Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kenneth
BoyScottish· “handsome; or born of fire”
- Meaning
- handsome; or born of fire
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- KEH-nihth
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #294
- US babies 2025
- 1,148
- Best rank
- #13 (1939)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Kenneth
Kenneth is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “handsome; or born of fire”.
Kenneth is an anglicized form of two Scottish Gaelic names: Coinneach, usually explained as "handsome," and Cináed, often said to mean "born of fire." Cináed mac Ailpín, known in English as Kenneth MacAlpin, was a ninth-century king traditionally counted as the first king of the Scots, and later Scottish kings also bore the name. Kenneth spread through the English-speaking world in the twentieth century and was especially common in the mid-century. It now feels friendly and a little retro, with a comeback appeal. Ken, Kenny and Kenzie are the usual nicknames.
Popularity over time
Kenneth has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #13 in 1939, and the most babies received it in 1957, when 28,064 were named Kenneth. In 2025, 1,148 babies were named Kenneth, and it ranked #294 nationally. That is 44% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #23 in 1920, #15 in 1950, #41 in 1980, #94 in 2000, #160 in 2010, and #294 in 2025. Of the 1,283,974 US boys named Kenneth since records began, 20% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 227,531 babies. Since 2010, 28,040 more have been named Kenneth.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Paul, Joseph, Steven, Douglas, and Randy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kenneth ranked highest in Alaska, District of Columbia, and Kentucky.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #127 | 7 |
| District of Columbia | #189 | 5 |
| Kentucky | #208 | 27 |
| West Virginia | #216 | 9 |
| Michigan | #219 | 45 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Kenneth is usually pronounced KEH-nihth, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with K and ends in “-th”.
Middle names for Kenneth
A few middle names that flow with Kenneth: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kenneth
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Lists that include Kenneth
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kenneth mean?
Kenneth is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “handsome; or born of fire”.
What is the origin of the name Kenneth?
Kenneth has Scottish roots. Kenneth is an anglicized form of two Scottish Gaelic names: Coinneach, usually explained as "handsome," and Cináed, often said to mean "born of fire." Cináed mac Ailpín, known in English as Kenneth MacAlpin, was a ninth-century king traditionally counted as the first king of the Scots, and later Scottish kings also bore the name.
Is Kenneth a popular name?
Yes. Kenneth ranked #294 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kenneth a boy or girl name?
Kenneth is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Kenneth?
Kenneth is usually pronounced KEH-nihth. 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