Kenneth
Kenneth is a boy name of Scottish Gaelic origin meaning “Handsome, born of fire”, pronounced KEN-eth. It ranked #294 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,148 babies, and peaked at #13 in 1939. Common nicknames: Ken, Kenny, Kenn.
How popular is Kenneth in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Kenneth mean, and where does it come from?
Kenneth derives from two distinct Gaelic names that merged over time: "Cinaed" meaning "born of fire" and "Cainnech" meaning "handsome" or "fair one." The most famous historical bearer was Kenneth MacAlpin, the 9th-century king who united the Picts and Scots to form the Kingdom of Alba, considered the foundation of modern Scotland. The name was enormously popular in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. While less common today, Kenneth retains a classic, distinguished quality that connects it to Scottish royal heritage.
How is Kenneth used around the world?
Kenneth is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 3+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Kenneth?
Famous People Named Kenneth
- Kenneth Branagh — British actor and director
- Kenneth Cole — American fashion designer
- Kenneth Clark — British art historian and broadcaster
Similar Names to Kenneth
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Sibling Name Ideas for Kenneth
Looking for names that pair well with Kenneth? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Kenneth mean?
Kenneth is a boy name of Scottish Gaelic origin meaning "Handsome, born of fire." Kenneth derives from two distinct Gaelic names that merged over time: "Cinaed" meaning "born of fire" and "Cainnech" meaning "handsome" or "fair one." The most famous historical bearer was Kenneth MacAlpin, the 9th-century king who united the Picts and Scots to form the Kingdom of Alba, considered the foundation of modern Scotland.
How do you pronounce Kenneth?
Kenneth is pronounced KEN-eth. Common variations include Keneth, Kennith, Coinneach.
Is Kenneth a boy name?
Yes, Kenneth is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Ken, Kenny, Kenn.