Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Kenyon

Kenyon has a history of being used as a masculine given name in the United States and mostly among African-Americans (although some people might argue Kenyon could be considered unisex). The name is actually the transferred use of an Old English surname derived from a place name, a small hamlet in the north of England near Liverpool (first recorded in the early 13th century as “Kenien”). The place name was eventually given as a surname to the area’s lord of the manor. Kenyon is believed to be derived from Enion, which is an ancient Welsh personal name meaning “anvil” (which is a metalworker or blacksmith’s tool, a sturdy piece of iron upon which heated metal is beaten into its desired shape). The Old Welsh word “cruc” together with “Enion” would have signified the burial place of Enion (most likely an important early Celtic chief who dwelled in the region). The first recorded spelling of the surname appeared in an ancient tax log as Robert de Kenien in 1212. As a given name, Kenyon is much more modern and still rather rare.

All About the Baby Name – Kenyon

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME KENYON

The Three energy is powerful and enthusiastic. These personalities are cheerful, full of self-expression, and often quite emotional. They have an artistic flair and "gift-of-gab" that makes them natural entertainers. Their joyfulness bubbles over, and their infectious exuberance draws a crowd. The Three personality is like a child - forever young and full of delight. They are charming, witty, and generally happy people. The Three personality lives in the "now" and has a spontaneous nature. Threes seem to live with a bright and seemingly unbreakable aura that attracts others to them. In turn, they are deeply loyal and loving to their friends and family. Luck also has a tendency to favor number Threes.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME KENYON

Kenyon first appeared on the U.S. male naming charts in 1970, mainly adopted and perpetuated within the African-American community. The name fell out of style in the 1980s and early 90s but soon returned. Kenyon’s improved usage in the first decade of the 2000s is probably owed to basketball player Kenyon Martin who was the 1st overall pick in the 2000 draft. Although Kenyon fell off America’s Top 1000 list of baby boy names in 2010, it’s still a name used from time to time. It’s a cool name; unique and different. We also love the etymology “anvil” because it’s the sort of thing that keeps solid and unbreakable after many beatings. This is an iron-tough name. A great choice in our opinion!

Quick Facts

ON KENYON

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

African-American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

KEN-yәn

SIMPLE MEANING:

Anvil

Characteristics

OF KENYON

Communicative

Creative

Optimistic

Popular

Social

Dramatic

Happy

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kenyon

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KENYON

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

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KENYON

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kenyon


Popular Songs

ON KENYON

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


Famous People

NAMED KENYON

Kenyon Martin (basketball player)
Kenyon Coleman (football player)
Kenyon Hopkins (jazz composer)
Kenyon Cox (American artist)
Kenyon Rasheed (football player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED KENYON

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KENYON

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