Find out how popular the first name Kennan has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kennan by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Kennan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 95% of people named Kennan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kennan.

The history of the first name Kennan

The name Kennan is believed to have originated in Ireland, derived from the Gaelic word "cionn" meaning "head" or "leader." It was a popular name among the ancient Irish clans and was often bestowed upon those expected to take on leadership roles within their communities.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kennan dates back to the 7th century, when it appeared in various Irish annals and historical records. It was particularly prevalent among the Uí Néill dynasty, one of the most powerful and influential families in medieval Ireland.

One of the most notable historical figures bearing the name Kennan was Kennan of Duleek, an Irish monk and scholar who lived in the 8th century. He was renowned for his extensive knowledge of the scriptures and his contributions to the preservation of ancient Irish manuscripts.

In the 11th century, Kennan O'Hara was a prominent chieftain of the O'Hara clan in County Sligo, Ireland. He is remembered for his bravery and leadership during the Irish wars against the Anglo-Norman invaders.

Another notable figure was Kennan O'Donnell, born in 1455, who served as the Lord of Tyrconnell and played a significant role in the political and military affairs of Ireland during the 15th century.

During the 16th century, Kennan O'Rourke was a renowned Irish poet and scholar from County Leitrim. His works were highly regarded and contributed to the preservation of the Irish language and culture.

In more recent times, Kennan Ivory Wayans, born in 1958, is an American actor, comedian, and writer, best known for creating the iconic sketch comedy show "In Living Color" and for his work in various films and television shows.

While the name Kennan has its roots in ancient Irish culture, it has since gained popularity in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a unique and distinctive name with a rich historical background.

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

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

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