Kinsman

The English surname Kinsman is occupational in origin, being one of those names based on the type of work a man once did or the profession he pursued. In this case Kinsman is derivative of "the king's man," this was a name given to the assistants in the many festivities in which the king was personated. It was common practise throughout the villages in England to hold numerous festivals and mock ceremonials of medieval times. The "King" and "Queen" were enthroned every May-Day, and the proceedings were helped along by the chosen "king's men." As the title of King became hereditary, so too did Kingsmen, or Kinsmen. The fact that these surnames should be so largely represented in England today simply proves that every town and village had its festival and that the "king" and their assistants were proud of their titles.

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English: English in common usage may refer to:...

Surname: A surname is a name added to a given name and is part of a personal name. In many cases a surname is a family name; the family-name meaning first appeared in 1375. Many dictionaries define "surname" as a synonym of "family name". It is also known as a "last name". In some cultures, the surname may b...

Occupation: Occupation may refer to:...