The name Kenney is of Irish origin and means "handsome". It is derived from the Irish surname O'Caoimhin, which comes from the personal name Caoimhin, meaning "handsome" or "charming".
In Ireland, the name has been popular for centuries and was often given to boys born into families with the surname O'Caoimhin. However, it is also used as a given name in its own right.
Historically, notable figures with the name Kenney include American politician John J. Kenney, who served as a US Representative from Ohio in the early 20th century, and Australian cricketer Peter Kenney, who played first-class cricket for Queensland in the 1960s.
The name Kenney is not among the most popular baby names in the United States, but it does have a unique history of usage over time. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there was only one birth with the name Kenney recorded each year between 1977 and 2006.
This means that Kenney has remained relatively rare throughout this period, with an average of just five births per year across three decades. However, it is worth noting that while this figure may seem low compared to more popular names like Emma or Noah (which consistently rank in the top ten), there are still families who choose Kenney as a distinctive and meaningful name for their children.
In terms of gender distribution, Kenney has been used predominantly for boys during this timeframe. All five births recorded between 1977 and 2006 were assigned male gender at birth.
While the name Kenney may not be trendy or widely used today, its historical usage in America shows that it can be a viable option for parents looking to give their child an uncommon yet memorable moniker.