Show ContentsKilmar History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Kilmar

What does the name Kilmar mean?

Kilmar is an Anglo-Saxon name. The name was originally given to a lime burner, a person in charge of a kiln. 1 2

Early Origins of the Kilmar family

The surname Kilmar was first found in Cumbria, England at St. Mary Ulverston where early records show Elizabeth Kilner was baptised in 1545. Esabell Kilner was buried there in 1546 and in 1560 Anthonie Kilner was baptised. The Lancashire Wills at Richmond show Thomas Kilner, of Aldingham on record in 1587. 1

Early History of the Kilmar family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kilmar research. Another 133 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1292, 1508, 1626, 1627 and 1732 are included under the topic Early Kilmar History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kilmar Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Kilmar has appeared include Kilner, Kilnore, Kelner and others.

Early Notables of the Kilmar family

More information is included under the topic Early Kilmar Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kilmar family

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Kilmar arrived in North America very early: William Kilner, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1762.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.


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