Kenneth
Kenneth is a boy name of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning “Born of fire; handsome”.
| Meaning | Born of fire; handsome |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Scottish Gaelic |
| Pronunciation | KEN-ith |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic, Christian |
| Used in | United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia |
Meaning and origin of Kenneth
Kenneth anglicises two Gaelic names: Cináed, often explained as 'born of fire', and Coinneach, from a word for handsome or comely. Cináed mac Ailpín, Kenneth MacAlpin, is remembered as the first king of the united Picts and Scots in the ninth century. The name was later used across Britain and became very popular in the twentieth century, with bearers such as the actor and director Kenneth Branagh.
Is Kenneth a religious name?
Kenneth has no biblical meaning, but St Cainnech (Canice) of Aghaboe, an Irish saint, is often linked with it.
How popular is Kenneth?
Very popular in the mid twentieth century; now less common for babies.
Gifts with the name Kenneth
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Spellings and variants of Kenneth
Names similar to Kenneth
More boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kenneth mean?
Kenneth means 'Born of fire; handsome'. It is of Scottish Gaelic origin.
Does Kenneth have a religious meaning?
Kenneth has no biblical meaning, but St Cainnech (Canice) of Aghaboe, an Irish saint, is often linked with it.
How do you pronounce Kenneth?
Kenneth is pronounced KEN-ith.
Is Kenneth a boy or girl name?
Kenneth is usually a boy name.