Ken Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KEN //kɛn//
Origin: Japanese; English
Meaning: Japanese: strong; English: brave
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Ken is derived from the Old English name "Cyning," which means "king" or "ruler." This etymology can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root *kuningaz, which also signifies a leader or noble. The name underwent various transformations through the centuries, eventually evolving into the modern form "Ken" in English.
It is often considered a diminutive of names such as Kenneth, which itself has Scottish origins, derived from the Gaelic "Coinneach" meaning "handsome" or "born of fire." The transition of Ken into English usage reflects the broader linguistic shifts that occurred during the Middle Ages as Old English evolved into Middle English and then into Modern English. Historically, the name Kenneth gained prominence with the reign of Kenneth MacAlpin, who became the first King of Scots in the 9th century.
His establishment of the Scottish monarchy marked a significant milestone in Scottish history, and the name Kenneth became associated with leadership and nobility. The name Ken, as a shortened form, began to appear more frequently in the 20th century, although its roots can be traced back to earlier forms of the name.
Additionally, the name has been used in various literary works and historical texts, contributing to its recognition in cultural contexts. Culturally, Ken carries connotations of strength and authority, resonating with its meaning of kingship.
It has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, often symbolizing leadership qualities. The name's simplicity and strong phonetic structure have allowed it to endure through generations.
While diminutive forms like Kenny are also recognized, Ken stands out as a direct link to its regal origins, embodying a sense of heritage and tradition.
Famous people named Ken
In this section, you will find notable people named Ken. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Ken who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Ken who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Ken Burns is a documentary filmmaker best known for The Civil War, Baseball, and Jazz.
Ken Jeong is an actor and comedian best known for The Hangover, Community, and Dr. Ken.
Ken Griffey Jr. is a former professional baseball player best known for his time with the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and being a 13-time All-Star.
Ken Robinson is an author and speaker best known for his TED Talk on creativity and education, and the book Out of Our Minds.
Ken Follett is an author best known for Pillars of the Earth, World Without End, and Eye of the Needle.
Ken Kesey is an author best known for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Sometimes a Great Notion.
Ken Watanabe is an actor best known for The Last Samurai, Inception, and Godzilla.
Ken Adam is a production designer best known for Dr. Strangelove, Goldfinger, and The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.
Ken Burns is a filmmaker best known for his documentary series on American history, including The Civil War and The Vietnam War.
Ken Dodd was a comedian and singer best known for his long career in British entertainment and his hit song Happiness.
Fictional characters named Ken
The following list of fictional characters named Ken is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Ken is a fictional character from the toy line and media franchise Barbie. He is often portrayed as Barbie's boyfriend and has appeared in various animated films and series alongside her.
Ken is a fictional character from the video game series Street Fighter. He is a skilled martial artist and one of the main protagonists known for his rivalry with Ryu.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Ken, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Ken. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Ken was first seen in the United States in 1900.
Ken has ranked as high as #375 nationally, which occurred in 1960, and has been most popular in California, Illinois, Michigan, Texas, and New York.
