Kemmitt surname

Mullinabreena

I'm trying to find out information on a fairly rare surname called Kemmitt. Some variants of the name are Kemmett, Kemmitt, Kemmit, Kimet, Kemmet, Kimmit, Kimit

The surname and its variant are mainly found in Co. Sligo but mainly in a few parishes. I've attached some maps from barrygriffin.com wonderful website to show their locations below.

Sadly there aren't any Kemmitts left in the area that I know of but I'm interested in the name because it was my great grandmother's name. All the Kemmitts in Sligo were Catholic so I'm wondering what would their origin be? I can't find an Irish version of the name either. But I doesn't really sound very Irish either? Any help I'd be grateful

mikewest

There were some in Co Roscommon until recently. Contact by PM if you wish but I can only give some general information.

pinkypinky

Could it be a corruption of Kemmis? I mean one that stuck obviously.

Mullinabreena

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120144184#Comment_120144184

Thanks mikewest I sent you a message

Mullinabreena

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120144934#Comment_120144934

Possibly, it sounds French so maybe Norman/old English origin

Mick Tator

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120145845#Comment_120145845

The Kemys /Kemeys /Kemmis surname is from Middle Welsh kemmeis ‘bends in a river’ (modern cemais). I’ve encountered it in some late 17th century Dublin research. Nicholas Kemys was a J.P. and a substantial property owner, with assets in counties Carlow, Dublin, Kerry, Meath and Wexford. Among them were the fishing rights to the River Liffey, a public house in Dublin called ‘The Wandering Jew’ and Ferns Castle in Co Wexford. He had a son and a daughter; the latter was his sole heir. I don't recall any Sligo connection.

edit - Kemish is Olde English, from French, chemise