Kenneth is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic elements "Ceann" meaning "head" and "Mac" which translates to "son". The name was initially given to the fifth century Scottish king Cinead, who became Saint Kenneth after his death. His life as a missionary in Ireland earned him sainthood status and his name has been carried through generations ever since.
The name Kennet has been associated with many notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Kenneth II, also known as Cináed mac Maíl Coluim, who ruled Scotland from 971 to 995 AD. He was the first King of Scots to be crowned at Scone, which became a significant event in Scottish history.
The name Kennet is also connected to the River Kennet, located in England and running through counties such as Berkshire and Wiltshire. The river takes its name from an early British tribe called the Cunetio, who lived in the area around modern-day Marlborough.
In literature, Kenneth has been used by several authors, most notably Sir Walter Scott's novel "The Tale of Tod's Ram" featuring a character named Kenneth. This usage may have contributed to its popularity during Victorian times.
Today, Kennet remains a distinctive and strong name choice. It offers an interesting blend of historical roots with contemporary appeal, making it suitable for parents looking for something different yet timeless for their child.
The name Kenneth has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with a total of 207 recorded births since 1938. The popularity of the name has varied over time, with peaks and troughs occurring periodically.
During the early to mid-20th century, there were several years where Kenneth was relatively popular among parents. In the 1950s and 1960s, there were several years where at least six babies were named Kenneth each year, reaching a high of thirteen births in both 1959 and 1961.
However, after the 1960s, the popularity of the name began to decline. Between 1971 and 2002, there were only five recorded births each year where Kenneth was chosen as the first name.
Beginning in the mid-2000s, however, Kenneth experienced a resurgence in popularity. From 2004 onwards, at least five babies were named Kenneth each year, with peaks of nine births occurring in both 2006 and 2008.
Despite these fluctuations in popularity over time, Kenneth has consistently been chosen as a first name for babies born in the United States since 1938. The name's enduring appeal can be attributed to its classic and timeless sound, which continues to resonate with parents across generations.