The Kemp Family History

What Does the Kemp Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Kemp has its roots in England, Scotland, and Germany. Derived from the Middle English words ‘kempe’ and ‘cempa,’ the term historically denoted a warrior or champion, particularly in the contexts of jousting and wrestling. An alternative spelling of the surname is Kempe. In England, the Kemp lineage is believed to have originated in Kent, subsequently dispersing to regions such as Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Sussex, Hampshire, Yorkshire, as well as Lanarkshire and the city of London. In Scotland, the Kemp name is found in various areas, with a notable concentration in Aberdeenshire, Ross and Cromarty, Banffshire, Moray, Midlothian, Lanarkshire, Perthshire, and Stirlingshire. In the United States, families bearing the Kemp surname have been traced back to states including New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, California, Ohio, Michigan, and Florida. Notable individuals associated with the Kemp surname include David Kemp, an English footballer; Hal Kemp, a bandleader and composer; Jack Kemp, a professional football player and politician in Washington, D.; Matt Kemp, a professional baseball player; Shawn Kemp, a professional basketball player; Willie Kemp, a Scottish singer; and Kristen Kemp, a television actress.