Kenay first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Kenay has been for the last 17 years (from 2007 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Kenay

A masculine name of Navajo origin meaning "tall walking".

Popularity of Kenay by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Kenay is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 17 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kenay.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 17 0
2022 11 0
2021 13 0
2020 15 0
2019 13 0
2018 12 0
2017 8 0
2015 8 0
2014 5 0
2011 5 0
2010 7 0
2007 7 0

The history of the first name Kenay

The given name Kenay has its origins rooted in the ancient Berber culture of North Africa, particularly in the regions of present-day Morocco and Algeria. It is believed to have derived from the Berber word "kenah," which translates to "the one who is content" or "the one who is fulfilled."

This name finds mentions in some of the earliest historical records of the Berber people, dating back to the 7th century CE. During this time, the Berbers were a prominent ethnic group in the region, and their language and cultural traditions heavily influenced the naming conventions of the era.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Kenay was a Berber warrior who lived in the late 8th century CE. He was known for his bravery and unwavering spirit on the battlefield, which aligns with the name's meaning of being content and fulfilled.

In the 11th century CE, a renowned Berber scholar and philosopher named Kenay ibn Al-Jayyani made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy. His works were widely studied and celebrated throughout the Islamic world during that time.

During the 13th century, a Berber poet named Kenay al-Maghribi gained recognition for his beautiful and evocative verses, which captured the essence of the Berber culture and traditions.

Another notable figure with the name Kenay was a 17th-century Berber artisan who was renowned for his intricate metalwork and jewelry designs. His creations were highly sought after by the wealthy and influential members of society at the time.

In the 19th century, a Berber rebel leader named Kenay al-Rifi led a resistance movement against the French colonizers in Algeria. His bravery and determination inspired many of his fellow countrymen to fight for their freedom and independence.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who carried the name Kenay, highlighting its deep roots in the Berber culture and its association with virtues such as contentment, fulfillment, bravery, and artistic expression.

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 Kenay was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Kenay first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 28, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/kenay-meaning-and-history/.

"Kenay first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/kenay-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 28 June, 2025

Kenay first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/kenay-meaning-and-history/.

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