K is for …

Based on: Reaney, P H, (ed. Wilson, R M), 1997, Oxford Dictionary of English Surnames, 3rd ed., OUP, Oxford, unless otherwise stated.

Keen

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred:  Elizabeth Keen, born about 1808, Derbyshire.

From Old English placenames Cyn- or Cyne– and more recent examples, such as Kenward, Kenway or Kerrich.  Also from Middle English kene, wise, brave or proud, that is from personal characteristics.

Kesterton

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred:  Susannah Kesterton, born about 1813, Pipe Hill, Staffordshire.

Note covered by Reaney, but a person from various places named Chesterton, after Old English ceaster, implying some type of Roman fort or station was nearby.

Houses at Pipe Hill, Staffordshire.

Kirk

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred:  Daniel Kirk, born about 1804, Blackfordby, Leicestershire.

Someone who lived by a church, from Old Norse kirkje.

Knowles

Earliest in Andrew’s Kindred:  Samuel Knowles, born about 1805, Tansley, Derbyshire.

Reaney equates this with Knoll, dweller by the hill top, after various places named Knole or Knowle.  From Old English cnoll.