Kenneth
- Meaning
- Anglicized forms with different Gaelic roots
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What does Kenneth mean?
Kenneth means “Anglicized forms with different Gaelic roots”.
Kenneth represents more than one Gaelic name in English. Coinneach is associated with being handsome, while Cináed is traditionally interpreted in connection with being born of fire. These are separate source names, so Kenneth does not simply mean both things at once.
Scottish royal history gives Kenneth an older association, while musicians Kenny Rogers and Kenny Chesney make the short form familiar. Ken is briefer still. Families using Kenneth to honor a relative can preserve the English form; those choosing for Gaelic heritage may want to identify which older name they intend. That distinction makes its meaning more precise.
Nicknames & variations
Explore short forms, spellings, and related names.
Nicknames for Kenneth
Short forms for everyday use.
Variations & related forms
Related forms and spellings recorded for this name.
How popular is Kenneth?
United States · 2025Explore how often Kenneth is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US boys rank
- #294 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Boys named Kenneth
- 1,148 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 3.5% Fewer than 2024
Kenneth over time
United States · Boys
Recorded births
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Yearly data & usage
Rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys. The summary highlights boys, the most common recorded usage in 2025. Use the chart’s usage selector to explore both categories.
| Year | Usage | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Boys | #294 | 1,148 |
| 2024 | Boys | #284 | 1,190 |
| 2023 | Boys | #262 | 1,321 |
| 2022 | Boys | #263 | 1,312 |
| 2021 | Boys | #258 | 1,373 |
| 2020 | Boys | #243 | 1,483 |
| 2019 | Boys | #233 | 1,623 |
| 2019 | Girls | #13,132 | 7 |
| 2018 | Boys | #225 | 1,671 |
| 2017 | Boys | #217 | 1,766 |
| 2016 | Boys | #208 | 1,921 |
| 2016 | Girls | #17,606 | 5 |
| 2015 | Boys | #198 | 2,033 |
| 2014 | Boys | #191 | 2,153 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Kenneth
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Liam
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Resolute protection
Shares an origin with Kenneth.
Riley
Unisex- Meaning
- Rye clearing (English); Irish surname origin uncertain
Shares an origin with Kenneth.
Logan
Unisex- Meaning
- Small hollow
Shares an origin with Kenneth.
Rowan
Unisex- Meaning
- Rowan tree; little redhead
Shares an origin with Kenneth.
Aiden
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Little and fiery
Shares an origin with Kenneth.
Nolan
Mostly boys- Meaning
- Traditionally interpreted as champion or noble
Shares an origin with Kenneth.
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