The name Ken is a masculine given name of English origin, derived from the Old English word "cene" or "cyne," meaning "bold" or "brave." It is also a shortened form of the name Kenneth, which has its roots in the Gaelic name "Cainneach," meaning "handsome" or "born of fire."

In the Middle Ages, the name Kenneth was popular among Scottish and Irish families, particularly in the Highlands of Scotland. It was often associated with royalty and nobility, as it was borne by several Scottish kings and clan chiefs. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Kenneth I, also known as Cináed mac Ailpín, who reigned as the King of Scots from 843 to 858 CE.

During the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century, the name Kenneth became more widespread across Britain, and its shortened form, Ken, gained popularity as a distinct name. The earliest known record of the name Ken dates back to the 13th century, when it appears in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landowners and properties commissioned by William the Conqueror.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Ken. One of the most famous was Ken Anrok, a legendary Japanese samurai warrior who lived in the 12th century. He is known for his exploits during the Genpei War and is celebrated in the epic tale "The Tale of the Heike."

In the realm of literature, Ken Kesey (1935-2001) was an influential American author best known for his novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," which explored themes of individuality and the struggle against conformity. His work had a significant impact on the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

Another prominent figure was Ken Saro-Wiwa (1941-1995), a Nigerian writer, environmental activist, and campaigner for the rights of the Ogoni people. He was executed by the Nigerian government for his activism, sparking international outrage and condemnation.

In the world of sports, Ken Dryden (born 1947) was a Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played for the Montreal Canadiens and is widely regarded as one of the greatest goaltenders in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL). He won six Stanley Cup championships and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.

Finally, Ken Watanabe (born 1959) is a renowned Japanese actor known for his roles in films such as "The Last Samurai," "Inception," and "Godzilla." He has received numerous accolades for his performances, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Lord Katsumoto in "The Last Samurai."