Declining since 2003, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Kennan since 1952
Babies named Kennan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 77 |
| 1960s | 112 |
| 1970s | 54 |
| 1980s | 136 |
| 1990s | 261 |
| 2000s | 312 |
| 2010s | 191 |
| 2020s | 80 |
Meaning & origin
Kennan is an Irish name that entered U.S. records in 1952. It peaked in popularity in 2004, but since 2003 its usage has been falling. In 2025 it ranked 6446th, with roughly 1 in 131,390 newborn boys receiving the name. Despite its obscurity, Kennan maintains a strong, ancient feel through its connection to the Irish Cianán, making it a distinctive choice for families seeking a name with Celtic roots.
Kennan likely represents an Anglicized spelling of the Irish name Cianán, a diminutive of Cian, which means 'ancient' or 'enduring'. While predominantly used in Ireland, Kennan emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century and has been given to boys consistently since 1952, though it remains rare.
“Kennan” around the world
Where Kennan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ken, Kenny
Variants: Cianán, Kianán, Kenan
Sibling names for Kennan
Names that share Kennan's style, for a brother or sister.
