Kennan is a name of Irish origin, derived from the ancient Irish personal name Cennétig or Cenann, which means "old chief" or "ancient birth." It is believed to have been borne by several early Irish kings and chieftains.
The name Kennan first gained prominence in Ireland during the Middle Ages, with several notable figures bearing this name throughout history. One of the most famous was King Cennétig mac Gilla Patrici (also known as Cennétig Mac Mahon), who ruled over the kingdom of Desmond in southern Ireland during the 11th century.
In more recent times, Kennan has become associated with American politics and diplomacy due to George F. Kennan, a prominent U.S. diplomat and historian who served as an advisor to President Harry S. Truman. Kennan is credited with shaping American foreign policy during the early years of the Cold War, particularly through his formulation of the policy of containment towards the Soviet Union.
Today, Kennan remains a relatively rare name, but it continues to be used by families in Ireland and other parts of the world who wish to honor their Irish heritage or simply appreciate its unique sound and meaning. Overall, Kennan is a name with a rich history and distinct origins that has left its mark on both Irish culture and international politics.
The name Kennan has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. The data shows that there were 8 births with the name Kennan in 1952, which increased to 16 births in both 1959 and 1961, indicating a period of growth in its usage during this decade.
However, from the late 1960s onwards, the number of newborns named Kennan began to fluctuate significantly. There were years like 1972 with only 7 births and 1979 with just 6 births, suggesting a decline in popularity for the name during these periods.
The trend started to shift again in the late 1980s, with 18 births recorded in 1987, followed by consistent increases each year until reaching a peak of 41 births in 2004. This was a significant uptick from previous years and indicates a renewed interest in the name Kennan.
However, since then, the popularity of the name has declined again. The total number of births with the name Kennan in the United States from 1952 to 2023 is 1,196, demonstrating that while it has not been among the most popular names, there has been a consistent presence of the name Kennan over time.