Kenett History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The origins of the Kenett name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in the settlement of Kennett in Cambridgeshire, or in East Kennett or West Kennett in the county of Wiltshire. The surname Kenett belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Kenett family

The surname Kenett was first found in Wiltshire. "This place, in Domesday Book called Chenete, was anciently a distinct parish, and was held by the church of St. Mary at Winchester." 1

Early History of the Kenett family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kenett research. Another 120 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1237, 1660, 1674, 1715, 1718, 1728 and 1780 are included under the topic Early Kenett History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kenett 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 Kenett were recorded, including Kennet, Kennett Kenet and others.

Early Notables of the Kenett family

Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kenett Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kenett family

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 Kenett family emigrate to North America: Richard Kennet who was working as an apothecary in Boston in the 17th century; Benjamine Kennet settled in Annapolis Maryland in 1729; Peter Kennett settled in Virginia in 1655.

The Kenett 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: Audi alteram partem
Motto Translation: Hear the other party.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.