Kenan

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEE-nun /ˈkiː.nən/High

Meaning: Possession; or sorrow; from Hebrew Qenan, possibly related to qin (nest) or qana (to possess, to lament)Medium

In 30 seconds: A Hebrew biblical name with uncertain meaning — possibly 'possession,' 'sorrow,' or 'nest.' Kenan was the great-grandson of Adam in Genesis. Known to Americans through comedian Kenan Thompson of Saturday Night Live.

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Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningPossession; or sorrow; from Hebrew Qenan, possibly related to qin (nest) or qana (to possess, to lament)

U.S. rank (2025)#1148 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births184 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,644

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kenan is a Hebrew biblical name, from the genealogy in Genesis 5 (son of Enosh, grandson of Seth, great-grandson of Adam). The etymology is disputed — possibly from qin (nest) or qana (to acquire, to lament). As a given name it appears in both Jewish and Christian communities.

Kenan ranked #1131 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Kenan Thompson (born 1978) has been a cast member of Saturday Night Live since 2003 — the longest-running cast member in the show's history. His name Kenan became associated with warmth, comedy, and longevity.

Overall data confidence 76%

Behind the Name — Kenan — Hebrew etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CainanKeenen

Nicknames

Ken

Famous Bearers

★Kenan Thompson (1978–present)
American comedian and actor, the longest-tenured cast member in Saturday Night Live history, having joined in 2003.

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By themehebrew biblical two-syllable patriarch

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kenan mean?

Kenan has uncertain Hebrew origins — possibly 'possession,' 'sorrow,' or 'nest.' He was the great-grandson of Adam in Genesis 5.

How do you pronounce Kenan?

It's said KEE-nun — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kenan a boy or girl name?

Kenan is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Kenan?

Kenan ranked #1131 for U.S. boys in 2024.