The name Kenny is of Irish and Scottish origin, meaning "handsome" or "fair-haired." It is a derivative of the Gaelic name Kenneth, which itself comes from the Brythonic name Cennydd.
In Ireland, Kenny was historically used as a nickname for individuals with fair hair or a handsome appearance. In Scotland, it was often associated with the powerful Clan Kennedy, which took its name from the Scottish-Gaelic word "ceann" meaning "head."
The name Kenny has been popular in English-speaking countries for many centuries. It was borne by several notable historical figures, including American humorist Kenny Rogers and Australian cricketer Kenneth "Kenny" Donald Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time.
Today, Kenny remains a popular given name for boys, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It is often shortened to variations like Ken or Kendy. Despite its historic roots and enduring popularity, Kenny is not typically associated with any specific personality traits or characteristics beyond its literal meaning of "handsome" or "fair-haired.
The name Kenny has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. The peak years for this name seem to be during the mid-20th century, particularly between 1943 and 1962.
During these decades, there were more than 8 births with the name Kenny per year on average. The highest point was reached in 1958 and 1959 with 11 births each year. This trend continued until around 1967 when the popularity of the name began to decline.
The total number of births registered as Kenny over this period is 527, indicating that it has been a relatively common name in the United States during these years.
Interestingly, there appears to be a resurgence in the popularity of the name Kenny since around 2001. There have been more than 8 births per year with this name every year from 2001 up until the most recent data available in 2023, which shows 9 births.
This data suggests that while Kenny may not be as popular as it once was during its peak in the mid-20th century, it remains a relevant and well-liked name among parents in the United States today.