Kenneth: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced KEN-uhth · 2 syllables
Kenneth means “handsome”, from Scottish.
Anglicized form of two Goidelic names, Old Irish Cinaed, the name of Scottish kings derived from Pictish * (Ciniod), and the saint's name Cainnech (literally “handsome”) (modern Scottish Gaelic Coinneach), as in the surname Mackenzie.
- Meaning
- handsome
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- KEN-uhth
- US rank (2025)
- #294
- US babies a year
- about 1,279 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1940
- Style
- Vintage, Classic
- Nicknames
- Ken, Kenny
How popular is Kenneth?
Kenneth was the #294 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,148 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 41% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1940.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #294 |
| Scotland | #711 |
| Canada | #591 |
How old are people named Kenneth?
Half of US adults named Kenneth are older than 63; most are between 28 and 84. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Kenneth
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Kenneth have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Kenneth
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Kenneth
What does the name Kenneth mean?
Kenneth means “handsome”. It comes from Scottish.
How do you pronounce Kenneth?
Kenneth is pronounced KEN-uhth.
How popular is the name Kenneth?
Kenneth was the #294 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,148 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 41% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1940.
How old are people named Kenneth?
Half of US adults named Kenneth are older than 63. Most are between 28 and 84.