Rising since 1986, #759 for girls today.
Popularity of Kenna since 1924
Babies named Kenna per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2016, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kenna's real moment was 2022.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 10 |
| 1930s | 63 |
| 1940s | 253 |
| 1950s | 521 |
| 1960s | 683 |
| 1970s | 735 |
| 1980s | 841 |
| 1990s | 1,409 |
| 2000s | 2,999 |
| 2010s | 3,647 |
| 2020s | 2,375 |
Meaning & origin
Kenna is a name that has seen a notable rise in popularity in recent decades, particularly since the 1980s. First recorded in 1924, the name experienced a resurgence beginning in 1986, and its popularity trajectory has been steadily upward, reaching its peak year in 2022. In 2025, Kenna ranked 759th with about 1 in 4,502 girls receiving the name, making it a relatively uncommon but increasingly favored choice. The name is most popular in states like Iowa, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, suggesting a regional preference for this modern Scottish-derived name.
Kenna likely originated as a feminine form of Kenneth, a Scottish and Irish name derived from the Gaelic 'Cináed' or 'Coinneach', often interpreted as 'born of fire' or 'handsome'. It emerged independently as a modern English name, particularly in the late 20th century, and has been used in the United States since at least the 1920s, though it gained broader popularity in the 21st century.
Where Kenna is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls 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: Ken, Kenny
Sibling names for Kenna
Names that share Kenna's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maeve, Bria, Nora, Leona, Sienna, Aspyn, Brionna, Kaylan, Layken, Macee, Ambrea, Kedra, Keela, Kennia, Kennya, Kensey, Maleny, Paislie, Searra, Bailea, Cydne, Kenitra, Kynnadi, Lennyx, Makinzi, Sheanna, Aunica, Chesnie, Kenidi, Kennetta, Kennita, Kimmora
Brothers: Finn, Brody, Cade, Declan, Liam, Jerrett, Chalmers, Daelan, Dillen, Austan, Caylon, Hamish, Jamesen, Kairen, Mclean, Randen, Tayon, Traxton, Breven, Carsin, Chanceler, Chivas, Grasyn, Kenniel, Kenzel, Kiegan, Lennell, Mckinnon
Names like Kenna
Names whose popularity has moved with Kenna's over the last 50 years.
