Find out how popular the first name Kenna has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kenna by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kenna is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Kenna being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 373 female babies and 5 male babies born with the name Kenna.

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

The history of the first name Kenna

The name Kenna likely has its roots in the Gaelic language, originating from Ireland and Scotland in the early medieval period. It's believed to be a diminutive form of the Irish name Cináed, which means "born of fire" or "fire-born." The name Cináed itself is derived from the Old Irish words "cin" meaning "born" and "áed" meaning "fire."

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Kenna was Saint Kenna, an Irish nun and abbess who lived in the 6th century. She founded a convent at Kilkenny, Ireland, and her feast day is celebrated on January 1st in the Catholic Church.

In the 12th century, a Scottish king named Kenneth III, also known as Cináed mac Duíb, ruled from 997 to 1005 AD. His name was the Gaelic version of Kenna, and he is remembered for his military campaigns against the Norse-Gaels in northern Scotland.

Another notable historical figure with the name Kenna was Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer, a Dutch woman who lived from 1526 to 1588. She was a folk hero and leader of the defense of Haarlem against Spanish troops during the Eighty Years' War.

In the 19th century, Kenna Griffith was a Welsh landowner and businessman who lived from 1809 to 1876. He is remembered for his philanthropic efforts and for establishing several schools and institutions in Wales.

More recently, Kenna was the stage name of the American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kenna Zemedkun, born in 1977. He is known for his blend of alternative rock, electronic, and R&B styles, and has released several critically acclaimed albums.

While the name Kenna has been more prevalent in certain regions and cultures, it has gained popularity globally in recent decades, particularly as a feminine given name. Its connection to fire and its ancient roots contribute to its appeal as a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with historical significance.

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

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

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