Find out how popular the first name Kenai has been for the last 32 years (from 1992 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kenai by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Kenai is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 97% of people named Kenai being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 234 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Kenai.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby girls were named Kenai in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Kenai

The name Kenai is believed to have its origins in the Athabaskan language, spoken by various indigenous tribes of Alaska and western Canada. The name is derived from the word "Kenai," which refers to a region and peninsula in southern Alaska, as well as the Kenai River that flows through it.

This area was inhabited by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, a subgroup of the Alutiiq people, who were the original inhabitants of the Kenai Peninsula. The name itself is thought to have been derived from the Athabaskan word "kdnay'in," which means "flat, meadow-like area" or "open areas with lakes and streams."

The earliest recorded use of the name Kenai can be traced back to the late 18th century, when Russian explorers and fur traders first encountered the Kenaitze people in the region. The name was recorded in various accounts and journals kept by these early explorers, who documented their interactions with the local tribes.

While the name Kenai does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it has been used throughout history by various individuals, some of whom have achieved notable recognition.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Kenai was Kenai Udall (1859-1925), a prominent leader of the Yavapai people in Arizona. He was known for his efforts in advocating for the rights and preservation of his tribe's culture and traditions.

Another notable figure was Kenai Fjeldsted (1902-1983), a Norwegian-American artist and sculptor who was renowned for his work in creating public monuments and memorials throughout the United States.

In the world of sports, Kenai Watson (born 1983) is a former Canadian football player who played in the Canadian Football League for several teams, including the Edmonton Eskimos and the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Kenai Muir (born 1992) is a New Zealand rugby union player who has represented his country at the international level, playing for the New Zealand Sevens team.

Additionally, Kenai Loebel (born 1995) is a German-American figure skater who has competed in various international competitions, including the World Junior Championships.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have carried the name Kenai, demonstrating its enduring presence across different cultures and time periods.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kenai was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kenai, please contact us.

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