Kenna

♀ Girl

Pronounced KEN-uh /ˈkɛn.ə/High

Meaning: Born of fire or handsome; a feminine form of Kenneth, from the Scottish Gaelic Coinneach meaning handsome or comely, or alternatively from the Old Irish Cainnech meaning born of fireHigh

In 30 seconds: Kenna is a Scottish and Irish Gaelic feminine name meaning handsome or born of fire, offering the beloved Ken- sound in a soft, two-syllable package that feels both ancient and freshly modern.

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Origin HighScottish Gaelic, Irish Gaelic

MeaningBorn of fire or handsome; a feminine form of Kenneth, from the Scottish Gaelic Coinneach meaning handsome or comely, or alternatively from the Old Irish Cainnech meaning born of fire

U.S. rank (2025)#759 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births357 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2016

Total births (all-time)≈ 13,530

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

Kenna functions as a feminine form of Kenneth, which derives from the Scottish Gaelic Coinneach (handsome, comely) or the Old Irish Cainnech (born of fire). Both etymologies are proposed, with the handsome interpretation being the more widely cited. The suffix -a feminizes the root name.

As a standalone feminine given name, Kenna is a modern usage that grew in English-speaking countries in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It appeals to parents who love Celtic heritage and the Ken- sound without the formality of Kennedy or the length of Kendra.

Did you know? Kenneth, the male root of Kenna, was the name of Kenneth MacAlpin, considered the first King of Scotland, who united the Picts and Scots around 843 AD, giving the name deep royal Scottish heritage.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Kenneth — Gaelic etymology underlying the feminine form KennaU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KennedyKendraKennediKena

Nicknames

KenKeni

Famous Bearers

★Kenna (1978-)
Ethiopian-American singer-songwriter known for the album New Sacred Cow

If you like Kenna…

Kennedy— the expanded form of the same Gaelic root

Brenna— shares the same soft two-syllable -enna Celtic feminine pattern

Jenna— same breezy two-syllable -enna ending

Kaeli— lands in the same popularity range

Kaitlyn— another Irish Gaelic name

Explore names like Kenna

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kenna mean?

Kenna means handsome or comely, from the Scottish Gaelic Coinneach, functioning as a feminine form of Kenneth.

How do you pronounce Kenna?

It is said KEN-uh, two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Kenna a Scottish name?

Yes, Kenna has Scottish and Irish Gaelic roots as a feminine form of Kenneth.

Is Kenna a popular girls name?

Kenna is an uncommon but rising name in the United States, appealing to parents seeking Celtic-heritage names.