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Home › Baby Names Directory › Kenaz

Kenaz

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEE-naz /ˈkiː.næz/Medium

Meaning: Hebrew Kenaz, named in Genesis as a grandson of Esau and ancestor of the Kenizzites; the meaning is not securely established, with 'hunter' sometimes suggested. Separately, Kenaz is the name of a rune in the older Germanic alphabet, linked to 'torch'.Low

In 30 seconds: An old scriptural name with an unusual edge: Kenaz appears in Genesis as a grandson of Esau (said 'KEE-naz'). Its meaning is not settled, which we note.
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Origin MediumHebrew
MeaningHebrew Kenaz, named in Genesis as a grandson of Esau and ancestor of the Kenizzites; the meaning is not securely established, with 'hunter' sometimes suggested. Separately, Kenaz is the name of a rune in the older Germanic alphabet, linked to 'torch'.
U.S. rank (2023)#10258 ↗ Rising
2023 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2008
Total births (all-time)≈ 124

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200819992023

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

Kenaz is named in Genesis as a grandson of Esau and the forebear of the Kenizzites, a group later linked with Caleb. Hebrew sources do not settle its meaning, and 'hunter' is offered only tentatively. Independently, kenaz is a rune name in the older Germanic futhark, tied to 'torch'. We give both honestly and flag the uncertainty (said 'KEE-naz').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, scriptural, and unusual.

Did you know? Kenaz has two quite separate lives — a clan ancestor in Genesis, and the name of a rune in the older Germanic alphabet associated with the torch. The two are unconnected, which we note (said 'KEE-naz').
Overall data confidence 45%
References — Kenaz — Genesis 36 Kenaz, Kenizzites; Germanic rune name kenaz 'torch'

Variations

KenazCenezKenoz

Nicknames

KenNaz

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kenaz…

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Eliaz— a same-sound scriptural choice
Jotham— a like rarer Genesis name
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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kenaz mean?

Kenaz is a Hebrew name from Genesis, borne by a grandson of Esau. Its meaning is not securely established, though 'hunter' is sometimes suggested. It is also an old Germanic rune name linked to 'torch'.

How do you pronounce Kenaz?

It's said KEE-naz /ˈkiː.næz/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kenaz a boy or girl name?

Kenaz is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Kenaz?

Kenaz is extremely rare for boys in the U.S.

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