Name Detail
Kenneth is a given name of Gaelic origin. The name is an Anglicised form of two entirely different Gaelic personal names: Cainnech and Cináed. The modern Scottish Gaelic form of Cainnech is Coinneach; the name was derived from a byname meaning "handsome", "comely".
handsome
A boy name with 2 syllables. Currently considered rare.
Explore how the popularity of Kenneth has changed over the last two decades.
Kenneth is a name of Celtic origin, deriving from the Gaelic names Coinneach and Cináed. The meaning is often interpreted as "handsome" or "fire-born." It has been a popular name in Scotland for centuries, associated with several historical figures, most notably Kenneth MacAlpin, the first King of Scots. The name gained wider international popularity through its adoption in English-speaking countries during the 20th century.
Kenneth Branagh, Kenneth
Ken, Kenny
Deep dive into history & etymology
