Keniel first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Keniel has been for the last 19 years (from 2005 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Keniel

A masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning "God's possession" or "possessed by God".

Popularity of Keniel by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Keniel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 20 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Keniel.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 20 0
2022 17 0
2021 28 0
2020 20 0
2019 22 0
2018 25 0
2017 28 0
2016 33 0
2015 24 0
2014 23 0
2013 25 0
2012 18 0
2011 15 0
2010 18 0
2009 8 0
2008 8 0
2007 7 0
2006 8 0
2005 5 0

The history of the first name Keniel

The name Keniel is believed to have originated from the Hebrew language. Its roots can be traced back to ancient biblical times, with several interpretations of its meaning and origins.

One theory suggests that Keniel is derived from the Hebrew words "ken" and "el," which together translate to "God's possession" or "possessed by God." This interpretation aligns with the biblical practice of naming children to reflect their relationship with the divine.

Another perspective proposes that Keniel is a combination of the Hebrew words "kannah" and "el," meaning "zeal of God" or "God's passion." This interpretation highlights the name's association with fervor and devotion to one's faith.

In the Old Testament, Keniel is mentioned as the name of a Levite, a member of the tribe dedicated to religious service and the maintenance of the tabernacle. This historical reference lends credibility to the name's connection with spirituality and religious devotion.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Keniel was a Jewish scholar and philosopher from the 12th century, Keniel ben Abraham. He was renowned for his contributions to the study of Jewish law and ethics.

Another notable figure in history was Keniel Benavides, a Spanish conquistador who participated in the conquest of Mexico alongside Hernán Cortés in the 16th century. Despite his role in the colonial conquest, Benavides was known for advocating for the fair treatment of indigenous populations.

In the 17th century, Keniel Digby was an English philosopher and diplomat who made significant contributions to the fields of natural philosophy and alchemy. He was also known for his involvement in political affairs during the English Civil War.

During the 19th century, Keniel Wolfert was a prominent Dutch architect and urban planner. He played a crucial role in the development and design of several cities in the Netherlands, leaving a lasting impact on the country's architecture and urban landscapes.

In more recent history, Keniel Thomas was a Jamaican-British artist and sculptor who gained recognition for his vibrant and expressive works. His art often explored themes of identity, culture, and the African diaspora experience.

While the name Keniel may be less common today, its rich historical roots and diverse interpretations continue to captivate those who appreciate the significance of names and their cultural heritage.

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

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

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"Keniel first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 15, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/keniel-meaning-and-history/.

"Keniel first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/keniel-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 15 May, 2025

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

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