Kenna Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kenna is an Irish name that means 'chief' or 'descendant of the chief', derived from the name Cionnfhlaith. It has evolved from its original form to become a modern name used in English-speaking countries. Kenna is associated with traits of strength and leadership. There is no biblical relevance associated with this name.
The name Kenna is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kenna has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Kenna' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5436th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4999th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4410th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7892nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 10966th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14231st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 10917th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 9107th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2731st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1424th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1470th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1457th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 885th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 722nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kenna' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kenna"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛnə/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Kenna is derived from the Irish name 'Cionnfhlaith', which means 'chief' or 'descendant of the chief'.
Meaning
chief, descendant of the chief
Language Evolution
Cionnfhlaith, Kenna
Historical Usage
Kenna has gained popularity in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries as a modern and feminine name.
Variants & Derivatives
Kena, Kenny, Kenae
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kenna is perceived as a trendy and unique name, often associated with strength and leadership.
Famous People
Kenna James - a prominent figure in the modeling industry, Kenna - an American singer and songwriter known for his innovative music style
Explore More Kenna Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kenna"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Kenna"
"Kenna" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5436th of 7545 | 23 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4999th of 6773 | 24 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4410th of 7552 | 52 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7892nd of 10718 | 18 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 10966th of 16616 | 25 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 14231st of 24088 | 36 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 10917th of 23106 | 62 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2731st of 9204 | 195 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1424th of 12526 | 1,014 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1470th of 19264 | 1,123 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1457th of 27321 | 1,615 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 885th of 35406 | 4,495 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 722nd of 30306 | 4,726 |
Regional Popularity of "Kenna" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
96.75% 2289th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
80.83% 1902nd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kenna" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - |
94.96% 1469th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
53.26% 1186th/2227 |
100.00% 2430th/2430 |
56.36% 1608th/2853 |
46.95% 1303rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
54.68% 1606th/2937 |
94.83% 3303rd/3483 |
45.65% 1606th/3518 |
36.82% 1489th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
41.71% 1537th/3685 |
100.00% 4475th/4475 |
30.54% 1586th/5194 |
20.66% 1305th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
14.01% 642nd/4582 |
29.73% 1535th/5164 |
13.84% 1012th/7313 |
11.30% 843rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
13.65% 544th/3984 |
21.44% 962nd/4487 |
10.73% 732nd/6822 |
13.18% 827th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kenna"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kenna" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.