Kenn

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Kenn

Pronounced KEN /ˈkɛn/High

Meaning: Kenn is a doubled-consonant spelling of Ken, the short form of Kenneth. Kenneth blends two Gaelic names, Cinaed, 'born of fire', and Coinneach, 'handsome' or 'comely', so its short form carries either sense. The extra 'n' simply gives the plain nickname a distinctive look.Low

In 30 seconds: Kenn is a doubled-n spelling of Ken, short for Kenneth, from Gaelic for 'handsome' or 'born of fire'. A rare variant, it lingered into recent decades (said KEN).

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Origin MediumScottish, Gaelic

MeaningKenn is a doubled-consonant spelling of Ken, the short form of Kenneth. Kenneth blends two Gaelic names, Cinaed, 'born of fire', and Coinneach, 'handsome' or 'comely', so its short form carries either sense. The extra 'n' simply gives the plain nickname a distinctive look.

U.S. rank (2018)#13207 ↘ Falling

2018 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1958

Total births (all-time)≈ 756

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

Kenn is a spelling variant of Ken, the short form of Kenneth, a Scottish name uniting the Gaelic Cinaed, 'born of fire', and Coinneach, 'handsome'. Given as a full name, the doubled spelling set it slightly apart from the plain Ken.

It was always a rarity, a few dozen boys a year around its faint high near 1958, lingering thinly into recent decades. Its single syllable sits beside Ken, Kenny and Glenn.

Did you know? Kenn just doubles the 'n' of Ken, but Kenneth behind it blends two Gaelic names meaning 'born of fire' and 'handsome'.

Overall data confidence 58%

References - Kenn / Kenneth — Gaelic Cinaed 'born of fire' / Coinneach 'handsome'; short form Ken

Variations

KenKennyKennethKenn

Nicknames

KenKenny

Famous Bearers

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If you like Kenn…

Ken— the base name Kenn respells

Kenny— a related pet form

Kenneth— the full name behind it

Glenn— a same-sound one-syllable name

Explore names like Kenn

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kenn mean?

It is a form of Ken, short for Kenneth, from Gaelic meaning 'handsome' or 'born of fire'.

How do you pronounce Kenn?

It's said KEN /ˈkɛn/, one syllable, just like Ken.

Is Kenn a boy or girl name?

Kenn is used as a boy's name.

Is Kenn a popular name?

No, it was always a rare spelling of Ken, though it lingered faintly into recent decades.