Declining since 2003, #3,240 for boys today.
Popularity of Ken since 1900
Babies named Ken per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 7 |
| 1910s | 140 |
| 1920s | 380 |
| 1930s | 1,667 |
| 1940s | 4,874 |
| 1950s | 7,111 |
| 1960s | 11,898 |
| 1970s | 2,243 |
| 1980s | 1,231 |
| 1990s | 1,191 |
| 2000s | 1,228 |
| 2010s | 776 |
| 2020s | 267 |
Meaning & origin
Ken has been a familiar short form of Kenneth for over a century, first recorded in the U.S. in 1900. It reached its peak popularity in 1960, ranking within the top 100 names for boys at the time. However, its usage has been steadily declining since 2003, reflecting broader trends away from nickname-as-full-name choices. In 2025, Ken was given to approximately 1 in 47,447 newborns, landing at rank 3240. The name saw its greatest frequency during the 1960s, when it was particularly popular in California. Ken's dual heritage as a Scottish and Japanese name gives it cross-cultural appeal, though its current trajectory suggests it has become less common as a standalone given name.
Ken originated as a short form of Kenneth, a Scottish name derived from Gaelic 'Cinaed' meaning 'born of fire.' In Japanese, Ken (健) means 'healthy, strong,' and can also be a standalone name or short for Kenji. In English use, Ken has been a common diminutive since the 19th century, often associated with the character Ken from the Barbie franchise introduced in 1961.
Where Ken is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kenny
Sibling names for Ken
Names that share Ken's style, for a brother or sister.
