A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Keni since 1956
Babies named Keni per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 17 | 0 |
| 1960s | 21 | 0 |
| 1970s | 31 | 0 |
| 1980s | 45 | 0 |
| 1990s | 58 | 7 |
| 2000s | 22 | 55 |
| 2010s | 21 | 16 |
| 2020s | 44 | 10 |
Meaning & origin
Keni is a rare unisex name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1956, with its highest usage in 1978 (peak year). After decades of low use, it has been rising again since 2016. As of 2025, the name is given to approximately 1 in every 229,610 newborns. Its origins are unclear, likely a modern invented name or a playful short form. Keni has not been recorded in any top states, reflecting its rarity. The name's gentle sound and simplicity may appeal to parents seeking something unusual and contemporary.
Keni first appeared in U.S. records in 1956 but remained rare through the 1960s. It saw a modest peak in the late 1970s, then declined. The name is likely a modern coinage, possibly inspired by the name Ken or the country Kenya, or created as a fashionable short form. Its meaning is not historically attested.
Sibling names for Keni
Names that share Keni's style, for a brother or sister.
