Kenneth
Kenneth first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1957, when 28,064 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,148.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Kenneth popular?
Declining Kenneth is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1957 peak.
| 2020s | 7,827 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 20,213 | |
| 2000s | 34,090 | |
| 1990s | 58,254 | |
| 1980s | 89,110 | |
| 1970s | 111,489 | |
| 1960s | 227,531 | |
| 1950s | 262,819 | |
| 1940s | 198,553 | |
| 1930s | 125,111 | |
| 1920s | 99,490 | |
| 1910s | 43,248 | |
| 1900s | 4,579 | |
| 1890s | 1,298 | |
| 1880s | 362 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Kenneth mean?
Kenneth anglicises two Scottish Gaelic names — Cináed (“born of fire”) and Coinneach (“handsome, fair one”). It was borne by Kenneth MacAlpin, traditionally counted the first king of Scots.
Nicknames for Kenneth
- Ken
- Kenny
Variants & spellings
- Kenneth
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Kenneth a boy or a girl name?
Kenneth is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Kenneth a popular name right now?
Kenneth is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1957 peak.
How popular is the name Kenneth?
In 2025, Kenneth ranked #294 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Kenneth most popular?
Kenneth was most popular in 1957, when about 28,064 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Kenneth?
Common nicknames for Kenneth include Ken, Kenny.