Show ContentsKaneen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Kaneen name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in the township of Kenyon found in the parish of Winwick in the county of Lancashire. 1

Early Origins of the Kaneen family

The surname Kaneen was first found in Lancashire where Lord Kenyon's family are descended from the Kenyons of Peele and their surname is doubtless derived from the township of Kenyon in that shire. 2

"Early mention is made of a family of the local name, and also of the Lauton family, of whom Jordan de Lauton, in the reign of Edward I., assumed the name of Kenyon. Kenyon Hall, the original residence of the Kenyons, was rebuilt in the 17th century, and is the property of the earl [of Wilton]. " 1

Lowton in Lancashire "gave name to a family who subsequently adopted the surname of Kenyon from their possessions in a neighbouring township." 1

Early History of the Kaneen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kaneen research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1812, 1848 and 1869 are included under the topic Early Kaneen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kaneen Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Kaneen were recorded, including Kenyon, Kenion, Kennion and others.

Early Notables of the Kaneen family

More information is included under the topic Early Kaneen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Kaneen family to Ireland

Some of the Kaneen family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Kaneen migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Kaneen family emigrate to North America:

Kaneen Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Danl. Kaneen, aged 56, who arrived in America, in 1892
  • Mrs. Kaneen, aged 56, who arrived in America, in 1892
Kaneen Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Phillips Kaneen, aged 22, who arrived in America from Ramsey, Isle of Man, in 1907
  • William A. Kaneen, aged 41, who arrived in Oakland, California, in 1920

Contemporary Notables of the name Kaneen (post 1700) +

  • J. S. Kaneen, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Nevada, 1876 3


The Kaneen Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Magnanimiter crucem sustine
Motto Translation: Sustain the cross (i.e. support afflictions) with magnanimity.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 6) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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