Kennett History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:

England

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The ancestors of the Kennett surname lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. The name comes from when they lived in the settlement of Kennett in Cambridgeshire, or in East Kennett or West Kennett in the county of Wiltshire. The surname Kennett 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 Kennett family

The surname Kennett 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 Kennett family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kennett 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 Kennett History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kennett Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Kennett include Kennet, Kennett Kenet and others.

Early Notables of the Kennett family

Notables of this surname at this time include:

White Kennett (1660-1728), an English bishop and antiquarian from Dover, Bishop of Peterborough (1718-1728)

Kennett Ranking

In the United States, the name Kennett is the 11,204^th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 2

Kennett migration to the United States +

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants:

Kennett Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Martin Kennett, who landed in Virginia in 1638 3
Peter Kennett, who arrived in Virginia in 1655 3
Richard Kennett, who settled in New England in 1680
Margaret Kennett, who arrived in Virginia in 1699 3

Kennett Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

George Kennett, who settled in Virginia in 1727

Kennett Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Thomas Kennett, aged 35, who landed in Connecticut in 1812 3

Kennett migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Kennett Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Thomas Kennett, aged 22, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Prudence" in 1838

Kennett migration to Australia +

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

Kennett Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Thomas Butler Kennett, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Surrey" in 1838 4
William Kennett, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Duke of Bedford" in 1848 5
William Kennett, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "The Stratheden" in 1850 6
John Kennett, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Hibernia" in 1851 7
William Kennett, aged 17, who arrived in South Australia in 1852 aboard the ship "Amazon" 8

Kennett 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:

Kennett Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Miss Sarah Kennett, (b. 1842), aged 25, British cook travelling from London aboard the ship 'Mermaid' arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 3rd January 1868 9

Contemporary Notables of the name Kennett (post 1700) +

Luther Martin Kennett (1807-1873), American politician, U.S. Representative from Missouri
Gordon William Kennett (1953-2023), English motorcycle speedway rider. 1978 World Paris Championship winner, runner up in 1978 Individual Speedway World Championship, at Wembley
Gordon William Kennett (1953-2023), English motorcycle speedway rider, winner of the World Pairs Championship with Malcolm Simmons in 1978
White Kennett (1660-1728), English bishop and antiquarian
Edward "Eddie" David Kennett (b. 1986), English motorcycle speedway rider
Mr. Glen Kennett M.B.E., British Fiscal Crime Liaison Officer for British High Commission Kuala Lumpur, was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire on 29th December 2018 for services to Her Majesty’s Government overseas 10
Murray Kennett (b. 1952), former Canadian World Hockey Association player
Rick Kennett (b. 1956), Australian writer of science fiction, horror and ghost stories
Jeffrey Gibb "Jeff" Kennett AC (b. 1948), Australian politician, 43rd Premier of Victoria, (1992-1999)

Historic Events for the Kennett family +

The Kennett 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.