Declining since 1988, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Kennith since 1904
Babies named Kennith per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1956, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kennith's real moment was 1940.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 11 |
| 1910s | 190 |
| 1920s | 669 |
| 1930s | 1,304 |
| 1940s | 1,743 |
| 1950s | 2,064 |
| 1960s | 1,801 |
| 1970s | 959 |
| 1980s | 736 |
| 1990s | 531 |
| 2000s | 325 |
| 2010s | 178 |
| 2020s | 49 |
Meaning & origin
Kennith is an alternate spelling of Kenneth, a name with deep Scottish and Irish roots. The name first appears in U.S. records in 1904, but its peak popularity came in 1940, when it ranked highest among given names. Since 1988, its usage has been steadily declining. In 2025, it was given to approximately 1 in every 284,679 boys, placing it at rank 10,695. While not among the most common names, Kennith carries a classic, understated charm, favored by families seeking a traditional name with a distinctive spelling.
Kennith is a variant spelling of Kenneth, which derives from the Gaelic name Coinneach meaning 'born of fire' or 'handsome'. It has been used in Scotland since the Middle Ages, notably borne by several early Scottish kings. The spelling Kennith emerged as an Anglicized form and has seen modest use in English-speaking countries.
Where Kennith 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ken, Kenny
Sibling names for Kennith
Names that share Kennith's style, for a brother or sister.
