Kenney is a unique and distinct given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname Kennedy, which in turn comes from the Gaelic word "Cenél nÉoghain," meaning "descendants of Éaghan." The name Éaghan means "little fire" or "fire chief."
The history of the Kenney/Kennedy family can be traced back to the 12th century when they were chiefs of a powerful clan in County Tyrone, Ireland. They played significant roles in Irish politics and culture, with some members becoming prominent politicians, writers, and actors.
The name Kenney is often confused with the more popular Kennedy, but it is considered an independent name with its own distinct identity. While Kennedy has gained fame through notable figures like President John F. Kennedy and his family, Kenney remains a less common yet equally rich in history and culture.
Today, Kenney continues to be a unique choice for parents looking for a name that is both distinctive and rooted in history. Despite not being as widespread as some other Irish names, it carries the same strength of character and cultural significance associated with Gaelic origins.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Kenney has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1899 to 1946, there was a steady increase in the number of births with the name Kenney. The first peak was reached in 1946 with 36 births, followed by another peak in 1952 with 47 births. However, starting from 1957, the popularity of the name began to decline.
Between 1957 and 1972, there were significant fluctuations in the number of births with the name Kenney, ranging from a high of 94 births in 1960 to a low of 17 births in 1973. After this period, the popularity of the name continued to decline, with fewer than 50 births per year occurring between 1972 and 2020.
The total number of births with the name Kenney from 1899 to 2020 was approximately 2500. Despite its decline in popularity over recent decades, it is clear that the name Kenney has a rich history in the United States, having been given to thousands of babies over more than a century.
Overall, these statistics provide insight into the changing trends and patterns of baby naming in America and how the name Kenney has fit into this landscape over time.