Meaning, origin, history
The name Ken is of Japanese origin and is a short form of the given name Kenneth or Kelvin. It has been popular in various parts of the world for decades and has been used by many notable figures.
Ken is derived from the Welsh name Cynwyl, which means "handsome." The name has been associated with several historical figures throughout history, including Kenelm, a martyr saint who was killed in the 9th century. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that Ken became popular as a given name.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Ken became associated with the Ken doll from the popular toy line Barbie. The doll was named after the founder of Mattel toys, Ruth Handler's son Kenneth. Since then, the name has been closely linked to this iconic toy character.
Today, Ken is still a popular given name in many parts of the world. It is often chosen for its short and simple sound, as well as its associations with strength and masculinity. Despite its origins in Welsh culture, Ken has become popular across different cultures and nationalities.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Ken since 1880
Total births
32,941
Total since 1880
Peak year
1960
1,777 births
in 2023
37
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-23%
↘
vs previous 5 years