Find out how popular the first name Kenni has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kenni by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kenni is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 96% of people named Kenni being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kenni.

The history of the first name Kenni

The name Kenni is of uncertain origin, but it is believed to have its roots in the Old Norse language, which was spoken by the Germanic tribes of Scandinavia during the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries). Some linguists suggest that Kenni may be derived from the Old Norse word "kenna," meaning "to know" or "to perceive," implying that the name could be associated with knowledge, wisdom, or awareness.

In Norse mythology, there are references to a figure named Kenni, who was a skilled skald (a Norse poet or storyteller). This Kenni is mentioned in the Poetic Edda, a collection of Old Norse poems preserved in the Codex Regius manuscript from the 13th century. However, it is unclear whether the name Kenni directly originated from this mythological character or if it was an existing name that was later associated with the skald.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Kenni can be traced back to the 9th century, where it appears in various Scandinavian sagas and historical records. One notable figure from this period was Kenni Ketilsson, a Norwegian chieftain and explorer who is believed to have sailed to Greenland in the late 9th century, predating the voyages of Erik the Red.

During the Middle Ages, the name Kenni was relatively uncommon but still appeared in various parts of Europe, particularly in areas with strong Norse influence. One example is Kenni Sæmundarson (1056-1121), an Icelandic priest and scholar who is credited with preserving many of the ancient Icelandic sagas and poems.

In more recent times, Kenni has been used as a first name, although its popularity has varied across different regions. Some notable individuals with the name Kenni include:

1. Kenni Landrum (born 1956), an American singer and songwriter known for his work with the band Oingo Boingo.
2. Kenni Munidasa (born 1975), a Sri Lankan chef and restaurateur, renowned for his contributions to the culinary scene in Sri Lanka.
3. Kenni Lagreid (born 1990), a Norwegian biathlete who has competed in several World Cup events and the Winter Olympics.
4. Kenni Rød (born 1986), a Danish football player who has played for several clubs in Denmark and Sweden.
5. Kenni Larsen (1939-2008), a Danish author and journalist known for his children's books and novels.

While the name Kenni is relatively uncommon today, it carries a rich history and cultural significance, particularly in the Nordic regions, where it has been associated with storytelling, exploration, and scholarship throughout the centuries.

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

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

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