Holding steady, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Kenaz since 1999
Babies named Kenaz per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 9 |
| 2000s | 79 |
| 2010s | 14 |
| 2020s | 30 |
Meaning & origin
Kenaz is a rare modern name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1999. As of 2025, it ranks 8,910th, with roughly 1 in 213,510 boys receiving the name. Its peak year was 2008, though overall usage has remained stable and low. The name's origins are debated: some connect it to the Elder Futhark rune Kenaz (ᚲ), symbolizing knowledge or a torch, while others see it as a creative respelling of Kenan or a diminutive of Kenneth. Without historical precedent, it is best classified as a modern English coinage. Its sound aligns with other short, sharp names like Kael and Jax, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible choice. No top states are recorded, suggesting even geographic distribution among a very small number of bearers.
Kenaz first appeared in U.S. records in 1999 and may be a modern coinage inspired by the Elder Futhark rune ᚲ (kaunan), meaning 'torch' or 'knowledge.' It could also be a respelling of Kenan or a shortened form of Kenneth. No historical usage before 1999 is attested, and its etymology remains speculative.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ken, Kenny
Variants: Kenaz
Sibling names for Kenaz
Names that share Kenaz's style, for a brother or sister.
