Show ContentsKemp History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Kemp Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Kemp

What does the name Kemp mean?

The distinguished Kemp family emerged in Pomerania, a territory of Germany and a maritime province of Prussia. Pomerania was bounded on the south by Brandenburg, on the west by Mecklenburg, and on the east by Poland. During the 5th century, Pomerania was settled by Pommern, who were a Slavic tribe. Pommern, which means on the sea, became the name of this region during the reign of the Charlemagne.

Early Origins of the Kemp family

The surname Kemp was first found in Pomerania, where the family contributed greatly to the development of an emerging nation and would later play a large role in the political conflicts of the area. The family branched into many houses, many of which acquired estates and manors throughout the surrounding regions, where they played significant roles in the social and political affairs. Individual bearers of the name first mentioned in ancient chronicles include Herward Kempe of Rostock, Pomerania who lived in the year 1257.

Early History of the Kemp family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kemp research. Another 328 words (23 lines of text) covering the years 1658, 1679, 1680, 1816 and 1833 are included under the topic Early Kemp History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kemp Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Kempen, Kempe, Kemp, Kaempen, Kaempe, Cempen, Caempen, Caempe, Kempendorf, Kempner, Cempner and many more.

Early Notables of the Kemp family

  • Jacob Kemphen, Swedish captain who heroically defended the Damgarten Pass in 1679

Kemp World Ranking

the United States, the name Kemp is the 588th most popular surname with an estimated 49,740 people with that name. 1 However, in Canada, the name Kemp is ranked the 985th most popular surname with an estimated 5,490 people with that name. 2 And in Australia, the name Kemp is the 270th popular surname with an estimated 12,694 people with that name. 3 New Zealand ranks Kemp as 264th with 2,299 people. 4 The United Kingdom ranks Kemp as 261st with 22,950 people. 5 South Africa ranks Kemp as 639th with 10,818 people. 6

Kemp migration to the United States +



Kemp Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Mr. William Kemp, aged 33, who arrived in Virginia in 1618 aboard the ship "William and Thomas" 8
  • Mrs. Margaret Kemp, who arrived in Virginia in 1624 aboard the ship "George" 8
  • William Kemp, who arrived in Virginia in 1624 aboard the ship "George"
  • Isack Kemp, aged 23, who landed in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Assurance" 9
  • William Kemp, who arrived in New England aboard the ship "James" in 1635 8
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Kemp Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Wilhelm Kemp, who arrived in New York in 1709-1710 9
  • Casper Kemp, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1734
  • Dewald Kemp, who arrived in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania in 1743 9
  • Gilbert Kemp, who landed in Maryland in 1746-1747 9
  • Christian Kemp, who landed in Maryland in 1746-1747 9
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Kemp Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Adam Kemp, aged 22, who landed in Key West, Fla in 1837 9
  • Ceaser Kemp, aged 24, who arrived in Key West, Fla in 1837 9
  • Rebecca Kemp, aged 16, who landed in Key West, Fla in 1838 9
  • Sarah Kemp, aged 38, who landed in Key West, Fla in 1838 9
  • Asemit Kemp, aged 1, who landed in Key West, Fla in 1839 9
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Kemp Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mr. James Kemp, (b. 1873), aged 31, Cornish miner, from Camborne, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "St Louis" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 19th June 1904 en route to Calumet, Michigan, USA 10
  • Mr. Josiah Kemp, (b. 1885), aged 19, Cornish settler, from Hayle, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Etruria" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 8th October 1904 en route to Utah, USA 10
  • Mr. Richard E. Kemp, (b. 1883), aged 22, Cornish engineer, from Hayle, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Caronia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 7th June 1905 en route to New York City, New York, USA 10
  • Mr. Alfred J. Kemp, (b. 1883), aged 22, English blacksmith travelling aboard the ship "Campania" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 1st April 1905 en route to West Cornwall, Connecticut, USA 10
  • Miss Beatrice Kemp, (b. 1881), aged 24, English settler travelling aboard the ship "Campania" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 1st April 1905 en route to West Cornwall, Connecticut, USA 10
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Kemp migration to Canada +

