Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kenna
GirlIrish, Scottish· “short for McKenna”
- Meaning
- short for McKenna
- Origin
- Irish, Scottish
- Pronunciation
- KEN-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #759
- US babies 2025
- 357
- Best rank
- #661 (2016)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Kenna
Kenna is an Irish and Scottish name that is usually said to mean “short for McKenna”.
Kenna is most often a short form of McKenna, an Irish and Scottish surname from Mac Cionaodha, meaning son of Cionaodh. Cionaodh, one of the sources of Kenneth, is usually linked to a word for fire, though its meaning is not certain, and Cináed mac Ailpín, known in English as Kenneth MacAlpin, is traditionally counted as the first king of Scots in the ninth century. Kenna can also serve as a feminine form of Kenneth. In the United States it became a girls' name in the late twentieth century, when McKenna and Mackenzie were rising. Ken and Kenny work as casual nicknames.
Popularity over time
Kenna first appears in US Social Security records in 1924. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 26 different years, starting in 2000. Its best national rank was #661 in 2016, the same year it reached its highest count of 444 babies. In 2025, 357 babies were named Kenna, and it ranked #759 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,697 in 1950, #1,617 in 1980, #990 in 2000, #845 in 2010, and #759 in 2025. Of the 13,536 US girls named Kenna since records began, 27% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 2,999 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kenia, Liv, Joelle, Kinslee, and Jayde.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kenna ranked highest in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | #253 | 14 |
| Oklahoma | #465 | 9 |
| Wisconsin | #498 | 10 |
| Ohio | #509 | 21 |
| Washington | #529 | 13 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Kenna over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Kenna is usually pronounced KEN-uh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Kenna
A few middle names that flow with Kenna: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kenna
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Lists that include Kenna
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kenna mean?
Kenna is an Irish and Scottish name that is usually said to mean “short for McKenna”.
What is the origin of the name Kenna?
Kenna has Irish and Scottish roots. Kenna is most often a short form of McKenna, an Irish and Scottish surname from Mac Cionaodha, meaning son of Cionaodh.
Is Kenna a popular name?
Yes. Kenna ranked #759 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kenna a boy or girl name?
Kenna is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Kenna over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Kenna?
Kenna is usually pronounced KEN-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings