Declining since 2006, #3,658 for boys today.
Popularity of Kenyon since 1914
Babies named Kenyon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 80 |
| 1920s | 147 |
| 1930s | 164 |
| 1940s | 166 |
| 1950s | 243 |
| 1960s | 335 |
| 1970s | 1,178 |
| 1980s | 738 |
| 1990s | 1,138 |
| 2000s | 2,470 |
| 2010s | 1,069 |
| 2020s | 249 |
Meaning & origin
Kenyon entered U.S. baby name records in 1914, but for decades it remained rare. It began climbing in the late 20th century, reaching its peak rank of 792 in 2005. Since 2006, its use has been falling; in the latest year of data (2025), it sat at rank 3,658, with approximately 1 in every 57,000 newborn boys receiving the name. This trajectory mirrors the pattern for surname-style first names that were especially fashionable in the 1990s and 2000s. Although Kenyon's peak rank was modest, its consistent use over a century shows steady appeal. The name's Irish heritage and strong, straightforward sound make it a distinctive choice that avoids the top of the charts.
Kenyon is a transferred use of the Irish surname Ó Ciardhubháin, which is anglicized as Kenyon. The surname means 'descendant of Ciardhubhán', a personal name possibly composed of ciar 'dark' and dubh 'black', though the overall meaning is uncertain. As a given name, Kenyon emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, reflecting the fashion for using surnames as first names.
Where Kenyon 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 Kenyon
Names that share Kenyon's style, for a brother or sister.
