Show ContentsKanin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestry of the name Kanin dates from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. 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 Kanin family

The surname Kanin 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 Kanin family

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

Kanin Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Kanin have been found, including Kenyon, Kenion, Kennion and others.

Early Notables of the Kanin family

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

Ireland Migration of the Kanin family to Ireland

Some of the Kanin 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.

Migration of the Kanin family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Kanin, or a variant listed above: Henry Kenyon arrived in Philadelphia in 1795; Bernard, James, Peter, Robert, Samuel and Thomas Kenyon all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..


Contemporary Notables of the name Kanin (post 1700) +

  • Doris M. Kanin, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Massachusetts, 1972, 1980 (alternate) 3


The Kanin 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


Houseofnames.com on Facebook