Kenneth
Handsome, born of fire — a boy name of Scottish Gaelic origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Kenneth
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.
Kenneth 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.
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
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Sibling Name Ideas for Kenneth
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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.
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