MallowbyNames

Kenise

ke-NEES · Of uncertain origin, possibly a modern feminine coinage.

Peak popularity
1984
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Kenise since 1955

Babies named Kenise per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3691960198020002020Most births 1984Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1950s5
1960s5
1970s6
1980s46
1990s55
2000s31
2010s30
2020s10

Meaning & origin

Kenise is a modern feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1955. Its peak of use came in 1984, and it has maintained a stable, low-level presence ever since. The name's origin is unclear, but it likely fits into a pattern of names formed with the suffix -ise, popular in the mid-20th century. While Kenise has never reached the top 1000 nationally, its consistent usage over decades suggests it has a steady niche appeal. The name does not have strong regional ties, as no top states are recorded. It remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet uncommon.

Kenise first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1955 and saw its peak use in 1984. It may be a modern feminine variant of the surname-based name Ken or a blend of Ken- with the popular suffix -ise (as in Denise). No traditional etymological root has been established.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ken, Nise

Variants: Kenice

Sibling names for Kenise

Names that share Kenise's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Kenise, our favorite little girl.

K is for Kenise…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Kenise's letter becomes Kenise's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Kenise's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Kenise mean?
Kenise is of uncertain origin, but it is thought to be a modern coinage, possibly a feminine variant of Ken or derived from other names ending in -ise.
How popular is the name Kenise currently?
Kenise has not ranked in the U.S. top 1000 names in recent years. Its peak was in 1984, and it has been used only steadily since then.
Is Kenise typically a boy or girl name?
Kenise is almost exclusively used as a girl's name in the United States.