Kenneth: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: ke-hnne-hth
Origin: United Kingdom
gender-male

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Aug 14, 2024 · 2 mins read
Region Origin: Northern Europe
Meaning: Handsome

Kenneth is a given name of Gaelic origin, and it is an Anglicized form of two distinct Gaelic personal names: Cainnech and Cináed. The modern Gaelic form of Cainnech is Coinneach, which is derived from a byname meaning "handsome" or "comely". The second part of the name Cináed is derived either from the Celtic *aidhu, meaning "fire," or else Brittonic jʉ:ð, meaning "lord". The name Kenneth has a rich history, with its origins in the ancient cultures of Scotland and Ireland. The name Kenneth has been borne by several notable figures, such as the Scottish king Kenneth (Cináed) mac Alpin, who united the Scots and Picts in the 9th century. The name was popularized outside of Scotland by Sir Walter Scott, who used it for the hero in his 1825 novel "The Talisman". Another famous bearer of the name was the British novelist Kenneth Grahame, who wrote "The Wind in the Willows". Today, the name Kenneth remains popular, with a meaning that can be translated as "fire born" or "good-looking".

Kenneth Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Kenneth is currently #586 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Kenneth is currently #586 on Kiindred Boy Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Kenneth is currently #578 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-male Boy Unique: Kenneth is currently #578 on Kiindred Boy Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

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Famous People Named Kenneth

This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Kenneth, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.

  • Kenneth Branagh: Kenneth Branagh is a Northern Irish actor, director, producer, and screenwriter known for his adaptations of Shakespeare plays and films like "Henry V," "Hamlet," and "Murder on the Orient Express."
  • Ken Jeong: An American actor, comedian, and physician, known for his roles in films like "The Hangover" and "Knocked Up." He has also had a successful career in television, starring in shows like "Community" and "Dr. Ken."

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