Declining since 1988.
Popularity of Kenney since 1899
Babies named Kenney per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1960, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kenney's real moment was 1899.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 23 |
| 1920s | 100 |
| 1930s | 167 |
| 1940s | 318 |
| 1950s | 507 |
| 1960s | 507 |
| 1970s | 268 |
| 1980s | 232 |
| 1990s | 198 |
| 2000s | 120 |
| 2010s | 48 |
| 2020s | 7 |
Meaning & origin
Kenney entered U.S. birth records in 1899, its first recorded year, and peaked in that same year. Since then, usage has dwindled; it has not appeared in the top 1000 names since the mid-20th century. The trajectory shows a falling trend since 1988, and it has never been associated with any particular state. While derived from Irish surnames, Kenney remains an uncommon given name, often considered a variant of the more popular Kenny. Its rarity may appeal to parents seeking an Irish-tinged name with a straightforward sound.
Kenney is generally considered an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Ceanndubháin or Mac Cionaoith, both meaning 'descendant of the dark-headed one' or 'son of Cionaoith'. Some sources also link it to the Gaelic 'cain' meaning 'handsome' or 'ceann' meaning 'head, chief'. The name saw scattered use in the United States from the late 19th century, often as a given name derived from the surname. Its usage has been in decline since the late 1980s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ken, Kenny
Sibling names for Kenney
Names that share Kenney's style, for a brother or sister.
