretary of State. Kemp has faced controversy over his handling of elections and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite criticism, he won reelection in 2022, defeating prominent challengers. Kemp's political career has been marked by his conservative stance on issues and alignment with former President Donald Trump.
Shawn Kemp
Shawn Travis Kemp Sr. (born Nov 26, 1969) is a former American professional basketball player known for his time with the Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic in the NBA. Nicknamed "Reign Man", Kemp was a six-time NBA All-Star and part of the iconic Pick and Roll duo with Gary Payton. He is considered one of the best Slam Dunkers in basketball history, making the 1996 NBA Finals with the SuperSonics.
Gary Kemp
Gary James Kemp (Oct 16, 1959 - Present) is an English songwriter, musician, and actor, best known as the lead guitarist and principal songwriter for the new wave band Spandau Ballet. Kemp wrote the lyrics and music for all of the band's hit singles, such as "True" and "Gold", contributing to their success in the 1980s. He also toured with Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets, showcasing his musical talents in the psychedelic rock genre. Kemp's contributions to the music industry have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
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