Kenneth is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the ancient Scottish Gaelic name "Cináed". This name consists of two elements: "cin", which means "handsome" or "fair-haired", and "ead", which means "fire" or "flame". Therefore, Kenneth can be translated as "handsome fire" or "fair-haired flame".
The name Kenneth has a rich history in Scottish culture. It was borne by several historical figures, including King Kenneth I of Scotland (also known as Cinead mac Maíl Coluim), who ruled from 843 to 859 AD. He is remembered for his efforts to unify the Pictish and Gaelic kingdoms into a single entity called "Alba", which eventually became Scotland.
Another notable bearer of the name Kenneth was Kenneth II of Scotland (also known as Cináed mac Maíl Coluim), who ruled from 971 to 995 AD. He is remembered for his military campaigns against the Vikings and his efforts to strengthen the Scottish kingdom through alliances with other rulers.
In more recent times, the name Kenneth has been popular among English-speaking populations around the world. It reached peak popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, but it remains a classic choice for parents today.
Overall, the name Kenneth is associated with strength, leadership, and Scottish heritage. Its meaning of "handsome fire" suggests a dynamic and energetic personality, while its historical significance highlights the importance of unity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Kenneth has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with peaks and valleys in its usage.
From 1914 to 1928, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Kenneth each year, reaching a high of 20 births per year in both 1928 and 1929. However, the trend reversed after 1929, with the number of newborn Kenneths declining to as low as 6 births in 1934.
The name Kenneth experienced another resurgence in popularity during the mid-1950s to early 1960s, with peaks reaching as high as 28 births per year in both 1956 and 1962. After this period, the popularity of the name began to decline once again, dropping to single-digit figures by the late 1970s.
In recent years, the name Kenneth has seen a slight uptick in popularity, with around 8 births per year occurring between 2015 and 2020. In 2021, there were only 5 recorded births of children named Kenneth, but this number rebounded to 12 in 2022.
Overall, the name Kenneth has had a long and diverse history in terms of popularity in the United States, with periods of high usage interspersed with times of lower demand. Despite its fluctuations in popularity, Kenneth remains a classic and timeless name choice for parents across different eras.