Kenneth
Peaked at #13 nationally in 1939, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Kenneth has been recorded <1% of the time for girls and >99% of the time for boys.
Meaning & origin
Kenneth is the anglicized form of two distinct Scottish Gaelic names, Coinneach ("handsome" or "comely") and Cináed ("born of fire"), which merged into a single name in English usage. It was historically associated with Scottish royalty, most notably Kenneth MacAlpin, traditionally regarded as the first king of a unified Scotland in the 9th century. The name spread into wider English use by the 19th century.
Notable people & culture
Actor and director Kenneth Branagh, known for his Shakespeare adaptations, is among the name's most recognizable modern bearers. It was also a common name among mid-20th-century American men, reflecting a broader trend of Scottish names entering the U.S. naming pool. The common nickname Ken is also familiar as the name of Barbie's companion doll.
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Kenneth — Girls (United States)
RisingPeak rank
#744
in 1929
Last ranked
#13128
in 2019
Years tracked
101
1904–2019
Trend
Rising
Tracked since 1904, Kenneth reached its peak popularity for girls in 1929, ranking #744 nationally with 89 babies given the name that year.
Kenneth hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for girls since 2019, when it stood at #13128.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | #13,128 | 7 |
| 2016 | #17,601 | 5 |
| 2010 | #18,470 | 5 |
| 2008 | #16,470 | 6 |
| 2007 | #19,089 | 5 |
| 2006 | #11,942 | 9 |
| 2005 | #13,756 | 7 |
| 2004 | #6,941 | 17 |
Kenneth — Boys (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#13
in 1939
Current rank
#284
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1880, Kenneth reached its peak popularity for boys in 1939, ranking #13 nationally with 14,715 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #191 (2014) to #284 (2024) — a 33% drop.
As of 2024, Kenneth ranks #284 nationally for boys, with 1,186 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #284 | 1,186 |
| 2023 | #262 | 1,318 |
| 2022 | #263 | 1,310 |
| 2021 | #258 | 1,373 |
| 2020 | #243 | 1,482 |
| 2019 | #234 | 1,622 |
| 2018 | #225 | 1,671 |
| 2017 | #218 | 1,765 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — boys' names only.
Common Questions
When was Kenneth most popular?
Kenneth was most popular in 1939, when it ranked #13 nationally for boys — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Kenneth becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently rising; for boys, it's currently falling, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Kenneth?
At least 1,288,147 babies have been recorded with the name Kenneth in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Kenneth? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.