Kemp Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • William Kemp, who landed in Quebec in 1784
  • Mr. Kemp James U.E. who settled in Fredericksburgh [Greater Napanee], Ontario c. 1784 11
  • Mr. Kemp John U.E. who settled in Carleton [Saint John West], New Brunswick, Canada c. 1784 11
  • Mr. Kemp John Sr., U.E., "Kempt" (b. 1723) born in Maryland, USA from Albany, New York, USA who settled in Fredericksburgh [Greater Napanee], Ontario c. 1784 he enlisted in 1780 serving in the Kings Rangers, married to Anne Van Vorst they had 5 children, he died in 1795 11
  • Mr. Kemp Joseph U.E. who settled in Fredericksburgh [Greater Napanee], Ontario c. 1784 11
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Kemp Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Aaron Kemp, who arrived in Canada in 1830

Kemp migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet
  • Miss Ann Kemp, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 7
Following the First Fleet, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Kemp Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
Kemp Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Kemp migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Kemp Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • J Kemp, who landed in Keri Keri, New Zealand in 1836
  • James Kemp, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1840
  • Hy Tracy Kemp, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • James Kemp, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
  • Thomas Kemp, who landed in Tamaki, Auckland, New Zealand in 1843
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Kemp migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 18
Kemp Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Edward Kemp, aged 29, who landed in Barbados in 1635 9
  • Mr. Edward Kemp, (b. 1616), aged 19, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Alexander" arriving in Barbados in 1635 19
  • Mr. Humphrey Kemp, (b. 1619), aged 16, British settler travelling aboard the ship "The Dorset" arriving in Barbados in September 1635 20
Kemp Settlers in West Indies in the 18th Century
  • Hugh Kemp, who landed in Jamaica in 1730 9

Contemporary Notables of the name Kemp (post 1700) +

  • Elizabeth Kemp (1951-2017), American actress and acting coach
  • Helen Hubbert Kemp (1918-2015), American voice teacher, church music pedagogue, composer, and children's choir clinician
  • Wayne Kemp (1941-2015), American country music singer
  • Earl Kemp (b. 1929), American Hugo Award winning publisher, science fiction editor and critic
  • Daniel "Dan" Kemp (1927-2000), American actor, best known for his many roles in television westerns
  • Jack French Kemp (1935-2009), American politician and government official, he was Bob Dole's running mate in 1996 presidential campaign
  • C. E. Kemp, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Arkansas, 1960 21
  • Bolivar Edwards Kemp (1871-1933), American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Louisiana, 1920; U.S. Representative from Louisiana 6th District, 1925-33 22
  • Benjamin R. Kemp (1830-1864), American politician, Member of Indiana State House of Representatives, 1863 22
  • ... (Another 56 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Centaur
  • Alvan Roy Kemp (1922-1943), Australian Private who died aboard the ship "Centaur" an Australian hospital ship when torpedoed on 14th May 1943
  • Mr. Francis T Kemp, British Ordinary Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 22
  • Mr. Douglas Kemp, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 23
  • Lewis Holdsworth Kemp (d. 1939), British Ordnance Artificer 4th Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 24
  • Mr. Thomas Hulman Kemp (d. 1912), aged 43, English Assistant Fourth Engineer from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 25
  • ... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Suggested Readings for the name Kemp +

  • Heistand Family History by Barbara Hiestand Moore.
  • Kemp Family Records by Thomas J. Kemp.
  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  3. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  4. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  5. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  6. "Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
  7. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
  8. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  9. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  10. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  11. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  12. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/calcutta
  14. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Ann voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1809 with 200 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/ann/1809
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
  17. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 9th December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/canada
  18. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  19. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  20. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 29th September 2021. Retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  21. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 23) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  22. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  23. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  24. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
  25. Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html

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