Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kenzi
GirlScottish, American (modern coinage)· “short for Mackenzie”
- Meaning
- short for Mackenzie
- Origin
- Scottish, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- KEN-zee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,323
- US babies 2025
- 47
- Best rank
- #1,188 (2013)
- Peak year
- 2013
Meaning and origin of Kenzi
Kenzi is a Scottish and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “short for Mackenzie”.
Kenzi is a short form of Mackenzie, from the Scottish Gaelic surname MacCoinnich, meaning "son of Coinneach." Coinneach, the source of Kenneth, is often explained as "handsome" or "comely." Kenzi and Kenzie became popular as independent names in the United States as Mackenzie rose for girls. The -i ending gives it a playful, modern look. Kenzi is energetic and friendly, a good choice for parents who like the Scottish roots of Mackenzie in a shorter, brighter form.
Popularity over time
Kenzi first appears in US Social Security records in 1982. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,188 in 2013, the same year it reached its highest count of 203 babies. In 2025, 47 babies were named Kenzi, and it ranked #3,323 nationally. That is 69% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,493 in 2000, #1,726 in 2010, and #3,323 in 2025. Of the 3,208 US girls named Kenzi since records began, 49% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 690 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kenleigh, Cambree, Somaya, Miyah, and Lilyann.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kenzi ranked highest in California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #3327 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Kenzi over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Kenzi is usually pronounced KEN-zee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with K and ends in “-zi”.
Middle names for Kenzi
A few middle names that flow with Kenzi: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kenzi
Similar names
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Lists that include Kenzi
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kenzi mean?
Kenzi is a Scottish and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “short for Mackenzie”.
What is the origin of the name Kenzi?
Kenzi has Scottish and modern American roots. Kenzi is a short form of Mackenzie, from the Scottish Gaelic surname MacCoinnich, meaning "son of Coinneach." Coinneach, the source of Kenneth, is often explained as "handsome" or "comely." Kenzi and Kenzie became popular as independent names in the United States as Mackenzie rose for girls.
Is Kenzi a popular name?
Not especially. Kenzi ranked #3,323 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kenzi a boy or girl name?
Kenzi is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Kenzi over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Kenzi?
Kenzi is usually pronounced KEN-zee. 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