Kinney: Variant of the Scottish Patronymic name Kenney derived from the Gaelic given name Cionaodha, of unknown origin, but likely composed of the elements cion = respect + Aodh = pagan god of fire. Occasionally Kenney is derived as an Irish Patronymic name through the Anglicizing of O'Coinnigh -- 'descendant of Coinneach. Variations are McKinney, McKenney, McKenna, McKinna, and McKennan, among others.
Source:
http://www.cyberspacei.com/englishwiz/library/names/etymology_of_last_names.htm