Surname Kellen - Meaning and Origin
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Kellen: What does the surname Kellen mean?
The last name Kellen is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Ó Ceallachain, meaning "Descendant of Ceallachain". Ceallachain, meaning "strife" or "combat", was the original name of a number of distinct early Irish clans, including the O'Kellens of Munster.
The O'Kellens were an ancient family of note in Munster, descending from Ceneoil, a descendant of Colla the "Fighter". The O'Kellens were one of the ancient Irish tribes whose principal stronghold was part of modern County Cork, while they also held lands in County Limerick, Waterford, and Tipperary. They had many castles and many septs, the most famous of which were the MacAuliffe's of Kinelaroy Hill in County Cork.
The Kellen name is still found today in both Ireland and England, though it is fairly rare. Those with the surname often have some connection to one of the many variations of the ancient Celtic tribes. Those of Irish descent may trace their lineage to the O'Kellens of Munster, while those of English descent may be descended from the Anglo-Saxons from whom the Celts and O'Kellens derived their original surname.
The Kellen surname is strongly associated with Irish heritage and culture, as well as a proud warrior tradition, honour, and strength. Those bearing the Kellen name today can take comfort in the fact that they are part of an ancient and distinguished family with a rich and proud heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisKellen: Where does the name Kellen come from?
The last name Kellen is most commonly found today in countries such as the United States, Canada, Ireland, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
In the United States, Kellen is most commonly found in the Midwest, specifically in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. This is consistent with other research that indicates that Kellen is descended from Irish immigrants who settled in the Midwest during the 1800s. In Canada, the last name is most prevalent in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, likely due to immigration to these provinces from Ireland and the United Kingdom. In Ireland, Kellen is most commonly found in Leinster, meaning it likely originated in this area.
In Germany, the last name is most common in southern and western Germany, which German genealogists attribute to a migration from the western German provinces of Westphalia or Nassau. In the United Kingdom, Kellen is most common in the English counties of Surrey and Kent, likely due to immigration and settlement in these areas.
Kellen is an uncommon name with a diverse geographical and cultural background. Overall, its prevalence indicates the spread of Irish immigrants throughout North America and Europe and the success they have achieved in their new homes.
Variations of the surname Kellen
The surname Kellen is of Irish origin and is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Ceallacháin, which means “descendant of Ceallachán”. Ceallachán was a personal name in ancient Ireland, derived from the Irish ceall, which means “church” or “monastery”.
Variants of the surname Kellen include O’Kellam, Killen, Killian, Kealan, and Killane. O’Kellam is the most common variant of the surname, and it is most often seen as O'Kellam or O’Kellan in Ireland.
The surname is also spelled in various ways, such as Callen, Kellin, Killen, Kilin, Kullen and Cullin. All of these variations of the name are still found today in both Ireland and the United States.
Other surnames derived from the same Irish surname include Mac Kellen, Kealy, Kelleher, Kellett, Kellogg, and Kelley. These surnames are related because they all derive from the same root name, Ó Ceallacháin.
The surname Kellen is still very common today and can be found in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States. It is an ancient Irish name that has survived through the centuries and is still seen in all its various forms today.
Famous people with the name Kellen
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- James Kellen: an American aviator and yarn manufacturer.
- Sarah Finnell Kellen: an American pop and classical music singer.