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Kenneth

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEN-uth /ˈkɛnəθ/High

Meaning: Born of fire; handsomeMedium

In 30 seconds: A fiery Scottish name meaning 'born of fire' — or, in its Irish interpretation, 'handsome.' Kenneth is the classic Scottish kingly name — Kenneth MacAlpin united Scotland — and its vintage credentials are now attracting fresh attention.
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Origin HighScottish Gaelic
MeaningBorn of fire; handsome
U.S. rank (2025)#294 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births1,148 boys (0.06% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1957
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,283,957

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Kenneth is the anglicised form of the Scottish Gaelic name Coinneach, traditionally interpreted as 'born of fire' or 'handsome.' Some scholars also connect it to the Old Irish Cainnech or Caennach, meaning 'handsome' or 'comely.' The most famous bearer is Kenneth MacAlpin (Cináed mac Ailpín), the 9th-century king credited with founding the Kingdom of Scotland.

Kenneth was widely used in Scotland for centuries and spread to England and the United States through Scottish immigration. It peaked in mid-20th-century America and is now quietly reviving as a vintage classic, alongside Walter, Harvey, and other names of the same generation.

Did you know? Kenneth MacAlpin (c. 810–858 CE) is regarded as the first King of Scotland, uniting the Picts and Scots — making Kenneth one of the most historically significant names in Scottish history.
Overall data confidence 82%
Behind the Name — Kenneth — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KendrickKenKennith

Nicknames

KenKenny

Famous Bearers

  • ★Kenneth MacAlpin (c. 810–858 CE)
    First King of Scotland, credited with uniting the Picts and Scots to form the Kingdom of Scotland.

If you like Kenneth…

Donald— Scottish Gaelic name with the same royal kingly heritage and similar vintage feel
Douglas— Scottish surname name with the same distinguished mid-century and highland character
Gordon— Scottish place-name surname with the same steady, dependable vintage masculinity
Alistair— Scottish Gaelic royal name with the same Highland dignity and revival potential

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kenneth mean?

Kenneth is a Scottish Gaelic name meaning 'born of fire' or 'handsome,' from Gaelic Coinneach. The exact etymology is debated.

How do you pronounce Kenneth?

It is said KEN-uth /ˈkɛnəθ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kenneth a boy or girl name?

Kenneth is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Kenneth?

Kenneth peaked in mid-20th-century America and is slowly reviving, ranking in the U.S. top 300 for boys.