Kenneth Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity
Kenneth is predominantly used for boys. The statistics below show this exact spelling in official U.S. records.
How Do You Spell Kenneth?
Kenneth is spelled K-E-N-N-E-T-H. The name has 7 letters.
Kenneth at a Glance
- Usage
- Predominantly used for boys
- Meaning
- The meaning of the name Kenneth is uncertain but may derive from Gaelic elements meaning “handsome” or “born of fire.”
- Origin
- Kenneth is a name commonly associated with Scottish Gaelic origins and may derive from the Gaelic names Cináed or Coinneach.
- Pronunciation
- KEN-ith · 2 syllables
Kenneth Popularity in 2025
Rank#294
Recorded Births1,148
- Boys usage fell 10 places to #294 and recorded 42 fewer births compared with 2024.
Figures reflect this exact spelling in the latest available U.S. Social Security Administration records. See the complete year-by-year trend.
What Does the Name Kenneth Mean?
The meaning of the name Kenneth is uncertain but may derive from Gaelic elements meaning “handsome” or “born of fire.”
Origin: Kenneth is a name commonly associated with Scottish Gaelic origins and may derive from the Gaelic names Cináed or Coinneach.
How Do You Pronounce Kenneth?
PronunciationKEN-ith
Syllables2
What Is the History of the Name Kenneth?
- History
- Historical records document the use of Kenneth as a given name in Scotland, where it has been borne by Scottish kings and figures throughout history.
Kenneth Popularity by Year
The table below shows the most recent available records for this exact spelling from 2007 through 2025. Use the full history page to explore every recorded year.
| Year | Usage Category | Recorded Births | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Boys | 1,148 | #294 |
| 2024 | Boys | 1,190 | #284 |
| 2023 | Boys | 1,321 | #262 |
| 2022 | Boys | 1,312 | #263 |
| 2021 | Boys | 1,373 | #258 |
| 2020 | Boys | 1,483 | #243 |
| 2019 | Girls | 7 | #12,448 |
| 2019 | Boys | 1,623 | #233 |
| 2018 | Boys | 1,671 | #225 |
| 2017 | Boys | 1,766 | #217 |
| 2016 | Girls | 5 | #16,215 |
| 2016 | Boys | 1,921 | #208 |
| 2015 | Boys | 2,033 | #198 |
| 2014 | Boys | 2,153 | #191 |
| 2013 | Boys | 2,177 | #187 |
| 2012 | Boys | 2,224 | #175 |
| 2011 | Boys | 2,217 | #170 |
| 2010 | Girls | 5 | #16,992 |
| 2010 | Boys | 2,428 | #160 |
| 2009 | Boys | 2,612 | #151 |
| 2008 | Girls | 6 | #15,405 |
| 2008 | Boys | 2,967 | #137 |
| 2007 | Girls | 5 | #17,636 |
| 2007 | Boys | 3,108 | #135 |
When Was Kenneth Most Popular?
Peak years are based on the highest recorded birth totals for this exact spelling and usage category. They are ordered by birth count, not chronologically.
1957 · Boys
28,064 recorded births
National rank #14
1960 · Boys
27,701 recorded births
National rank #16
1956 · Boys
27,432 recorded births
National rank #16
1955 · Boys
26,743 recorded births
National rank #15
Where Kenneth Ranked Highest in 2025
State rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys within each state. The SSA omits state-level names recorded fewer than five times, so low visible counts can still represent a relatively high state rank.
Top States for Boys
| State | Rank | Recorded Births |
|---|---|---|
| AK | #110 | 7 |
| DC | #168 | 5 |
| WV | #200 | 9 |
| KY | #203 | 27 |
| MI | #217 | 45 |
| ME | #234 | 5 |
| WI | #244 | 24 |
| KS | #246 | 15 |