Kenny Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationKEN-ee / /ˈkɛni/Irish; English
Meaning
Irish: 'handsome'; English: diminutive of Kenneth
Historical & Cultural Background
Kenny is often considered a diminutive of the name Kenneth, which has roots in both Irish and Scottish cultures. In Ireland, it is derived from the Gaelic name 'Cionaodh,' meaning 'born of fire.' The name has been used for both boys and girls, though it is more commonly associated with males. In modern contexts, Kenny has gained popularity as a standalone name for girls, reflecting a trend towards gender-neutral naming.
Trend Summary
Kenny has seen a rise in usage as a girl's name in recent years, reflecting a broader trend towards unisex names.
Similar Names
Variants
- Keni
- Kenny
International Variants
- Kenny (English)
- Keni (Finnish)
Famous people named Kenny
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Fictional characters named Kenny
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Kenny was first seen in the United States in 1924. Kenny has ranked as high as #1131 nationally, which occurred in 1960, and has been most popular in California. In the past 5 years the name Kenny has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Kenny (1997)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1924 | 5 |
| 1941 | 7 |
| 1942 | 8 |
| 1943 | 12 |
| 1944 | 5 |
| 1945 | 7 |
| 1946 | 10 |
| 1947 | 10 |
| 1948 | 5 |
| 1950 | 5 |
| 1952 | 8 |
| 1953 | 6 |
| 1954 | 6 |
| 1955 | 5 |
| 1956 | 8 |
| 1957 | 8 |
| 1958 | 11 |
| 1959 | 11 |
| 1960 | 15 |
| 1961 | 12 |
| 1962 | 11 |
| 1963 | 9 |
| 1964 | 10 |
| 1965 | 8 |
| 1966 | 10 |
| 1967 | 11 |
| 1968 | 7 |
| 1969 | 8 |
| 1970 | 6 |
| 1971 | 8 |
| 1972 | 6 |
| 1973 | 11 |
| 1978 | 7 |
| 1979 | 9 |
| 1981 | 9 |
| 1982 | 9 |
| 1983 | 6 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1986 | 10 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 7 |
| 1990 | 7 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 10 |
| 1993 | 11 |
| 1994 | 11 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 10 |
| 1997 | 9 |
| 1998 | 7 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2001 | 9 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2004 | 10 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 8 |
| 2007 | 5 |
| 2008 | 10 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 15 |