Etymology
It was formerly known as the "Cunnit". Local historian Michael Dames claims the name is related to the word "cunt", though it is more likely derived from the nearby Roman settlement of Cunetio (now Mildenhall).
Following this idea it may be related with the "Cynetes" a very ancient people.
In the "Dictionnaire de la langue gauloise" (dictionary of the Gallic language), Xavier Delamare proposes : cuno meaning "dog", and knowing in insulary Celtic otter is said "water dog", the name of Kennet could be "otter's lair".
e.g. : cuno ->Ki, Breton Ki-dour, cornish dowr-gi, Welsh dyfr-gi
Read more about this topic: River Kennet
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