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Home › Baby Names Directory › Kenny

Kenny

♀ Girl

Pronounced KEN-ee /ˈkɛn.i/High

Meaning: A pet form of Kenneth (or Kendra) — from Gaelic, variously 'handsome; comely' and 'born of fire'; used for both sexes; here for girlsLow

In 30 seconds: Handsome; born of fire: Kenny is a pet form of Kenneth/Kendra. Crisp, warm, and homey. Used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'KEN-ee').
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Origin LowGaelic
MeaningA pet form of Kenneth (or Kendra) — from Gaelic, variously 'handsome; comely' and 'born of fire'; used for both sexes; here for girls
U.S. rank (2025)#14076 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1960
Total births (all-time)≈ 548

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419242025

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

Kenny is a pet form of Kenneth (or Kendra) — from Gaelic, variously 'handsome; comely' and 'born of fire' (routes layered). Used for both sexes, here for a girl (slug distinguished). A crisp, homey name (said 'KEN-ee').

In the U.S. it appears for both sexes. Rare for girls, handsome-and-born-of-fire at the root, and homey.

Did you know? Kenneth is variously 'handsome; comely' and 'born of fire' in Gaelic — Kenny is a warm pet form (also of Kendra), crisp and homey, used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'KEN-ee').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Kenneth — unisex; here girls'

Variations

KennieKennaKendra

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Kenny…

Kenna— a fellow Ken- girls' name
Kendra— a source name
Jenny— a sound-neighbor -enny girls' name
Penny— another -enny girls' name

Explore names like Kenny

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By meaningBeautyFire

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kenny mean?

Kenny is a pet form of Kenneth/Kendra — Gaelic 'handsome; born of fire'; used for both sexes.

How do you pronounce Kenny?

It's said KEN-ee /ˈkɛn.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kenny a boy or girl name?

Kenny is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Kenny?

Kenny is rare as a girl's name in the U.S.

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