Explore the Family Name Kilkenny
The meaning of Kilkenny
Irish: Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Giolla Chainnigh ‘son of the servant (or devotee) of (Saint) Cainneach’ (often Anglicized Canice). See also McElhinney. Some characteristic forenames: Irish Colm, Kieran.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Kilkenny in the United States?
The surname Kilkenny has seen a slight decrease in its popularity ranking, according to data from the Decennial U.S. Census. It was ranked 20,413th in 2000 and dropped to 20,491st in 2010, representing a 0.38% change. However, the number of people with the Kilkenny surname increased by 7.02%, from 1,210 in 2000 to 1,295 in 2010. The proportion per 100k saw a slight decrease of 2.22%, going from 0.45 in 2000 to 0.44 in 2010.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #20,413 | #20,491 | -0.38% |
| Count | 1,210 | 1,295 | 7.02% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.45 | 0.44 | -2.22% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Kilkenny
In terms of ethnic identity, the Decennial U.S. Census data shows some changes between 2000 and 2010. Those identifying as White with the Kilkenny surname decreased from 90.33% to 86.02%, a change of -4.77%. During the same period, those identifying as Black increased their representation from 5.70% to 8.26%, a significant increase of 44.91%. Notably, there was an impressive growth in the Hispanic category, which went from 1.74% in 2000 to 3.01% in 2010, showing a 72.99% change. However, the percentage for Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian and Alaskan Native categories remained at zero. The "Two or more races" category also experienced a small increase, jumping from 1.65% in 2000 to 1.93% in 2010, a change of 16.97%.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 90.33% | 86.02% | -4.77% |
| Black | 5.7% | 8.26% | 44.91% |
| Hispanic | 1.74% | 3.01% | 72.99% |
| Two or More Races | 1.65% | 1.93% | 16.97% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |