Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kenny
BoyScottish· “handsome; pet form of Kenneth”
- Meaning
- handsome; pet form of Kenneth
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- KEH-nee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,271
- US babies 2025
- 155
- Best rank
- #169 (1960)
- Peak year
- 1960
Meaning and origin of Kenny
Kenny is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “handsome; pet form of Kenneth”.
Kenny is a pet form of Kenneth, the English form of two Gaelic names, Coinneach, meaning handsome, and Cináed, often explained as born of fire. Kenneth MacAlpin, a ninth-century king, is remembered as the founder of the Scottish kingdom. Kenny can also be a short form of Kendrick or Kennedy. It has a friendly, easygoing character and is associated with performers such as the country singer Kenny Rogers. Kenny works as an independent name or as a nickname for a boy formally named Kenneth.
Other spellings with the same sound: Kenney.
Popularity over time
Kenny first appears in US Social Security records in 1908. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 90 different years, starting in 1929. Its best national rank was #169 in 1960, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,934 babies. In 2025, 155 babies were named Kenny, and it ranked #1,271 nationally. That is 37% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,660 in 1920, #299 in 1950, #330 in 1980, #431 in 2000, #631 in 2010, and #1,271 in 2025. Of the 51,931 US boys named Kenny since records began, 24% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 8,389 babies. Since 2010, 3,698 more have been named Kenny.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Ron, Bret, Stuart, Ken, and Timmy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kenny ranked highest in Massachusetts, New York, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #489 | 10 |
| New York | #869 | 16 |
| Minnesota | #874 | 5 |
| Arizona | #893 | 6 |
| Florida | #938 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Kenny over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Kenny is usually pronounced KEH-nee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-ny”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Kenney.
Middle names for Kenny
A few middle names that flow with Kenny: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kenny
Similar names
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Stuart Boy
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Manny Boy
MAN-ee
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Lists that include Kenny
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kenny mean?
Kenny is a Scottish name that is usually said to mean “handsome; pet form of Kenneth”.
What is the origin of the name Kenny?
Kenny has Scottish roots. Kenny is a pet form of Kenneth, the English form of two Gaelic names, Coinneach, meaning handsome, and Cináed, often explained as born of fire.
Is Kenny a popular name?
Not especially. Kenny ranked #1,271 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kenny a boy or girl name?
Kenny is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Kenny over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Kenny?
Kenny is usually pronounced KEH-nee. 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