Kanut History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Kanut

What does the name Kanut mean?

The name Kanut is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came 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 Kanut 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 Kanut family

The surname Kanut 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 Kanut family

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

Kanut Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Kanut are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Kanut include: Kennet, Kennett Kenet and others.

Early Notables of the Kanut family

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

Migration of the Kanut family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Kanut or a variant listed above: 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 Kanut 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.

Sources +

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