Declining since 1985, #294 for boys today.
Popularity of Kenneth since 1880
Babies named Kenneth per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kenneth's real moment was 1951.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 362 |
| 1890s | 1,298 |
| 1900s | 4,579 |
| 1910s | 43,248 |
| 1920s | 99,490 |
| 1930s | 125,111 |
| 1940s | 198,553 |
| 1950s | 262,819 |
| 1960s | 227,531 |
| 1970s | 111,489 |
| 1980s | 89,110 |
| 1990s | 58,254 |
| 2000s | 34,090 |
| 2010s | 20,213 |
| 2020s | 7,827 |
Meaning & origin
Kenneth is a name of Scottish and Irish origin that experienced a significant surge in popularity through the mid-20th century. At its peak in 1951, it was a top 20 choice for boys, and although its usage has gradually declined since a notable turning point around 1985, it remains a recognizable and enduring option. In 2025, the name ranked #294, with roughly 1 in 1,488 baby boys receiving it. The trajectory shows a marked descent from its earlier heights, but it has never fallen out of the top 500. Regionally, Kenneth has shown particular strength in Alaska, the District of Columbia, and West Virginia, where it ranked among the most favored names. While it has been recorded in the United States since at least 1880, its widespread adoption came later, reflecting a broader trend of Celtic Revival names in the early 1900s.
Kenneth is the Anglicized form of two distinct Gaelic names: the Scottish Gaelic Coinneach, meaning 'born of fire' or 'handsome', and the Irish Gaelic Cionaodh, meaning 'descendant of Cionaodh' (a personal name of uncertain origin, possibly 'beloved' or 'fire-born'). The name was borne by several early Scottish kings, including Kenneth MacAlpin, who united the Scots and Picts in the 9th century, solidifying its royal and historical significance. Its use spread throughout the English-speaking world, particularly in the 20th century, when it became a popular given name.
Where Kenneth is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kenneth” around the world
Where Kenneth 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
Sibling names for Kenneth
Names that share Kenneth's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kathleen, Maureen, Colleen, Eileen, Patricia, Belinda, Beverly, Carolyn, Charlene, Deanna, Denise, Janet, Marilyn, Nancy, Sheryl, Caren, Carolann, Caroll, Cherlyn, Cherryl, Darleen, Diann, Dorene, Gerri, Glenda, Kandis, Karolyn, Karyl, Laureen, Luann, Lynnette, Marilynn, Marlyn, Marlys, Sharilyn, Sherrill, Tamela, Carmon, Carolee, Cherilyn, Cheryle, Corliss, Dannette, Darlyne, Deeanna, Deneen, Denese, Dennise, Gaynell, Gaynelle, Genell, Glennis, Jacquelyne, Janise, Jeanice, Johnetta, Laurene, Loralee, Loreen, Louanne, Marilou, Marolyn, Merilyn, Pamelia, Pamella, Saralyn, Sharolyn, Shirleen, Tangela, Wonda, Carren, Charmin, Cherl, Correne, Cynda, Darilyn, Darlynn, Diannia, Donalee, Donnabelle, Donnette, Donnita, Genice, Genine, Glennda, Jacolyn, Janalee, Janece, Janith, Jerlene, Jerolyn, Joelyn, Jonda, Karilyn, Karole, Lauralyn, Leaann, Lizanne, Lorilee, Maralee, Pamila, Pamla, Renda, Rolinda, Sharalyn, Sharlet, Sharman, Sheral, Sherian, Sherida, Sherrice, Terrilynn, Wynell, Carilyn, Caroleen, Carollee, Carollyn, Carollynn, Chyrel, Cindra, Connee, Cynethia, Darlis, Debralee, Dennice, Donise, Gaylia, Geralene, Geralynn, Jannice, Jeanell, Jenice, Jennice, Jerlyn, Jerrilynn, Jodine, Joylene, Katricia, Loletha, Loralyn, Pamula, Scheryl, Sharren, Shearon, Sherill, Sherilynn, Sherlie, Sherolyn, Sherran, Sherrian, Sheryn, Shirlean, Shirly, Terrianne, Cherrill, Cynthya, Gennell, Gerilynn, Annjanette, Brendolyn, Brynda, Carloyn, Caroly, Charrise, Cheralyn, Darene, Donalyn, Dorri, Gailyn, Gerrianne, Glennette, Helayne, Jacalynn, Jackolyn, Janyth, Jennene, Joycelin, Karletta, Kathlee, Kenetra, Kenndra, Kennetha, Kennetta, Kennette, Kennita, Kimetha, Leanette, Lurleen, Marene, Maridee, Marigene, Maronda, Marshia, Rhenda, Shaaron, Sharlynn, Sharonlee, Sherriann, Shyrl, Trease
Brothers: Robert, Richard, Michael, Eric, Timothy, Dennis, Dwight, Gerald, Gregory, Jerald, Darel, Darrel, Jerold, Karon, Jonell, Randel, Sheron, Sherron, Gerad, Jearld, Ronnald, Sherard, Gregrey, Jerris, Mandrell, Ronnel, Derrall, Duanne, Jerrol, Kelvis, Kelvyn, Kenniel, Kenzel, Malcomb, Stedman
Names like Kenneth
Names whose popularity has moved with Kenneth's over the last 50 years.
