Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Kenna

Kenna is most commonly considered the feminine form of Kenneth, a name Scottish in origin and derived from one of two etymological sources – either the Gaelic Cináed (meaning “born of fire”) or Coinneach (meaning “handsome one”). Take your pick; they’re both great meanings. Kenneth is a name forever associated with the Scots thanks to the historic legends surrounding Kenneth Mac Alpin, considered the first King of Scotland for uniting the Picts and the Scots under one crown in the 9th century. The name’s popularity expanded well outside the Scottish borders and has been in regular use within all English-speaking nations. Astonishingly, the female Kenna has only been brought into circulation recently and appears to be used mostly in the United States (usually to honor some family member named Kenneth). Some people also consider Kenna a nickname of sorts for names like McKenna and Makenna.

All About the Baby Name – Kenna

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME KENNA

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME KENNA

Kenna is a simple, straight-forward and pretty sounding name with excellent etymological meanings (born of fire/handsome). She is less fussy and more understated than nauseatingly trendy names like McKenna or Makenna, and, quite frankly, we prefer her as a given name rather than a nickname. She has that combination of delicacy and power that allows her to confidently be herself. Although certainly some parents have bestowed this name on their daughters back in the 20th century, Kenna hasn’t been used with enough frequency to land a position on the Top 1000 list until 2000. So in some ways you might call this one a 21st century coinage. The name has managed to stick to the charts since her debut a little more than a decade ago, but she remains at or near the bottom of the charts. Kenna reminds us of other Gaelic masculine names turned female like Brian –> Briana or Alan –> Alana, Kenna seems like a natural progression.

Quick Facts

ON KENNA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Scottish

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

997

PRONUNCIATION:

KEN-na

SIMPLE MEANING:

Born of fire; handsome

Characteristics

OF KENNA

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kenna

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KENNA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Kenna

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KENNA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kenna


Popular Songs

ON KENNA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Kenna


Famous People

NAMED KENNA

Kenna Zemedkun (musician known simply as Kenna)

Children of Famous People

NAMED KENNA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Kenna

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KENNA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Kenna