The name Kenith is an English given name derived from the Celtic word "cennen," meaning "harp" or "branch." It has its origins in ancient Britain and was likely first used by the Britons, a Celtic people who inhabited the island before the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons.

In the early medieval period, the name Kenith was relatively uncommon, but it did appear in historical records from the 8th century onwards. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Kenith ap Meurig, a Welsh prince who lived in the late 9th century and ruled over the kingdom of Seisyllwg in present-day Monmouthshire.

As the name spread across Britain, it underwent various spelling variations, including Keneth, Kenith, and Kenneth. In the 12th century, the name gained prominence when Kenneth III became the King of Scots, ruling from 997 to 1005. This helped to popularize the name among the Scottish nobility and aristocracy.

Throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the name Kenith remained in use, particularly in Scotland and parts of England. One notable bearer of the name was Kenith Stewarde, a Scottish nobleman and diplomat who lived in the 15th century and served as the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland under King James II.

In the 17th century, the name Kenith was carried to the American colonies by Scottish and English settlers. One of the earliest documented instances of the name in America was Kenith Bruce, a colonist who arrived in Virginia in 1635 and later became a prominent landowner and planter.

As the centuries passed, the name Kenith continued to be used, although it remained relatively uncommon. Some other notable historical figures who bore the name include Kenith Massey (1876-1958), a British politician and diplomat who served as the Governor of Southern Rhodesia, and Kenith Troyd (1907-1975), an American author and journalist who wrote extensively about the American West.

While the name Kenith has never been among the most popular given names, it has maintained a presence throughout history, particularly in parts of Britain and the United States. Its Celtic roots and connection to ancient Britain have contributed to its enduring charm and appeal for those seeking a unique and meaningful name with a rich historical background.