Kenny

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Kenny

Gender Boy
Origin Celtic
Letters 5
Syllables 2
Pronunciation KEN-ee

Kenny, which has 5 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of Celtic origin.

Meaning of Kenny

Handsome

The name Kenny is a diminutive form of Kenneth, which is of Gaelic origin and means "handsome" or "good-looking."

Save
Rate:
Be the first to rate!
Meaning Handsome
Origin Celtic
Gender Boy
Popularity (US) #865 in 2019 Rising Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era 60s name

Background & History of The Name Kenny

The name Kenny is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word "coinneach", meaning "handsome" or "fair one". It is primarily used as a given name for boys. Kenny has been a popular name in Scotland for centuries, often given to honor famous clan chiefs and warriors. The name Kenny gained international popularity in the English-speaking world with the rise of Celtic music and culture in the late 20th century.

In Scotland, Kenny is often used as a short form or nickname for Kenneth, a name that has a long tradition in the country. Kenneth comes from the Gaelic name "Cinaed", which means "born of fire". It was borne by several Scottish kings. Kenny is a friendly and approachable name that exudes warmth and kindness. It is often associated with people who are down-to-earth, sociable, and have a good sense of humor.

Kenny is not only popular as a given name but has also become a common surname in many English-speaking countries. There are many notable individuals with the name Kenny in various fields, including sports, music, and entertainment. For instance, Kenny Rogers was a beloved American country singer and songwriter, and Kenny Dalglish is a legendary Scottish football player and manager. These individuals have played a significant role in contributing to the name's familiarity and popularity.

Overall, Kenny is a name with a rich history and cultural significance. Its Scottish roots and association with positive traits make it a favorable choice for parents seeking a name that is both traditional and contemporary.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Kenny over the years.

Check Initials

See what initials Kenny would create with your last name.

Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Kenny.

Save This Name

Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.

Create Free Account

Partner Matching

Rate names with your partner and find the ones you both love.

Learn More

Sibling Matcher

Find names that pair well with your existing children's names.

Find Sibling Names