In the past 5 years the name Ken has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Ken is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Ken was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Ken.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 36 | 36 | 0 |
| 2024 | 36 | 36 | 0 |
| 2023 | 37 | 37 | 0 |
| 2022 | 50 | 50 | 0 |
| 2021 | 52 | 52 | 0 |
| 2020 | 56 | 56 | 0 |
| 2019 | 51 | 51 | 0 |
| 2018 | 62 | 62 | 0 |
| 2017 | 63 | 63 | 0 |
| 2016 | 90 | 90 | 0 |
| 2015 | 87 | 87 | 0 |
| 2014 | 85 | 85 | 0 |
| 2013 | 75 | 75 | 0 |
| 2012 | 107 | 107 | 0 |
| 2011 | 88 | 88 | 0 |
| 2010 | 68 | 68 | 0 |
| 2009 | 104 | 104 | 0 |
| 2008 | 108 | 108 | 0 |
| 2007 | 120 | 120 | 0 |
| 2006 | 135 | 135 | 0 |
| 2005 | 117 | 117 | 0 |
| 2004 | 153 | 153 | 0 |
| 2003 | 110 | 110 | 0 |
| 2002 | 134 | 134 | 0 |
| 2001 | 124 | 124 | 0 |
| 2000 | 123 | 123 | 0 |
| 1999 | 119 | 119 | 0 |
| 1998 | 104 | 104 | 0 |
| 1997 | 125 | 125 | 0 |
| 1996 | 119 | 119 | 0 |
| 1995 | 126 | 126 | 0 |
| 1994 | 112 | 112 | 0 |
| 1993 | 104 | 104 | 0 |
| 1992 | 113 | 113 | 0 |
| 1991 | 127 | 127 | 0 |
| 1990 | 147 | 142 | 5 |
| 1989 | 138 | 138 | 0 |
| 1988 | 111 | 111 | 0 |
| 1987 | 126 | 126 | 0 |
| 1986 | 102 | 102 | 0 |
| 1985 | 113 | 113 | 0 |
| 1984 | 116 | 116 | 0 |
| 1983 | 105 | 105 | 0 |
| 1982 | 134 | 134 | 0 |
| 1981 | 145 | 145 | 0 |
| 1980 | 141 | 141 | 0 |
| 1979 | 119 | 119 | 0 |
| 1978 | 137 | 137 | 0 |
| 1977 | 124 | 124 | 0 |
| 1976 | 137 | 137 | 0 |
| 1975 | 161 | 156 | 5 |
| 1974 | 202 | 202 | 0 |
| 1973 | 232 | 232 | 0 |
| 1972 | 287 | 287 | 0 |
| 1971 | 363 | 363 | 0 |
| 1970 | 491 | 486 | 5 |
| 1969 | 494 | 494 | 0 |
| 1968 | 601 | 601 | 0 |
| 1967 | 650 | 650 | 0 |
| 1966 | 820 | 820 | 0 |
| 1965 | 1,100 | 1,100 | 0 |
| 1964 | 1,475 | 1,475 | 0 |
| 1963 | 1,634 | 1,634 | 0 |
| 1962 | 1,689 | 1,684 | 5 |
| 1961 | 1,670 | 1,665 | 5 |
| 1960 | 1,780 | 1,775 | 5 |
| 1959 | 1,653 | 1,653 | 0 |
| 1958 | 1,533 | 1,533 | 0 |
| 1957 | 1,178 | 1,178 | 0 |
| 1956 | 657 | 657 | 0 |
| 1955 | 439 | 439 | 0 |
| 1954 | 370 | 370 | 0 |
| 1953 | 317 | 317 | 0 |
| 1952 | 321 | 321 | 0 |
| 1951 | 296 | 296 | 0 |
| 1950 | 347 | 347 | 0 |
| 1949 | 456 | 456 | 0 |
| 1948 | 622 | 622 | 0 |
| 1947 | 707 | 707 | 0 |
| 1946 | 684 | 684 | 0 |
| 1945 | 479 | 479 | 0 |
| 1944 | 427 | 427 | 0 |
| 1943 | 444 | 444 | 0 |
| 1942 | 407 | 407 | 0 |
| 1941 | 345 | 345 | 0 |
| 1940 | 303 | 303 | 0 |
| 1939 | 276 | 276 | 0 |
| 1938 | 252 | 252 | 0 |
| 1937 | 203 | 203 | 0 |
| 1936 | 211 | 211 | 0 |
| 1935 | 167 | 167 | 0 |
| 1934 | 152 | 152 | 0 |
| 1933 | 108 | 108 | 0 |
| 1932 | 127 | 127 | 0 |
| 1931 | 95 | 95 | 0 |
| 1930 | 76 | 76 | 0 |
| 1929 | 57 | 57 | 0 |
| 1928 | 34 | 34 | 0 |
| 1927 | 48 | 48 | 0 |
| 1926 | 54 | 54 | 0 |
| 1925 | 39 | 39 | 0 |
| 1924 | 34 | 34 | 0 |
| 1923 | 30 | 30 | 0 |
| 1922 | 29 | 29 | 0 |
| 1921 | 23 | 23 | 0 |
| 1920 | 32 | 32 | 0 |
| 1919 | 19 | 19 | 0 |
| 1918 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 1917 | 21 | 21 | 0 |
| 1916 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 1915 | 20 | 20 | 0 |
| 1914 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 1913 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| 1912 | 14 | 14 | 0 |
| 1911 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1910 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1900 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
Top States for Ken (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 6 |