Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Kenneth

The anglicized name Kenneth is Scottish in origin and comes from two different Gaelic names, Cináed (‘born of fire’) and Coinneach (‘handsome one’). The name achieved particular popularity in Scotland thanks to Kenneth Mac Alpin who is historically 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. Interestingly, and for some added value, the Japanese name Kenji means ‘intelligent ruler’.

All About the Baby Name – Kenneth

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME KENNETH

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME KENNETH

The name Kenneth has experienced great success in the United States for well over a century. Just as we entered the 20th century, Kenneth landed a spot on the Top 100 list of most commonly used boys’ names. It stays on this list without fail for 103 years. The height of Kenneth’s popularity came in the 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s when for 50 straight years, Kenneth would claim a position on the Top 25. The year 2002 marks the first time in over 100 years that Kenneth is not a Top 100 choice for boys. The name continues to wane in usage as the years persist into this new century; but if history is any indicator, we don’t see Kenneth venturing too far away. It’s a “handsome” choice for a boy’s name and provides further flexibility in terms of pet forms: Ken and Kenny. Kenneth is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a “K” name with some Scottish flavor (like Keith or Kyle).

Quick Facts

ON KENNETH

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Gaelic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

187

PRONUNCIATION:

KEN-nith

SIMPLE MEANING:

Born of fire, handsome

Characteristics

OF KENNETH

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kenneth

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KENNETH

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

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KENNETH

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kenneth


Popular Songs

ON KENNETH

If Kenneth Could Speak
a song by The June Spirit

What's The Frequency, Kenneth?
a song by R.E.M.

Famous People

NAMED KENNETH

Kenneth Mac Alpin (King of Scotland)
Kenneth II (King of Scotland)
Kenneth III (King of Scotland)
Kenneth Arrow (Nobel Prize, economics)
Kenneth Branagh (actor)
Kenneth Cole (designer)
John Kenneth "Ken" Galbraith (economist)
Kenneth Edmonds (aka Babyface, R&B singer)
Kenneth Keating (US Senator)
Kenneth Lay (former CEO of Enron)
Kenneth Starr (special investigator in Monica Lewinsky scandal)
Kenneth M. Taylor (WWII pilot)
Kenneth G. Wilson (Nobel Prize, physics)
Kenneth Mac Alpin (King of Scotland)
Kenneth II (King of Scotland)
Kenneth III (King of Scotland)
Kenneth Arrow (Nobel Prize, economics)
Kenneth Branagh (actor)
Kenneth Cole (designer)
John Kenneth "Ken" Galbraith (economist)
Kenneth Edmonds (aka Babyface, R&B singer)
Kenneth Keating (US Senator)
Kenneth Lay (former CEO of Enron)
Kenneth Starr (special investigator in Monica Lewinsky scandal)
Kenneth M. Taylor (WWII pilot)
Kenneth G. Wilson (Nobel Prize, physics)
Kenneth Mac Alpin (King of Scotland)
Kenneth II (King of Scotland)
Kenneth III (King of Scotland)
Kenneth Arrow (Nobel Prize, economics)
Kenneth Branagh (actor)
Kenneth Cole (designer)
John Kenneth "Ken" Galbraith (economist)
Kenneth Edmonds (aka Babyface, R&B singer)
Kenneth Keating (US Senator)
Kenneth Lay (former CEO of Enron)
Kenneth Starr (special investigator in Monica Lewinsky scandal)
Kenneth M. Taylor (WWII pilot)
Kenneth G. Wilson (Nobel Prize, physics)

Children of Famous People

NAMED KENNETH

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KENNETH

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