Kenneth has always been one of the most popular baby names for boys. Though it sounds traditional now, it is still a top 250 option. Prior to that, the name spent 80 years on the top 50 list and 40 years on the top 20 list.
Meaning and Origin of the name Kenneth:
Kenneth originated in Scotland and Ireland during the ninth century. It was first used as the anglicized name of the first king of Scotland, whose name beforehand was Cinaed. Sir Walter Scott helped to spread the name through his book “The Talisman”, written in the nineteenth century. The name means “born of fire” and “handsome”.
Symbolism of the Name Kenneth:
The original Scottish baby name, Cinaed, means “born of fire”. Kenneth could also come from the Gaelic name Coinneach, however, which comes from the word “caoin” meaning “handsome”. An obvious symbol for this name is fire.
Style of the Name Kenneth:
Traditional
Gender of the Name Kenneth:
Kenneth is a serious and formal baby boy name.
Pronunciation of the Name Kenneth:
KEHN-eth
Number of Syllables in the Name Kenneth:
Two
Emotion Evoked from the Name Kenneth:
Kenneth feels formal and earnest. When you utilize the nickname Kenny, however, it is a bit more approachable and kind.
Alternative Spellings for the Name Kenneth:
- Kenath
- Kennath
- Keneth
Nicknames for the Name Kenneth:
Kenneth is commonly shortened to Ken or Kenny. There are a lot of other options if you want your child to have something more original! You can try a two-letter nickname like K.T., or a presidential nickname like Kennedy. Whatever you choose, make sure it's the right fit for your child!
Popularity of the Name Kenneth:
Kenneth was a top 100 name until 2001; within that time, it was a top 50 name from 1906 to 1986. The baby name Kenneth even retained a top 20 spot from 1924 to 1964. As of 2022, the name is still a top 300 name at rank 264.
Related Names for the Name Kenneth:
Great Middle Names for Kenneth and Their Meanings:
- George (farmer)
- Odell (woodhill)
- Vance (from the marsh)
- Grant (tall, big)
- Drake (snake, dragon)
- Damian (to tame, to subdue)
- Alden (old friend)
- Daniel (God is my judge)
Famous People with the Name Kenneth:
- Kenneth I (first king of Scotland)
- Kenneth Chesney (country music singer)
- Kenneth Rogers (country music singer)
- Kenneth Loggins (country music singer)
- Kenneth Burke (philosopher)
- Kenneth Williams (actor, “Carry On Henry”)
- Kenneth Mayne (sports journalist)
- Kenneth Edmonds (Babyface, R&B singer)
Kenneths in Popular Culture:
- Kenneth Carson (name of “Ken” doll by Mattel)
- Kenneth(character from “A Dance to the Music of Time” series)
- Kenneth Monnitoff (character from “Donnie Darko”)
- Kenneth Waters (character from “Conviction”)
- Kenneth McCormick (character from “Southpark”)
- Kenneth Ford (character from “Anne of Ingleside”)
- Kenneth Dilaurentis (character from “Pretty Little Liars”)
- Kenneth McLaughlin (character from “My Friend Flicka”)