Surname Kerns - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Ties that Bind: A Journey into the Kerns Family History Through iGENEA DNA Analysis
Dive deep into the journey of discovering the historical roots of the surname Kerns through DNA analysis with iGENEA. Unravel the Irish, German and Jewish origins of the Kerns family name and gain fresh insights on the rich lineage attached to this name.
B. Kerns
read moreKerns: What does the surname Kerns mean?
The surname Kerns is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic term "cearn" which means "corner". It was often given as a nickname to people who lived near a prominent corner or bend, particularly on a road or a river. The name could also be a variation of the Gaelic name "O'Ciarain" or "O'Ceirin", meaning the "descendant of Ciaran". These names in turn are derived from the Gaelic word "ciar" signifying "black" or "dark". Therefore, another interpretation of the name could be “dark-haired" or "dark-skinned". As a common surname in Ireland, Kerns is usually associated with Counties Donegal and Tyrone in the northern part of the island. Like many surnames, the variations in spelling over centuries and translations include Kearns, Kerins, Kernan, and others.
Order DNA origin analysisKerns: Where does the name Kerns come from?
The last name Kerns is of German and Irish origin. As a German surname, it was derived from "kern," meaning "small grain," and was often given to a miller or a kernel (the son of a noble). The Irish translation is from the Gaelic personal name Ceirin or the word ceirin meaning "little dark one."
Today, the surname Kerns is most widespread in the United States. According to Forebears, it is most prevalent in the states of Pennsylvania and Ohio. However, the surname bears a high density in Northern Ireland, specifically in the region of Londonderry. The name is also common in Canada, Australia, and England.
Despite its origins, the Kerns surname has spread globally due to emigration and is now found in many countries across the world. Historical events often influenced the scattering of the name, such as the Irish Potato Famine in the 19th century which saw large numbers of Irish people emigrating to other countries.
Variations of the surname Kerns
The surname Kerns is of Irish origin and has several variant spellings which include: Kearns, Kirns, Kern, Kerne, Kearne, Kerrane, O'Kerns, O'Kearns, Kernan, and Kernen. Some variations in different countries include Kerns in England, Körner in Germany, and Kern in Scotland.
The surname's origin can be traced back to the Gaelic tribal group Ui Fiachrach, specifically the families O Ciarain and Mac Ciarain based in County Sligo, Ireland. Over centuries, the names became Anglicised forming the surname Kearns. The versions including an apostrophe (O'Kerns, O'Kearns) indicate descent from a forefather with this tribal name. In some cases, the initial 'K' might be replaced with a 'C' turning Kerns, Kearns, etc. into Cerns, Carne, Carney, and Carnes among others.
Other surnames like Kernan and Kernen have slight variations compared to the original and are most likely due to regional dialect differences or misspellings over time. Likewise, surnames in other countries share the same root but have adapted according to their respective languages such as Körner in Germany or Kern in Scotland.
When it comes to spelling, many versions can exist due to errors in translation, phonetic spelling, and changes over time and across geographies. Therefore, a full list of possible spellings might be extensive.
Famous people with the name Kerns
- Gary Kerns, former professional American football player
- Alyson Kerns, actresses on "Once Upon a Time" and "The Big Bang Theory"
- Sam Kerns, actor on "The Dark Knight"
- Kay Kearsley, Australian model
- Crystal Kerns, actress on "The Vampire Diaries"
- Will Kerns, former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Julianna Kearsley, Australian model
- Tom Kearsley, American actor
- Zachary Kerns, American actor
- Jana Kerns, former News anchor
- Brett Kerns, former professional football player
- Luke Kerns, former professional basketball player
- Dennis Kerns, former professional basketball player
- Bill Kerns, former Major League Baseball pitcher
- K.C Kerns, American singer and songwriter
- Joe Kerns, professional wrestler
- Kate Kerns, professional surfer
- Thomas Kerns, former television judge
- Brad Kerns, American actor
- Lou Kerns, former professional baseball player